How to Keep Skin Healthy After Heavy Exercise
Reading time
2-3 minutes
word count
546 words
last updated
August 23, 2023
The short + sweet
- Exercise positively boosts blood circulation and aids detoxification but can also lead to skin issues like dehydration and breakouts from sweat and sebum.
- Immediate post-workout skincare steps include cleansing with nutrient-rich products, hydrating the skin with a serum, sealing in moisture, ensuring antioxidant protection, using sun protection, avoiding touching the face, and changing out of sweaty clothes.
- Incorporating products with beneficial ingredients into a post-workout routine can optimize skin health and recovery.
The detail
Physical exercise is great for overall health, cardiovascular strength, and mental wellness. But did you know that a vigorous workout can also impact your skin? The sweat and heat from exercising, while detoxifying, can sometimes be detrimental to skin health, especially if care isn't taken post-workout. For men, understanding how to maintain skin health after exercise is crucial, not just to look good, but to feel good. Here's a comprehensive look at how exercise affects your skin and steps you can take to ensure its optimal health post-workout.
Exercise & Skin: The Good and The Bad
Benefits:
Boosted Blood Circulation:
Cardio workouts increase blood flow, which carries oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells, promoting collagen production.
Detoxification:
Sweating opens up the pores and helps in the removal of dirt and toxins, leading to clearer skin.
Downsides:
Excess Sweat & Sebum:
Intense workouts often lead to increased sweat and oil production, which can trap impurities and lead to breakouts.
Dehydration:
Physical activity, especially in warm conditions, can dehydrate the skin, making it feel dry and tight.
Post-Exercise Skincare for Men
1. Immediate Cleansing:
Don't wait for long after a workout to cleanse your face. Use a cleanser like the one packed with Musa Sapientum (Banana) Fruit Extract and Hylocereus Undatus Fruit Extract, both present in El Detalle's cleanser. They not only cleanse but nourish the skin. The inclusion of Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid aids in gentle exfoliation, ensuring that dirt, sweat, and excess oils are thoroughly removed.
2. Hydration is Key:
Exercise can dehydrate your skin. Drinking water is essential, but your skin also needs topical hydration. A serum, like the one rich in Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract and Hyaluronic Acid (as found in El Detalle's serum), offers intense hydration. The Averrhoa Carambola Fruit Extract and Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Fruit Extract provide additional skin nourishment.
3. Seal the Moisture:
After hydrating, lock in the moisture with a good moisturizer. Opt for one infused with Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil and Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, both present in El Detalle's moisturizer. These oils provide essential fatty acids that help repair the skin's barrier function. The addition of Ceramide NP and Ceramide NG fortifies this benefit, ensuring that the skin retains its moisture for longer periods.
4. Don't Forget Antioxidants:
Post-exercise, the skin needs to combat free radicals that might have been produced. El Detalle's serum, rich in 3-Glyceryl Ascorbate and Resveratrol, offers potent antioxidant protection.
5. Always Use Sun Protection:
If you're working out outdoors, especially between 10 am to 4 pm, always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen post your skincare routine. Sun damage can negate the benefits of your exercise.
6. Change Out of Sweaty Clothes:
Staying in wet gym clothes can not only cause fungal infections on the body but can also lead to body acne. Change into fresh clothes as soon as you're done working out.
CONCLUSION
Exercise is excellent for your body and mind, and with a bit of care, it can be great for your skin too. Make sure you cleanse, hydrate, and moisturize post every workout, and always ensure you're using the right products. Remember, it's not just about looking good; it's about holistic health and feeling fantastic from the inside out. By following these steps and using products enriched with quality ingredients like those in El Detalle's range, you're well on your way to achieving just that.