8 Tips for after Gym Skin Care ...

Jennifer

You have your morning skin care habits and your before bed skin care regimen, but have you made your after gym skin care routine? If not, you really should — you’ve done your body good by working out, so let’s make sure your skin stays happy and healthy at the gym too. Here are 8 tips for after gym skin care.

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1. Workout without Make-up

First of all, you’ll look ridiculous in full make-up, with raccoon eyes and runny foundation, there on the elliptical, and you might leave smudges of make-up on the equipment, too. Second, you’re going to sweat it all off anyway, so do you really want to waste your fave MAC eyeliner at the gym? Skip the make-up and arrive at the gym bare-faced, ready to get all sweaty from your workout. The glow you’ll get from exercise looks so much better than bronzer, so this is my first (and maybe most important) after gym skin care tip!

2. Skip the Tanning Bed!

Most gyms have tanning beds (fair or not, I blame this on the GTL craze on Jersey Shore), but the first step in after gym skin care is to skip the tanner. It’s harmful to your skin, in so many ways… there’s deadly skin cancer, for starters, which is on the rise, dramatically. But there’s also the range of cosmetic skin concerns, like wrinkles and sun spots, so skip the tanning bed!

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3. Be Gentle

If you’ve been sweating for the past hour (and you should have been!), then you might be tempted to scrub yourself from tip to toe to feel clean again, but this could spell disaster, especially if you have sensitive or dry skin already. Use a gentle shampoo and cleanser, which will do the trick no matter how sweaty you’ve gotten.

4. Skip the Hot Water

Your muscles are sore, and you’re exhausted — what a workout! But resist the urge to spend the next half-hour in the hot shower. It may soothe your muscles, but it will also strip your skin of vital oils, leaving you dry, itchy and unhappy.

5. Use the Right Product

I know you loathe the idea of packing a fully-stocked gym bag, but take the time to bring a face wash and moisturizer separate from your body wash (or soap) and body lotion. There’s a reason you use a separate set at home, so why ruin your routine (and sacrifice your complexion) to save a little time or space in your gym bag?

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6. Re-hydrate Your Skin

The best time to re-hydrate thirsty skin is right out of the shower. Take a few minutes to keep your skin hydrated and healthy by applying a generous dollop of your favorite facial moisturizer and body lotion. Choose a body lotion with a scent that invigorates you, something citrusy!

7. Re-hydrate Your Body

While we’re on the subject of hydration, don’t forget to re-hydrate your body after your workout, too! Water is the best recovery drink, but you can also try low-fat chocolate milk (which also contains a little protein) or Mamma Chia drinks (because they’re fun… and they work!).

8. Protect Your Skin

Before you leave the gym and head out into the world, protect your precious skin from the elements. Apply a layer of sun protection, even in winter… and if it’s winter, don’t forget to protect your pucker with lip balm, too.

Now that you’ve seen all my ideas for making your own skin care routine for use at the gym, do you feel like your gym bag is ready to go? If not, add the things you’ll need (like a washcloth and your skin care products) and don’t forget a bottle of water! If you already have a post-workout skin care regimen, which of these items do you include? Do you have any other tips to share?

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thanks for the list :) I am a commuter student and I will be using the gym at the uni, and I always wear a face full of makeup. Wasting it doesn't worry me as much as getting acne or skin problems :( is that possible? What should I do?

So to shower after the gym or not?

Love these tips!!

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