Should I do my skincare routine before or after working out? Gym skincare routine

From lifting weights at the gym to swimming laps in the pool, there’s no better feeling than that post-workout ‘glow.’

While your exercise routine may be nailed down, one thing that may be a little more questionable is your skin.

For the fitness fanatics among us, there are often a lot of questions when it comes to skincare and exercise:

· Should you workout in your makeup?

· Or should I do my skincare before or after the gym?

· Does it make sense to perform skincare routines before morning exercise, only to redo them shortly afterward?

· Is it that bad if you forget to shower after sweating at the gym (spoiler alert: the answer is yes)?

The reality is that neglecting your skin while exercising is a recipe for a disaster. It can lead to many problems, from dryness to irritation – and even “backne” if you’re not careful!

Remember that skin health - along with good quality skincare - is for life, so it’s worth every second of investing your time and energy into both.

Key Takeaways

· Make sure to remove your makeup before diving into your workout routine, your skin will thank you.

· Try to clean your face thoroughly before and after workouts to ensure your skin’s health and help reduce clogged pores.

· SPF is a must before any outdoor workout.

· Take the time after a workout to go through your full skincare routine.



Pre-workout skincare tips: A basic warmup

Before we take a deep dive into individual skincare routines depending on your go-to workout and time of day, there are some basics you should be aware of first - consider these your seven skin-ercise (skincare plus exercise) non-negotiables.

1. Remove your makeup

First, you should never exercise with a full face of makeup. While there’s nothing quite like makeup for that immediate confidence boost, if there’s ever a time to avoid wearing it, it’s when you’re sweating.

When you exercise, your pores and sweat glands open up to cool your body down. The problem is that with makeup on your face, your pores will get clogged easily, leading to breakouts and blackheads.

If you tend to exercise straight after you finish work, pack a cleanser in your bag with you. Think of your cleanser like your gym bag – don’t leave home without either.

When it comes to makeup removal, oil cleansers are a much better option than makeup wipes. Cleansers are gentle and nourishing and much kinder to your skin’s health than using a wipe. If you typically exercise more than 4 times a week, getting into this habit is even more important. Your skin will thank you for it.

2. Steer clear of makeup wipes

Wipes are good for cleaning your house or emergencies at festivals but never for your face. It doesn’t matter how much of a rush you’re in. There’s no excuse for using a wipe to remove makeup before or after a workout. They don’t really “clean” and just end up

moving the sweat and dirt around your face.

If you are running late and using a face cleanser isn’t an option, then micellar water is the next best thing to help remove most of your makeup. Micellar cleansing water quickly removes makeup, pollutants, and grime without the need to rinse your face afterward.

3. Wear moisturizer for your workouts

If there’s one product you should wear during a workout, it’s a face moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. Try to exercise with a water-based moisturizer or lightweight face serum on your face so your skin can sweat freely. Be sure to avoid any thick or heavy skincare products, as they could end up blocking your pores.

4. Bring a clean towel to the gym with you

Try to get into the habit of bringing a compact towel to the gym to efficiently wipe away excess sweat during your workout. This is a more hygienic option than allowing sweat to linger on your face. Using your dirty sleeve or resorting to the harsh, scratchy paper towels commonly found in gyms are even worse options.

Please! Think of your skin. Travel with a towel.

5. Wash your hands immediately after exercising

Make sure that you always thoroughly wash your hands after working out in the gym. Gym equipment is covered in millions of germs, so bear that in mind next time you go to touch your face mid-workout.

6. Use SPF if exercising outdoors

No matter the weather, if you are running, cycling, or even swimming outside and exposed to UV rays, at the very least, you should protect your cheeks with a walnut-sized dollop of SPF. This area on your face is most prone to visible signs of damage – and most sun damage is done in your first 20 years, so it’s vital not to skip this step.

When it comes to your skincare routine, SPF should always be the last product you apply, and we recommend aiming for SPF30 or higher.

7. Shower as soon as you stop sweating

Although it can be tempting to collapse on your bed or start on dinner after a tough workout, try to get into the habit of showering as soon as you get home.

As you exercise, your pores open to drain sweat from your sweat glands. These same pores can get clogged with leftover skin or sweat cells if you don't clean them right after you sweat. Clogged pores can lead to acne - commonly referred to as ‘sweat acne’ - as well as blackheads and whiteheads, so do your skin a favor and always shower.

You should also avoid doing your skincare in the shower. Admittedly, it’s convenient and saves you time, but the water is far too hot for your face, so aim to cleanse when you get out of the shower - not before or during.

To help you understand exactly what you should be doing pre- and post-workout for your skin to thrive, we’ve put together a guide to help.

