Sports and skincare - top tips on how to look after your skin as an athlete

As athletes our skin is exposed to the elements which can cause it to become reactive. But being an athlete does not mean that you have to sacrifice your skin! Here are a few top tips to keep your skin happy and healthy whilst you train.

Never train with makeup on

Keeping your face clean allows its pores to breathe properly as you exercise and sweat. With makeup, your pores stay blocked which can lead to acne and blackheads.

Drink plenty of water

Always carry a water bottle with you, as it is important to replenish the fluids you lose through sweat. Hydration is the key to excellent skin!

Avoid touching your skin

When you are hot from exercising, your skin pores open up for perspiration. This puts you at an increased risk of skin disease breakouts caused by bacteria on your hands.

Keep your equipment bacteria free

Workout apparatus harbours bacteria which can easily reach your skin and cause breakouts. Ensure that you disinfect your equipment before use to avoid transferring any dirt or grime onto your face.

Take a shower as soon as you finish a workout session

Sweat is the body’s natural method of cooling and detoxifying, but if left on the skin, bacteria forms and breakouts begin. If you are short on time and cannot shower immediately after your workout, change out of your wet gym clothes and wipe away the sweat as soon as possible. 

Replace your towels

Household towels are a breeding ground for germs and bacteria, so just imagine what your gym-bag towel looks like under a microscope. Keep your towels clean and avoid exposing your skin cells to unwanted toxins.

Dry your skin gently

Avoid harshly rubbing your skin after a shower. Instead, pat your face dry with a clean towel.

Cleanse before and after exercise 

If you let sweat sit on your skin, it can clog your pores and cause blemishes. Use a gentle cleanser to wash away the grime and sweat that’s accumulated on the skin’s surface. Oily skin can benefit from a cleanser formulated with glycolic acid, whilst dry skin thrives with an oil-based or nourishing cleanser formatted with ceramides. 

Exfoliate your skin

Exfoliation helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells before they clog up your pores. 

Use a mist to sooth your skin

Use a soothing face mist after cleansing to help refresh and hydrate your skin. 

Keep your skin moisturised

Serums and oil-free moisturisers will keep skin hydrated without clogging pores.

Protect your skin against UV rays

Protect your skin from premature aging and uneven skin tones by choosing a water resistant, broad spectrum UVA/UVB blocking moisturiser with an SPF of 50. 

An effective routine is essential to help keep your skin looking its best as, ultimately, preventing skin problems is easier- and less costly- than trying to fix them in the future

About the author: Laura Smith is an elite level athlete who has been a Sundried ambassador since 2017.

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