Skin care routine before, during and after exercise

A daily exercise routine is one of the most prominent systems that have many benefits for general health and fitness, in addition to its positive effect on the health and beauty of the skin. However, can these benefits be achieved permanently and without any restrictions? The answer is no, as exercise can sometimes lead to skin problems. Therefore, today, in Dalili Medical, we decided to provide you with the most important tips for protecting the skin that should be taken into account while exercising.

**Does exercise affect the face?**

 

Regular exercise contributes to increased skin sweating, which positively reflects on the smoothness of the skin and reduces its fragility. People who walk long distances during exercise have brighter faces and lighter skin tone, and acne treatment is easier for them.

**Should I moisturize my face before exercising?**

 

We recommend massaging your skin with a product that protects and moisturizes it, such as facial oil or a light moisturizer, before starting exercise.

**Does exercise cause skin tanning?**

 

Not necessarily. However, the benefits of exercise far outweigh any skin problems that may arise. Not only does exercise improve your overall health and well-being, it also helps maintain clear, tight skin. Exercise also increases blood circulation, which contributes to glowing skin.

**Does exercise affect your skin?**

 

Exercise can lead to acne, pimples, and breakouts, especially if your skin is sensitive to these types of problems. Sweat glands are located near hair follicles, and when you sweat, sebum mixes with dead skin cells and dirt, clogging your pores. This can cause blackheads, whiteheads, or pimples.

**When do you see results from exercise on your skin?**

 

If you want to see positive changes in your muscle strength and body shape, it can take about eight weeks. While this is a general rule of thumb for most exercisers, it is not the same for everyone, as the time it takes to see results can vary depending on factors such as age.

**Why does my face glow after exercising?**

 

Exercising provides oxygen and nutrients to skin cells, and helps remove impurities, resulting in a healthy glow after exercise. Additionally, managing stress and regulating sleep can help improve the appearance of your skin.

**Does exercise affect the shape of your face?**

 

Doing facial muscle-toning exercises for half an hour a day can make women look younger and more vibrant in middle age. This study was conducted by researchers at Northwestern University School of Medicine in the United States, and its results were published in the latest issue of the journal (JAMA Dermatology).

**Does sweating contribute to lightening the skin?**

 

Sweating gives your skin a glowing appearance, but more importantly, exercising stimulates blood circulation throughout the body, giving your skin a healthy glow from within. Good blood flow helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to skin cells.

**Does exercise help slim cheeks?**

 

Facial exercises can be used to get rid of excess fat in the face, combat signs of aging, and enhance muscle strength. By doing these exercises daily, you can get a slimmer face.

**How ​​long does the skin glow after exercise last?**

 

When you exercise, your blood flow increases, which improves the circulation of oxygen and nutrients throughout your body, including your skin, ultimately leading to a glow.

Does running improve your face?

 

Yes, the glow you notice after exercising is real. Exercising increases your heart rate and enhances blood circulation throughout your body, including your skin. As a result, your skin gets a fresh supply of oxygen and essential nutrients, while waste and toxins are effectively eliminated.

**How ​​does exercise positively affect acne?**

 

**Improving blood circulation through exercise** People who exercise regularly improve their overall health, which improves blood flow to the skin. When the heart pumps blood strongly, the skin gets more blood through the tiny capillaries. This gives the skin a brighter and more vibrant appearance, and also enhances the strength of the immune system. An added benefit is that inflammation, which often affects acne-prone skin, heals faster and occurs less frequently.

. **Increase oxygen levels through physical activity** People who exercise breathe more deeply over time, which increases the amount of air the body takes in. It is best to exercise outdoors and in clean conditions as much as possible. Increasing the amount of oxygen the body gets promotes the production of blood cells, which makes the heart work more efficiently and increases blood flow to the organs. This leads to improved blood pressure and the health of blood vessels and tissues.

. Exercise “cleans” the body. When you exercise, the body naturally sweats, which is a positive thing, as sweat helps open the pores and naturally remove excess sebum and dirt.