Seeing as every fitness regime is different, we’ve covered all bases below on exactly how you should be looking after your skin.

Athletic skincare routines

The decision to do your skincare before or after your workout will depend on the activity you choose. Certain sports, like cycling and swimming, will require you to address your skin’s needs before you hit the trail or pool. But the one thing all athletes have in common is sweat.

The skincare advice below considers each activity and guides you on addressing sweat, showering, and general self-care before and after a workout. Now you can do those laps, take that spin class, or take that trail ride without the guilt – knowing you’re doing all you can to keep your skin soft and radiant.

Gym skincare

For starters, timing is everything. If you are more of an early bird and like to kick-start your day with a gym workout, you have to do more than just roll out of bed and go to the gym. If you struggle with dryness, apply some moisturizer before you sweat it out, lifting weights or attacking the treadmill.

As soon as you’re finished working out, do your full morning skincare routine as you normally would. Remember, the main point of your AM routine is to prep your skin for the day ahead.

If you’re squeezing a gym session in during your lunch break, the first thing you need to do - if you wear makeup to work - is remove it using an oil-based cleanser (not face wipes!). Once you’ve removed your makeup, apply a small amount of moisturizer. Then, you can jump straight into your class or gym set. Once you’ve finished, shower and repeat your morning skincare routine. The same routine applies if you’re a post-work workout person who hits the gym in the evening.

Once your workout is complete, jump in the shower, and unless you have plans for the evening, do your full evening skincare routine.

Runner skincare

If you wake up and like to start the day with a run, it’s important to consider your skincare first. Your routine will be slightly different depending on the climate where you live.

For instance, those used to colder weather conditions should apply some facial oil first to protect their face. You may also want to apply some lip oil, to provide a protective shield against the cold. Once you’re done, shower and do your usual skincare routine. If you live in a typically hot climate, apply a generous amount of SPF before you pound the streets, then once you’re back home, shower and complete your full AM skincare routine.

For those who like to jog after work, one thing you should never run in is your makeup. Once you’ve commuted home, remove your makeup, apply a small amount of moisturizer, sweat the day out on your run, and then shower – finishing with your evening skincare routine.

Swimmer skincare

No matter how tight you are for time, wearing your full makeup or skincare in water will never go swimmingly. Not only will this save you from the dreaded ‘panda eyes,’ but no one wants their thickest moisturizer to drip into their eyes mid-tumble-turn.

Skin and chlorine are not a great combination, either. Chlorine is commonly known to dehydrate the skin, which is not ideal for anyone prone to dryness or sensitivity. For this reason, it’s important to prioritize your skincare routine around your swimming sessions.

If you take your swim first thing in the morning, it is still safe to apply a thin layer of moisturizer. Just be sure not to put any product on your forehead to prevent the risk of it getting into your eyes. Other than that, wash the chlorine off your body and then complete your normal morning skincare routine when you’re done with your laps.

Some swimmers prefer to hit the pool in the evening. If that sounds like you, you’ll need to remove your makeup first. We recommend rubbing in something protective and hydrating for your skin - like a facial oil or a very light moisturizer before setting off in your lane. To help you remember, just think of it as another ‘layer’ to take off when you’re prepping in the locker room.

Once you’ve completed your swim, you should complete your full evening skincare routine - unless, of course, you have a dinner date to get to. If that’s the case, give yourself an extra scrub to ensure you don’t stink of chlorine, then cleanse and ensure your face is well-hydrated with a serum and thick moisturizer.

Use pool amenities to your advantage

If your local pool is extra fancy and has a sauna room, incorporating this into your routine three times a week will work wonders for your skin health. There are three main reasons why:

· Promotes detoxification: As we sweat in the sauna, it allows our body to release toxins and impurities, and this process helps cleanse the skin.

· Repairs and regenerates skin cells: The heat in saunas causes our blood vessels to dilate, increasing blood flow around the body. This increased blood flow delivers essential nutrients and oxygen to the skin, giving it a healthy glow and aiding in the repair and regeneration of skin cells.

· Relaxing and calming effects: Saunas are also known for their relaxing and calming effects, making them a great way to combat stress and promote mental well-being. The heat helps to soothe both the body and mind, reducing muscle tension and enhancing the feeling of relaxation - which, in turn, will help with stress-induced skin flare-ups.

If you plan on spending more time in the sauna, it’s worth prepping your skin by putting some facial oil on first – preferably a plant oil-based one.

Trending fitness classes skincare

In the fitness industry, there’s always a new workout trend to jump on. We’ve seen a variety of trends over the years, from hot yoga to now Pilates tearing up the fitness scene.

