Skin Bytes | "Sweat Smart: How to Adjust Your Skincare Routine When You’re Exercising"

Jackie
Nov 12
2 min read

Working out does wonders for your body, mind, and overall glow — but your skin also needs some extra love when you’re breaking a sweat. Exercise increases circulation (which is great for your skin’s radiance), but it can also lead to clogged pores, breakouts, and irritation if you’re not cleansing correctly before and after your workout.

Here’s how to keep your skin happy, balanced, and blemish-free while staying active:

💦 Before Your Workout: Keep It Simple

Before hitting the gym or heading outdoors, skip the heavy foundation and rich creams. Sweat and makeup don’t mix — they trap heat and bacteria against your skin, clogging your pores.Do this instead:

Cleanse your face with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser.
Apply a light, oil-free moisturiser or gel-based hydrator.
If you’re training outdoors, always apply SPF 30 or higher — opt for a sweat-resistant formula.

🏃‍♀️ During Your Workout: Don’t Touch Your Face

Try to avoid touching your face with your hands or towel — bacteria from gym equipment can transfer easily. Instead, pat sweat gently with a clean microfibre towel.

Bonus tip: Tie your hair back and wear a soft, breathable headband to keep sweat and hair oils away from your skin.

🚿 After Your Workout: Cleanse and Rebalance

Once you’re done, don’t wait too long to wash your face. Sweat left sitting on your skin can mix with oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells, leading to breakouts and dullness.

Your post-workout skin routine:

Cleanse – Use a gentle foaming or gel cleanser to remove sweat, oil, and impurities.
Tone (optional) – A light, alcohol-free toner can help rebalance pH and tighten pores.
Hydrate – Apply a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid or niacinamide to replenish moisture.
Moisturise – Use a light moisturiser to seal in hydration.
SPF (again!) – If you’re heading outdoors after your session, don’t skip sunscreen.

🧘‍♀️ For Acne-Prone or Oily Skin

Use a cleanser with salicylic acid or tea tree a few times a week to help unclog pores and prevent sweat-related breakouts.

🧴 Pro Tip: Keep a Mini Gym Kit

Having a mini skincare kit in your gym bag with a cleanser, toner, and moisturiser makes it easier to care for your skin on the go. Consistency is key to preventing congestion and maintaining that healthy post-workout glow.

Your skin loves movement — just make sure your routine moves with it!Sweat, smile, and glow the right way 💫