It all sounds lovely, but how should you really go about post-workout skin care? It might feel intuitive to scrub sweaty pores after a workout, but could your current skin care routine do more harm than good after you exercise? How should you change your cleansing habits after you sweat? “Sweat cleans your pores, so your skin will just need a quick rinse,” she adds. If you’re especially oily, or just can’t bear to go throughout your day without some sort of washing ritual, you can definitely dab some gentle cleanser on the T-zone. Just don’t go too heavy on the aggressive exfoliation, as it may do more harm than good after a workout. Barr agrees: “It’s best to wait until the afternoon or evening as your skin may be more vulnerable to irritation shortly after a workout, as your pores are open.” So you may want to hold off on that enzyme peel until later in the day, at least. After your workout, you can use a gentle cleanser on the T-zone. As always, be mindful of the bacteria you may have picked up while touching all the gym equipment. While sweat itself may not be damaging your pores, the fungus you could be putting on your face definitely needs a wash-up, according to Barr. “When you exercise, your body heats up and your pores open. Makeup can settle in your pores and contribute to clogging them,” says Barr. If heading to the gym makeup-free is simply not an option for you, make sure you’re choosing products that are non-comedogenic, which means they’re specially formulated to not clog your pores. As for after the workout? Either wash off your non-comedogenic makeup, or rinse with water if you have a fresh face. “You just need a quick rinse, as the sweat cleans your pores and skin,” Marmur says. “Using hot water can sensitize the skin, especially if you are still red from your workout. Cool or lukewarm water is best for rinsing. The cooler the temperature the faster the redness will resolve,” Marmur advises. So while you might want to jump in the hot shower after your sweat session (especially in these frigid winter months), you may want to take the time to wash your face with cool water before a steamy shower. The one exception, however, is with pre-medicated wipes containing salicylic or glycol acid. These agents are fantastic gentle exfoliants, according to Barr, that help remove any residual makeup that could be clogging pores after your sweat session. Tossing a few of these gly-pads into your gym bag can be a great asset, if your skin can tolerate it of course. As always, consult with your dermatologist first to see if your skin could benefit from these wipes. “A self-care mask and exercise is the best gift!” she adds. See? Derms support those treat-yourself-moments, too—just make sure the mask you’re using is calming and moisturizing, not exfoliating. As always, skin care isn’t exclusive to just the face. Barr’s final note is to pay attention to the neck and décolletage as well, as these areas also require some post-workout love. “The back of your neck, chest, and back are also vulnerable to clogged pores post-workout. Make sure to cleanse these areas too,” she advises. And there you have it—a guide to washing your face after you sweat, depending on your oil level and workout habits. With these tips, your “post-yoga glow” will last way longer than when you leave the studio. Happy cleansing!