Hot yoga is exactly what it sounds like – a form of yoga performed in hot and humid conditions, resulting in a lot of sweating. And whether that sounds appealing to you or not, your face certainly won’t thank you for attending.

Some hot yoga practices aim to replicate the heat and humidity of India, where yoga originated. While the whole purpose is to sweat a lot, unlike other forms of physical activity, you’re unable to cool back down again due to the room's humid conditions. Over time, that immediate ‘glow’ you achieve after a class – coupled with the nonstop humidity – may result in broken capillaries. Although you can treat your broken capillaries, it’s still not a good look in the short term.

If we can’t talk you out of ‘hot yoga,’ you’ll need to focus your skincare on your nose and cheeks. As soon as the class has finished, hydrate your face - and your typical water won’t cut it! Instead, spritz your whole face with rose water. Then, you’re free to shower, but be sure to apply a hydrating serum in addition to your moisturizer.

It’s normal to feel very dehydrated after a hot yoga class. If you attend them regularly, keep your spritzing bottle nearby and watch out for visible signs of dehydration on your skin, like fine lines forming.

Other trending fitness classes like barre, dance, and Pilates can also affect your skin. You’re not dealing with the intense heat and humidity of a hot yoga studio, but the intense activity level and sweat can still take a toll on your skin if you’re not careful.

If you plan on attending any of these classes, be sure to keep a clean gym towel in your bag so you can frequently wipe away sweat. Wash your face thoroughly or shower as soon as possible after class and then apply your skincare products as normal. If you’re working out in the early morning or midday, don’t forget to apply SPF before you head on your way to take on whatever your day has in store.

Cyclist skincare

If you are a keen cyclist, you’ll need to protect your skin no matter the time of day. When it comes to SPF, be sure to apply it everywhere, including the typically forgotten areas: the back of the neck and top of the ears.

Never cycle in a face of makeup and liberally apply SPF and your go-to moisturizer before hitting the road. It may also be worth applying a facial oil to your cheeks to prevent them from getting attacked by the wind. When you’re back home and your helmet is safely stored away, jump in the shower, and you can then start your AM or PM skincare routine as usual.

The constant sun and wind of cycling don’t combine well with certain skincare products. If cycling is your passion, you’ll want to stay away from products with retinol.

Retinol-based skincare products can make your skin more photosensitive, making you more vulnerable to sun damage. You can apply SPF, but your sunscreen won’t provide as much protection if retinol-based skincare is undoing any of the protection it would provide.

Fortunately, there are skincare options available without retinol-based ingredients, but they behave similarly. Clarins put decades of research into developing products with plant-based retinol alternatives. Botanicals like Hurangana act similarly to retinol, while Albizia extract, Horse Chestnut, and Guarana are much safer on the skin while still combating puffiness and under-eye bags to help other problem areas. These botanicals are a great alternative to various ingredients, especially for those who are active and on the move.



Skincare for athletes: Take the time to care for your skin after caring for your health

Being an athlete doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice your beauty and radiance. Excelling at your sport may require grit, but caring for your skin when you’re done? That actually requires the opposite – a much gentler approach than usual.

That’s why Clarins produces products backed by 70 years of research and plant-based botanicals. Our products are formulated to provide your skin what it needs.

Start shopping today and discover the newest product to transform your skincare routine.

Common FAQs about after workout skincare

Working your skincare routine into everyday life can be tough, especially if you’re an athlete. There’s a lot of misinformation out there, and it’s also just downright tough to have the time to care for your skin as you squeeze a workout into your busy, on-the-go schedule.

Don’t worry, though. Clarins has everything you need to know. Below, we’ve answered some of the most popular FAQs about athletes and skincare.

Should I redo my skincare after working out?

Yes, it’s wise to refresh your skincare post-workout. Sweat and oil can clog pores, so cleanse with a gentle face wash to remove buildup. Follow with a lightweight moisturizer or serum to rehydrate. If you worked out outside, reapply SPF to protect your skin.

Can I do skincare before the gym?

Yes! Start with a clean face using a gentle cleanser. Apply a lightweight moisturizer to keep skin hydrated without clogging pores. If you’re heading outdoors, don’t skip SPF. Keeping it light lets your skin breathe while you sweat.

Is it important to shower right after gym?

Yes! Showering right after the gym helps wash away sweat, oil, and bacteria that can clog pores and cause irritation. Use a gentle cleanser to clean your face and body, then apply a moisturizer to replenish lost hydration. Quick rinse = happy skin. Once you’re home, you can complete your full skincare and makeup routine.

Shop related products