Last Updated on April 22, 2024 by Ryan
With summer coming up so soon and bathing suit season along with it, many of us are getting ready to start hitting the gym. If you’re anything like any of us, you’ve spent the last few months in between bundled up inside and are ready to get active again! And while being active can be great for your body as a whole, sweat and dirt may not be great for your skin. But no worries! We’re here to help. We have some great tips on how to get clear skin even with a consistent gym schedule.
Here is how to get clear skin while going to the gym:
Don’t Wear Makeup to the Gym
Many of us find it difficult to go anywhere public without covering up a blemish with a little concealer. But if that public place you’re headed in the gym, even the slightest bit of makeup could make your breakout or blemish worse.
This is because when you work out and your body temperature increases, your pores open. And of course, if you’re working out, there’s bound to be sweat. So the sweat and the makeup getting into your open pores can lead to clogged pores and actually make you break out or worsen a current break out. So although it might be tempting, we recommend going all-natural at the gym.
In Times of Covid: Change Your Mask
Gyms are finally starting to open back up again. But even before they were open, many people were noticing that their mask was causing breakouts. These breakouts cleverly termed “maskne” can be annoying, but there are things you can do to help prevent them!
The first thing you’re going to want to do is to change your mask to a fresh one before the gym and change into a new fresh one after. It may seem like a lot, but trust us, your skin will thank you. Because of how sweaty you’re going to get at the gym, you don’t want that mixing with the dirt and bacteria already on your mask before you arrive. Then after the gym, you don’t want the sweat from the gym being pressed against your face for any longer than it has to be.
You can combat this in a few different ways. First, wear disposable masks and change into them and out of them as needed. Or if you’re looking for a more sustainable option, opt for some silk or satin masks! Silk and Satin masks have been shown to not hold onto bacteria as well as other cloth masks, so they can help prevent further breakouts. Again though, just because they’re silk or satin doesn’t mean you shouldn’t change into a new one before and after!
Here are some of the masks we recommend:
Bonus tip: Salicylic Acid Spray
Another tip for preventing gym “maskne” is to spray your mask with Salicylic Acid spray beforehand! Salicylic Acid is a chemical exfoliant that can help clear skin by getting rid of dead skin cells and unclogging pores. This is a great tip for anyone with acne-prone skin. However, salicylic acid can be drying! So if you have dry or sensitive skin, make sure to patch test first!
Clean Face Post Workout With Micellar Water
This product has been all the rage for quite some time now. A favorite of skincare addicts and dermatologists alike, this product is great at removing makeup, sweat, dirt…you name it! So this product should be a must-have in your gym bag!
What we recommend is after working out head to the bathroom and use this on a cloth or a cotton pad to clean off your face. It will get rid of all the oil, sweat, and dirt that may have accumulated while you were exercising. But remember, now that your skin is clean, be sure to change into a fresh mask! Thankfully, you’ll be well on your way to clearer skin with this product.
Stay Hydrated
Skincare addicts and dermatologists may sound like a broken record telling you that in order to get good skin you need to stay hydrated, but it’s 100% true! Being hydrated is a must for anyone wondering how to get clear skin. On top of that, with the amount of water you lose through sweat while working out, you may even need to hydrate more than normal. So make sure you’re getting at least eight cups of water a day! And if you’d like to share your own clear skin or beauty tips, remember to tag us @offonfriday or use the hashtag #OOFBeauty for a chance to be reposted!
Meet Kourtney, a fashion and beauty enthusiast who tells stories through style. To her, clothing is a language, and every accessory adds punctuation to her narrative. Kourtney explores vintage fashion markets on weekends, blending classic with contemporary to create a signature style that reflects her vibrant personality. Beyond aesthetics, she's a passionate advocate for body positivity and inclusivity in fashion, celebrating diversity to ensure everyone feels seen and embraced.
