1. Wipe the Equipment

Yes, you know that gym etiquette includes wiping off the equipment when you’re done using it. However, there are no guarantees that the person before you did that. One of the easiest ways to look after your skin at the gym is to carry disinfectant wipes with you just to cover your bases. Before using the treadmill, free weights, or any other community equipment, use your wipes to give it a quick swipe. That will kill a plethora of germs that can anything from rashes to staph infections.

2. Wear Shoes

Even when you go into the shower or changing room, it’s a good idea to wear shoes. Flip flops are ideal for showering or walking around the locker rooms. The floors at the gym are a breeding ground for all sorts of nasty things so making sure your bare feet don’t come into contact with it can prevent warts and athlete’s foot.

3. Bring Your Own Stuff

If you take a yoga class, you may want to consider bringing your own mat rather than using one there. Theoretically, they get wiped down after each use, but you can never be entirely sure that the job was done adequately. Bring your own and you know it’s safe and free of other people’s germs. Just be sure to wipe it down with disinfectant wipes after use so you can get rid of anything it came into contact with at the gym.

4. Cover Your Wounds

Cuts, scrapes and pokes are ideal ways for germs and bacteria to make their way into your body. Once there, they pose the risk of a variety of icky skin problems, some of which can be life threatening. If you have any exposed injuries, cover them well with bandages to keep the nasties from getting in.

5. Wash Your Hands

Most experts suggest washing your hands often, even while at the gym. This is one of the most effective ways to rid your hands of bacteria and germs. If you touch your face with dirty hands, your risk of certain skin issues goes up. It’s a good idea to suds up with soap and warm water after any class or when you switch equipment. Make sure you also wash up well when you’re done so that germs and bacteria don’t get transferred to your belongings.

6. Grab Clean Towels

Just the thought of using someone else’s sweaty towel makes me gag a little. Most gyms offer a towel supply, but you need to be sure you’re grabbing one from the right place. Take towels only from designated clean stacks even if you think the one you’ve found has been washed. You might also bring your own if you worry about the cleanliness of the towels where you work out.

7. Take a Shower

Not only will you leave the gym smelling fresh and clean, but you will also wash off all the germs that may be stuck to your skin. Place your dirty clothes in a bag so you can wash them when you get home. Wash your skin and hair with warm water and soap, then dress in clean clothes. Don’t forget your flip flops!

How do you protect your skin at the gym? Please feel free to share any other ideas that the rest of us can use.