In 2017 there's pressure to always be selfie-ready and look incredible, even when you're at the gym. We understand, and we hear your concerns, but you shouldn't be wearing makeup while working out for the good of your skin. Don't believe us? Well, maybe these reasons why you shouldn't wear makeup to the gym will help convince you otherwise.

You want your skin to be able to breathe during your workout, which is why it's important to wash your face before you hit the gym to avoid bacteria and dead skin clogging up your pores. Firstly, unlike creams and moisturizers that we use which are designed to be absorbed into the skin, makeup serves a very different purpose and is meant to sit on the surface of your skin.

When you start to work out your skin heats up and your pores start to relax and enlarge, and water and sebum need to exit, Her Campus notes. However, this cannot happen naturally if there is a layer of makeup on the surface because your skin needs to breathe, and if it can't this increases the chances of your products being absorbed, facialist Andy Millward told Metro, and therefore your pores becoming clogged — which results in blemishes and blackheads.

But if you really can't stand the thought of going to the gym sans-makeup, your best bet is to try a tinted moisturizer.

So, how should you be treating your skin before a workout? As we mentioned, makeup is a no-no, so when removing it you should clean your skin with a gentle sulfate-free cleanser, followed by a light moisturizer — if you're exercising outdoors then choose a light moisturizer with an SPF.

A post workout cleanse is just as important — and you can check out our tips for this here. It's also best to use very little product after your workout.

Okay, so you can't wear foundation, but what about mascara? Again, the answer is no, but rather because mascara is likely to run when you start breaking a sweat (even the waterproof kind).

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