5 Tips For Clear Skin After A Sweaty Workout
As someone with sensitive skin who sweats (a LOT), figuring out how to best care for my skin during and after workouts has been tricky. When I was in high school, I was always really ashamed of my acne, so I would cover my skin up with heavy foundation before hitting the pavement for color guard drills, and I would have rather been caught dead than with red and angry skin on a run outside.
I’ve since started a simpler, yet regimented routine, and have seen massive improvements in how clear my skin is, and how smooth it has become. While I’m no dermatologist, here are my tips for clearing up acne-prone skin when you might be feeling just as self-conscious as I was.
ONE. Start with clear skin, if you’re comfortable! Obviously, having absolutely nothing on your face when you’re working out is the best option, since your pores open up as you sweat. However, I can understand this can feel absolutely mortifying and can throw you into a world of vulnerability. That said, if you decide to find some coverage for your workout, I recommend using a CC cream with SPF instead. Then after your workout, use not only a face wash, but a makeup remover as well to make sure you get every pigment off your skin.
TWO. Wash your face as soon as you can after your workout. Your pores will probably still be open, so you’ll want to remove any debris, including sweat, oil, makeup, salt, and other gunk so that they don’t drip in and clog them up. My favorite face wash for this is the Cerave Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Facial Cleanser. This is the only one in their line of facial cleansers that promises to wash away makeup without stripping away your skin barrier and replenish skin with crucial ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid.
THREE. Exfoliate. This may be a hot take. Some people say that “the exfoliation from your fingertips” is enough. No. Please. Just kidding. THey may be right but it differs from person to person. I know that my skin tends to need a deep exfoliation 2-3 times a month, or else I’m asking for trouble. The exfoliation helps me make for I’m getting rid of any dead skin cells that are at risk for clogging my pores, and helps me create a fresh base for a new, healthier, and brighter complexion.
For daily exfoliation, I use my normal face wash with an exfoliating mitt I bought from Hmart, but similar ones can be found on Amazon. Every night before bed, I use my 1% tretinoin cream prescribed by my dermatoligist. And 2-3 times a month, I use this glycolic acid AHA and BHA peel from The Ordinary.
FOUR. Moisturize and SPF. Because I am washing and exfoliating my face so often, I lock in ingredients and moisture with a creamy but non-oily daily moisturizer from Cerave. Their Facial Moisturizing Lotion has been a staple on my vanity for nearly four years.