. Exercise helps reduce stress, which in turn affects acne (you can learn more about this topic here). Therefore, the psychological aspect of acne should not be underestimated, as negative stress can make the skin more prone to inflammation and thus the appearance of pimples. On the other hand, exercise helps to naturally reduce the levels of stress hormones in your body, making it easier for you to relax – and this has positive benefits for your skin, too. 

Exercise “cleans” the body.When you exercise, you naturally sweat. This is a positive thing, as sweat helps open your pores and remove excess sebum and dirt naturally.

**Causes of skin damage during exercise**

 

There are several factors associated with exercise that can lead to skin problems if not dealt with properly. Here are the most prominent causes that can cause skin damage during exercise:

. **Excessive sweating**: Excessive sweating can clog your pores, increasing the likelihood of acne or rashes.

. **Exposure to sunlight**: Exercising outdoors exposes your skin to harmful sun rays, increasing your risk of sunburn and premature skin damage.

. **Friction and sweating**: Friction from ill-fitting or tight sportswear can cause skin sensitivity and rashes.

. **Inadequate skin cleansing**: Not cleaning your skin well after exercise can lead to a buildup of dirt and oils, increasing the likelihood of clogged and inflamed pores.

. **Sitting or lying on contaminated surfaces**: Lying or sitting on contaminated surfaces in gyms can transfer bacteria to the skin, increasing the risk of infection and inflammation.

Dry skin: Sweating and fluid loss can dry out the skin, making it more prone to cracking.

Using the wrong products: Using skin care products that are not suitable for sports, such as heavy makeup or oily products, can cause clogged pores and skin problems.

What should you do for your skin before exercising?

 

- Use sunscreenIt is important for individuals to apply sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 30 before leaving the house, as this helps reduce the chances of skin damage and premature aging. It is preferable to apply it to the face, neck, hands and any other areas exposed to sunlight and dust, and its use should not be ignored at all.

- Removing makeup**Doctors stress the importance of removing makeup before starting exercise, as it can prevent the skin from sweating naturally and cause clogged pores. Therefore, it is preferable to avoid applying any chemicals to the skin before exercising.

What should you do for your skin after exercising?

 

- Cleanse your face well ** After exercising and sweating, your skin becomes more humid and hot, which makes it easier for bacteria to grow. Therefore, it is important to cleanse your face to remove sweat, oils, and accumulated germs. It is preferable to use a cleanser that is suitable for your skin type to get the best results, especially if you suffer from skin problems such as acne.

- Use sunscreen ** Sunscreen is not only used before exercise, but it is also preferable to apply it after exercise and washing your face. This is to protect the skin from ultraviolet rays that lead to the breakdown of collagen and proteins in the skin, and it also helps maintain skin color and protect it from wrinkles.

- Cool the skin ** After exercising, many people seek to relax their muscles, and it is also important to give the skin the necessary rest. This can be achieved by avoiding exposure to ultraviolet rays or high heat, practicing yoga, washing your face with cold water, or using a soothing mask.

**Applying toner:** Use an alcohol-free toner to restore the pH level of your skin, tighten pores, and remove any residue from the cleanser.

**Moisturize:** After cleansing, apply a moisturizer that suits your skin type to help it recover after exercise and maintain its moisture. You can choose a moisturizer that contains soothing ingredients such as aloe vera or green tea.

**Special treatment:** If you are using certain treatments for acne or dark spots, this is the perfect time to apply them after moisturizing your skin. Make sure to follow the product instructions for best results.

**Drink water:** Don't forget to drink enough water after exercise to replenish lost fluids and moisturize your skin from the inside out.

**Moisturizing spray:** Moisturizing spray helps soothe the skin, and thanks to its antioxidant properties, it helps fight skin aging, making your skin look brighter and fresher.

