Whether you’re training outdoors in the elements or sweating it out in the gym, people with active lifestyles face unique skin challenges. Luckily, using tailored skincare for athletes can be a game changer. Discover how to maintain your skin’s health and vitality, ensuring you feel confident and refreshed after any workout.
HOW PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IMPACTS THE SKIN
Exercise and physical activity have many benefits for our overall health, but they can also affect the skin in both positive and negative ways.
On one hand, sweating helps flush out toxins and improve circulation, giving us a healthy glow. However, excessive sweating can lead to clogged pores, breakouts and irritation. Additionally, constant exposure to the sun, wind and other environmental factors can also damage and age the skin.
Without proper skincare for athletes, the skin may become dull, dry and prone to breakouts. That’s why athletes need a skincare routine specifically tailored to their active lifestyle.
10 RECOMMENDATIONS TO UPGRADE SKINCARE FOR ATHLETES
Ready to achieve healthy, glowing skin? Follow these 10 skincare tips specifically for athletes.
1. PREVENT BREAKOUTS AFTER INTENSE WORKOUTS
After a grueling workout, the last thing you want to deal with is post-workout breakouts. To prevent this, cleanse your skin as soon as possible after sweating.
Use a gentle cleanser to remove sweat, dirt and bacteria that can clog pores and cause breakouts. One great option is our Idyllic Cleanser with 3% Mandelic Acid. This cleanser helps control acne-causing bacteria while exfoliating dead skin cells that clog pores.
2. PREVENT POST-WORKOUT IRRITATION
Acne isn't the only concern after a workout. Intense physical activity can also cause skin irritation, inflammation and redness.
To prevent these symptoms, avoid using harsh exfoliants or scrubs on the skin after a workout. Instead, opt for gentle products that contain soothing ingredients like Aloe Vera, Chamomile and Cucumber. After cleansing with the right skincare for athletes, add a spritz of CBD Skin Mist to balance and soothe your skin. (Due to TGA Regulations, Australia is unable to import CBD products - Substitute - Skin Recovery Mist)
3. TARGET COMMON SWIM-RELATED ISSUES
Swimming is a great form of exercise, but constant exposure to chlorine can wreak havoc on your skin. To avoid dryness and irritation, rinse off in the shower immediately after swimming. It’s also important to moisturize your skin afterward since chlorine can strip your skin of its natural oils. Replenish this water loss with the botanicals and oils in Hydrating Hand & Body Lotion and Vitamin E Cream.
4. MANAGE YOUR SWEAT
Sweating is a natural and necessary part of working out, but excessive sweat can lead to skin irritation and breakouts. To manage this, use antiperspirants on the areas that sweat the most. You can also opt for lightweight, breathable workout clothes made from moisture-wicking fabrics.
If you have oily or acne-prone skin that tends to breakout after sweating, consider adding Purifying Cleanser with Salicylic Acid to your routine. This pharmaceutical-grade product effectively controls excess oil to prevent acne.
5. CREATE A DAILY ROUTINE WITH SKINCARE FOR ATHLETES
When it comes to skincare, consistency is key. Develop a daily routine that works for your skin type and activity level. This should start with a thorough cleanser, followed by any serums or masques to target skin concerns, a moisturizer to balance and hydrate and a sunscreen to protect your skin during outdoor activities.
6. SHOWER WITH LUKEWARM WATER
After a workout, it’s tempting to jump into a hot shower to relax and soothe tight muscles. However, hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils and disrupt its pH balance. Instead, opt for lukewarm water to avoid dryness and irritation.
7. DON’T SKIP THE SUNSCREEN
Whether you’re exercising outdoors or simply running errands, it’s important to protect your skin from sun damage. Look for broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and reapply every two hours if you’re sweating or swimming.
It can be irritating to apply a sunscreen that feels heavy or greasy, especially when you’re going to be active. That’s why we recommend our Oil-Free Protective Moisturizer with SPF 50 as the perfect sun skincare for athletes. This lightweight formula hydrates and protects without the oily residue.
8. COMBAT DRYNESS WITH HYALURONIC ACID
Intense workouts can leave the skin feeling dry and dehydrated. Combat this by incorporating Hyaluronic Acid into your skincare routine. This powerful humectant can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it an essential ingredient for hydrated and plump skin.
Ultra Hydro Gel is a pharmaceutical-grade formula that’s perfect for replenishing the skin's moisture levels after a workout. This innovative serum uses 10% Hyaluronic Acid to prevent dryness, increase hydration and restore plumpness to the skin.
9. STAY HYDRATED
Staying hydrated is essential for both your overall health and the health of your skin. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to replenish what you lost through sweat. This will help maintain your skin’s moisture levels and give it a healthy, glowing appearance.
10. TURN TO A PROFESSIONAL SKINCARE SPECIALIST FOR HELP
If you’re experiencing persistent skin issues or want to take your skincare routine to the next level, consider consulting with a GlyMed Pro. These professionals have advanced knowledge of skin types and concerns and will recommend the best products for your specific needs as an athlete.
No matter what skin challenges you face, these 10 tips regarding skincare for athletes will help you maintain healthy and bright skin while staying active. So, get out there and conquer your workouts with confidence!
GlyMed Advanced Aesthetic Institute
