You already understand the importance of not wearing makeup to the gym, and removing your makeup is one of the golden rules before working out, but how should you be treating your skin post-workout?

When you’re finished your workout it’s important to remove all of your sweaty clothing as soon as possible to avoid clogging your pores. Get into the shower straight away, but instead of showering in hot water, use lukewarm water so as not to strip the skin of its natural oils. Then once you’re clean, you can start your skin routine.

If you have sensitive skin or if you’re prone to a breakout then use a gentle cleanser, but leave the moisturizer off until you get home, because you want to allow your skin time to breathe. Then, when you do moisturize opt for an oil-free moisturizer like OLEHENRIKSEN Sheer Transformation® Perfecting Moisturizer, which is light, oil-free and rich in antioxidants.

BELIF The True Cream Aqua Bomb is an option for oily, combination and normal skin, and it’s an ultra-weight, gel cream which is oil-free and will not only minimize the appearance of pores but also give your skin the refreshing boost that it needs to appear healthy and smooth.

The importance of moisturizer is to help rehydrate your skin after all the sweat that you have been losing during your workout. If you have drier skin, it’s best to choose a richer formula like CLINIQUE Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief which has been designed for dryness, as well as dullness and uneven texture. The great thing about this cream is that it’s fine to use for a number of skin types, including sensitive and dry skin (as well as normal, oily and combination) and provide the hydration your skin needs post-workout.

And then there is DRUNK ELEPHANT Protini™ Polypeptide Cream which is one of the most highly-rated moisturizers on the market. This moisturizer focuses on dryness, as well as elasticity and dullness. This cream does not come cheap, but it’s packed filled with proteins and nutrients that your skin needs to be nourished and glowing.

BOBBI BROWN Vitamin Enriched Face Base Moisturizer is another cream that will help with dryness but also doubles as a non-greasy primer, perfect for applying makeup.

Things to remember

—Drink a lot of water to hydrate!

—Be gentle with your skin after a workout and don’t over exfoliate, instead opt for a cleanser.

—Don’t just focus on your face, but your whole body because all of your skin needs some tender loving care post-workout.

—Don’t forget the sunscreen, especially if you’re exercising outdoors, or if you’re going to be exposed to the sunlight on your way to and from work.

—Go easy on the makeup. We can’t all ditch the makeup post-workout because we have places to go and people to see, and a bright red face is often not a good look, but try to go easy on the makeup, for example, use a tinted moisturizer like NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30, or PERRICONE MD No Foundation Foundation Serum SPF 30, so that your skin has the chance to breathe without your pores becoming clogged.

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