**Light moisturizer:** To provide your face with the necessary moisture, choose a serum with a light texture that allows the skin to breathe. Moisturizing cream is an ideal skincare product before or after exercise and at all times. Choose the type that contains a high percentage of water to meet your skin's needs.

Natural Deodorant**: Choose a gentle, natural deodorant to keep your skin able to breathe while ensuring a fresh scent.

Shower**: Don't forget to shower with cold water after exercise, as it removes impurities and sweat odor and refreshes your body, and cold water also helps tighten the skin.

**Tips for skin care during exercise**

 

. **Use wet wipes or a towel**: It is best to use alcohol-free wet wipes or a clean towel to gently wipe away sweat during exercise instead of using your hands. This helps reduce the transfer of bacteria and oils to your skin.

. **Avoid exposure to pollution**: If you exercise outdoors, try to choose times when pollution levels are low, such as early morning or times when air quality is better.

. **Keep your exercise equipment clean**: Make sure to clean the exercise equipment and tools you use regularly, especially those that come into direct contact with your skin, such as yoga mats or exercise equipment.

. **Use antibacterial creams**: If you are prone to acne, you can use creams that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, but make sure to use them carefully to avoid any allergic reactions.

. **Choose the right skin care products**: Use oil-free products that are designed for acne-prone skin if you exerciseRegularly. This helps avoid clogged pores and acne.

Avoid using makeup while exercising: It is best not to wear makeup while exercising, as it can clog pores and increase the likelihood of acne. If you can't give up makeup, choose sweat-resistant products.

Choose appropriate sportswear: Make sure to choose sportswear made of breathable fabrics, such as cotton or technical fabrics, which help absorb sweat and allow the skin to breathe, reducing the chances of irritation and friction.

Exercise in a clean environment: Make sure that the place where you exercise, whether at home or at the gym, is clean, as environmental pollution can lead to skin irritation.

Give your skin a chance to breathe: After finishing your exercise, try to let your skin breathe without covering it directly, by changing out of wet clothes and drying your skin well.

Make sure to drink water regularly: Make sure to drink enough water before, during and after exercise to keep your skin hydrated and avoid dryness.

Avoid swimming in chlorinated water: If you are swimming in a pool, remember that chlorinated water can cause dryness and irritation of the skin, so wash your body well after swimming and apply a suitable moisturizer.

**Important tips for applying makeup while exercising**

 

**Primer:**If you prefer to apply makeup while exercising, it is essential to use a primer before foundation. This cream acts as a barrier between your skin and foundation, helping to protect your pores while sweating.

**Foundation:**You can use foundation, but it is preferable to choose a lightweight type and a natural color that contains moisturizers for the skin. This will give you a beautiful and natural look without clogging your pores or harming your skin. As for eyeshadow, it is preferable to avoid using it to maintain your face's pure appearance.

**Blush and Lipstick:**The gym is not the ideal place to apply blush or lipstick. But if you want to use them, choose light products in natural colors that give you a touch of color without clogging your pores.

**Mascara:** Use a waterproof mascara, as it gives you defined and beautiful eyelashes without smudging your eyes while sweating. If you want to remove it before showering, you can put a little makeup remover on your eyelashes and gently remove it.

**Rose water:** While exercising, you can spray rose water on your face to moisturize and refresh your skin.

**Your towel:** You should avoid using someone else's towel. Make sure not to forget your towel at home, and avoid using towels available in public places to avoid the transfer of bacteria and fungi to your skin, which helps maintain the health of your skin and prevent any skin infections.

**Avoid touching your face during exercise:** Be careful not to touch your face with your hands while exercising, to avoid transferring bacteria on sports equipment and devices to your face. Your hands may also be dirty, which increases the risk of bacterial infection. So, be careful and avoid touching your face while exercising.

**Avoid wearing headbands or hats:** It is best not to wear any type of headband or hat while exercising, as it may lead to the accumulation of sweat and oils on the forehead, which increases the likelihood of pimples and boils appearing in that area.