Firstly, skincare does not only refer to the products that you use on your skin, it also refers to the way in which you look after your skin. As we all know, exercise is very important for both our physical and mental health. We know that exercising releases endorphins and makes us feel good however, did you know that exercising can be extremely beneficial for the health of our skin also?

Engaging in frequent physical activity is a great way to manage stress hormones in the body. These stress hormones, otherwise known as cortisol, have many detrimental effects on our health and wellbeing. When it comes to the health of our skin, stress can contribute, and aggravate, many skin concerns including acne, rosacea, eczema and ageing skin (aka fine lines and wrinkles).

So how is exercising good for your skin you ask? Other than reducing stress, participating in exercise, particularly a cardio workout or something that makes you sweaty, will increase the flow of oxygenated blood around your body. This assists in healing the skin and increases the production of collagen which is what keeps our skin looking young and healthy. 

Now that we understand the importance of exercise, let's move onto how we can look after our skin post workout:

As mentioned above, getting sweaty is great for your health, however if left on the skin post workout the dirt and sweat on the face can build up and cause breakouts. Here are a few simple and easy steps to ensure your skin is happy post workout. 

1. CLEANSE: Wash your face as soon as possible. This is a non-negotiable! It is important to remove the buildup on the face as soon as you can, if possible shower straight after working out and use a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and sweat. We suggest doing a double cleanse, using a gentle cleanser (Cleanse. Gel Cleanser) as the skin is extremely fragile after getting hot and sweaty. So be careful not to tug or pull on the skin and we recommend just using your hands, warm water and a cleanser. (Ditch the flannel they carry a lot of bacteria and can harm fragile skin). 
   
   

2. REFRESH: After cleansing we recommend using a hydrating toning mist. This will help cool down the skin, re-balance oil production, calm redness and give the skin a hydration boost. 
   
   

3. SERUM: Applying a gentle serum post workout can assist with any redness and prevent breakouts. We suggest using our Balance- Vitamin B serum, as it is a gentle serum that instantly absorbs into the skin and provides deep hydration, whilst the active ingredients work together to balance oil production and even skin tone. This will help to protect your skin whilst leaving you with fresh and glowing skin. 
   
   

4. HYDRATE: It’s time to lock in that moisture! To lock in all of the benefits from your skincare routine, you should always use a moisturiser to deeply hydrate the skin and ensure you are getting the most out of your products. We suggest using a lightweight moisturiser that can easily be absorbed into the skin and isn’t too heavy for post workout sensitive skin. Our recommendation for an ideal moisturiser is the Hydrate-light. This lightweight lotion is suitable for all skin types and works to effectively hydrate the skin leaving it feeling refreshed and renewed. 
   
   

5. SPF/RETINOL: depending on what time of the day you are working out will depend on this extra step. If you are a morning person we strongly suggest that you apply a face friendly SPF. You should always apply sunscreen daily. Yes even on days that aren’t so sunny. Up to 80% of UV rays can pass through clouds on an overcast day. And if you think you are safe because you are inside or in your car you are mistaken, UV rays can even pass through glass while you are driving or sitting at your work desk. If you are a night owl and are heading to bed after your workout, we suggest adding in a retinol serum. Retinol works to regenerate and protect skin cells from free radicals, which reduces the signs of ageing and helps to counteract sun damage. We recommend using our Repair - Vitamin A serum.It is an oil based vitamin A serum that quickly absorbs into the skin, offering instant hydration and reparation.