Whether you are into vigorous exercises or hot yoga sessions, every workout session causes you to sweat all over. Sweating is considered good for the body because it flushes out the toxins and waste and can also keep your skin feeling fresh.
However, sometimes, excessive sweating without proper care can cause some adverse reactions to your skin. Physical activity can increase your body temperature. When this happens, your body is heated up and, sometimes, along with sweat you may notice some breakouts on your skin. This is because an increase in body temperature can increase inflammation. This inflamed skin with bacteria, dirt, and excess oil can clog your skin pores resulting in acne breakouts.
So, while sweating is a boon for your body, it may turn out to be a bane if you are not taking care of your skin after sweaty workouts. Here are a few ways you can take care of your skin after your fitness routine.
1. Use A Natural Cleanser
Cleansing is the first and most important step to skin care. This can remove the dirt that gets accumulated on your skin every day, especially after vigorous exercises. Depending on your skin type, you can have four basic forms of cleansers that are available in the stores. These include creams, milks, gels, and foaming cleanser. It is always better to choose a product that uses natural ingredients. Depending on your skin type, here are some recommended cleansers.1
Apply the cleansers on your face and neck and gently rub them on the skin in circular motions. Continue this for about two minutes and rinse your face with lukewarm water followed by a cold-water splash and pat dry.
- Normal Skin: Oil-free cleansing gel/cleansing milk/soap-free foaming cleanser
- Oily Skin: Oil-free cleansing gel
- Dry Skin: Cleansing gel/cleansing cream
- Sensitive Skin: Cleansing milk/cleansing cream
If you have the time to prepare your own natural cleanser, it may be more effective than the commercially available ones. You can prepare an easy basic oil-based cleanser by combining a cup of extra virgin olive oil and two tablespoons of jojoba oil. This is suitable for all skin types, removing impurities from your skin as well as moisturizing it.
2. Rub Ice Cubes On Your Face
Acne breakouts are common when you have clogged pores and may be more common when you sweat too much after performing strenuous exercises. But, there is an easy way to reduce inflamed skin. Rubbing ice cubes on your skin can reduce inflammation, redness, and irritation that may be caused due to acne. Running an ice cube on your face has many other benefits like exfoliating the skin and improving blood circulation. So, after a heavy workout or attending a hot yoga class, prevent acne breakouts by rubbing an ice cube or two across your face and neck.
If you don’t have enough time on your hands for an ice cube rub, you can also choose to wash your face with cold water. Just make sure you use clean, chemical-free, cold water to wash your face.
3. Unclog Your Pores With Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an effective product to add to your skin care regimen. A very small amount of this oil can work wonders on your skin. It is often used as a topical agent and can be absorbed through the pores.
For acne-prone skin, topical application of tea tree oil can reduce inflammation and prevent the formation of new acne breakouts.2 After a workout, wipe your face with a cotton ball dipped in tea tree oil. If you have sensitive skin, you can dilute the oil by mixing it with coconut oil. To increase its effect on your skin, you can also combine it with the natural cleanser you use for your skin.
4. Rehydrate Your Body
During exercises, you always sip on water every time you take a break. While this is important, it is equally important to keep yourself hydrated even after your workout. Failing to drink enough water after your fitness routine may cause your body to be dehydrated. This, in turn, affects your skin as well.
A dehydrated body will result in dry skin and this can cause dead skin cells and dirt buildup, clogging pores leading to acne breakouts. Sweating may make you feel like your skin is moist but it isn’t so. Therefore, whatever may your fitness routine be, always remember to drink lots of water after your session to keep your body and skin hydrated.
5. Use A Natural Moisturizer
All skin types require to be moisturized, even if you have an oily skin. Moisturizers make your skin feeling soft and supple. It keeps your skin hydrated and protected. Oil-based moisturizers consisting of herb-infused oils and essential oils can balance and hydrate your skin and is suitable for all skin types.
Here is an easy-to-prepare facial moisturizer that you can apply after cleansing your face.3
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of jojoba oil
- 1 tablespoon and a teaspoon of rose hip seed oil
- 1¼ teaspoon of vitamin E
- 7 drops of carrot seed essential oil
- 2 drops of rose essential oil
- 3 drops of Roman chamomile essential oil
How To Use:
- Mix all the ingredients into a small dropper bottle. Shake well before use.
- Apply about 5 drops of the moisturizer to your cleansed face.
So, workouts can be fun and can improve your health and appearance provided you do them the right way. Let your body feel healthy both inside and outside by performing and eating right and taking care of your skin before, during, and after your routine. Follow these five easy skin care tips to avoid breakouts from the excess sweat or body temperature. Also, before you try a homemade or store-bought product on your face, try a patch test first and check for any allergic reaction.
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