It is crucial to one’s health to get into the habit of working out, but it is also important not to neglect the needs of your skin while working on your body. Bad skincare habits at the gym can lead to breakouts and irritation, which can become hard to manage over time. Dr. Bank, Founder and Director of the Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic & Laser Surgery provides his expert tips for maintaining glowing skin before, during and after a workout.
GO AU NATURALE
This may seem like a no brainer but it is something that many women are guilty of: working out with a full face of makeup on. Sweat can settle into the pores and mix with makeup on the skin, which will result in clogged pores and blackheads. Always come to the gym with a fresh face and for those who go after work, keep cleansing wipes handy to remove any makeup and excess dirt. “I recommend that women who have larger pores that tend to be easily clogged come in for monthly facials or chemical peels, which will clear them out,” states Dr. Bank.
BE GENTLE
During an intense workout gym goers may need to wipe themselves down with a towel to keep dry. Just remember not to wipe the towel across your face as this will not only pull your skin, but also irritate the pores causing inflammation and breakouts. Instead, pat the skin on your face to remove excess sweat. It is also important not to use the same towels on your face that you do for your body as bacteria is easily spread this way.
KEEP HAIR PULLED BACK
Sweat tends to accumulate around the hairline so it is best to keep your hair pulled back and out of your face when working out, particularly if you have greasy hair as this will lead to breakouts. “If sweating is a real problem in this area you may want to consider a Botox injection which will block nerve transmission in the sweat glands to prevent sweating,” states Dr. Bank. Sweating will usually subside after only 24 hours and the effects of the Botox will last for about six to nine months afterwards.
CHANGE SWEATY CLOTHES
Moist, sweaty clothes are a breeding ground for bacteria; therefore, it is important to remove workout attire right after working out. “If you are not able to shower right after, change into a fresh set of clothing until you are able to rinse off,” says Dr. Bank. Additionally, wash your gym clothes after each workout session as sweat will accumulate.
Dr. Bank is the Founder and Director of the Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic & Laser Surgery. He is the author of Beautiful Skin - Every Woman's Guide to Looking Her Best at Any Age.
[Workout Image: iStockphoto/Thinkstock; Dr. Bank Image courtesy of Fox Greenberg Public Relations]
