Article by BR Kellie
There are few things as invigorating as a morning jog, a lunchtime stint at the gym, or an evening bent in precarious positions in a 40-degree room. Exercise, it’s good for your body, good for your mind, and good for your soul. There’s one problem with it, and that problem is sweat – more to the point, it’s the havoc that sweat can play on your skin.
Sure, it’s winter and we can get away with covering up backne and chestne, but winter will pass, and at some point we may well have to force our toned arms and legs into smaller scraps of cloth, and while we’ll be revealing the hard work we’ve put in during the colder months, chances are we’ll also have to reveal the less that pretty parts of it too.
So what’s a lass to do? Clean up her workout act, that’s what. But how?
First of all, take a look at what your gym gear is made out of. Ideally you want your active wear to be made from loose breathable natural fabrics, like cotton. In saying that, if you’re getting really sweaty there are moisture-wicking fabrics out there that although made of polyester do a great job of drawing sweat away from the skin while you workout.
Before you hit the ground or treadmill running remove your makeup and cleanse your face. I know, sometimes that’s the last thing you feel like doing, but your skin will love you for it – and when you’re not breaking out a few days down the track you’ll love yourself for it too.
While you’re giving it all you’ve got, don’t rub the sweat away with your workout towel, instead be sure to pat it gently, as rubbing your skin will irritate it, causing breakouts. Another no-no? Touching your face while you work out. Keep those mitts on the metal! Keep those paws pumping! Keep those fists from your face! (Imagine us shouting that in the same style as a really scary P.T.)
Finished your workout? Do try and hit the shower, cleanse your face, but also give your whole body a good clean with an anti-bacterial soap to help clear those clogged pimple-inducing pores. Can’t or don’t have time to hit the shower? Break out the facial cleansing wipes for a quick once over, then try and exfoliate at least three times a week to lift away dead skin cells.
Last but not least, wash your gym gear regularly, especially your sports bra. Can’t be bothered? Just stop and think about the build up of sweat and dirt and bacteria and … yeah, in the washing machine it goes.
It doesn’t take a lot of time or effort to help keep the zits at bay before, during and after a workout, and once summer hits and you’re slipping into t’s, shorts and frocks you’ll be glad you did.
Have you found other ways to beat the post-workout breakout? Sharing is caring!
My sister used to break out on her body and then discovered that they could be lessened by showering soon afterwards. If I have face makeup on I try to clean it off before I start, if it's the end of the day when i do my workout.