Why Your Workout Routine Should Include This Skincare Step—Especially In Summer

6 min readWhen it's time to go on a bike ride or hit a Pilates class, you might grab some water, change into your favorite fitness shirt, and stretch a bit to loosen those joints. However, that pre-workout checklist tends to leave out any kind of skincare—and experts say that’s a mistake.Why? “When we start to engage in heavy cardiovascular or resistance training and when the glands go into overdrive, what do they do? They produce sweat,” says Mona Gohara, MD, a clinical professor at the department of dermatology for Yale School of Medicine. That fluid contains salt that isn’t exactly harmful, but can be incredibly drying for our skin over time, she adds. Plus, perspiration, makeup, and other particles that sit on the skin after a workout can clog pores and cause an acne breakout, too.While skincare might be the last thing to come to mind before a workout, as it turns out, prepping the skin in advance (as well as taking care of it post-workout) can make all the difference when it comes to skin health and longevity. We asked experts for their workout skincare tips, and they shared a full step-by-step breakdown of best practices you can follow.Meet the Experts: Mona Gohara, MD, clinical professor at the department of dermatology for Yale School of Medicine. Anna Chacon, MD, Miami-based dermatologist. Amy Kiser Schemper, MS, CPT, personal trainer and fitness instructor.Skincare Steps to Add to Your Workout Routine 1. Pre-Workout Cleanse You may be inclined to skip the pre-gym face cleanse, but Dr. Gohara says it can be worth it to wash your makeup off first.“Sweat mixes with makeup, oil, and sunscreen, creating the perfect traffic jam for your pores,” she says. “Starting with a clean face gives your skin room to breathe while you exercise.” Not to mention, sweat can mix with eyeliner or mascara and cause irritation, which is not a good feeling during a run or lift session. (If you’re exercising outdoors, Dr. Gohara does recommend re-applying sunscreen before the workout—more on that below.)Exercising with makeup on can also lead to issues like folliculitis—infected or inflamed follicles—and acne breakouts, says Anna Chacon, MD, a Miami-based dermatologist. She adds that “it can create a barrier that traps bacteria and sebum on the skin, and it can affect the skin microbiome,” which is the microenvironment that lives on the surface of our skin.A quick pre-workout wash with a gentle cleanser can help you to avoid these longterm issues.2. Pre-Workout SPFWhile sweating with a clean face is ideal for indoor workouts, “if you're exercising outdoors, wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, seek shade whenever possible, and reapply every two hours—or immediately after heavy sweating,” Dr. Gohara says, especially during the summer months when the sun is harsher.“Remember your lips as well,” Dr. Chacon says. “That's a common area where people get skin cancer.” Luckily, she says, most lip balm brands include SPF in their formula—just take care to read the label and confirm.Dr. Chacon also emphasizes how important it is to pay attention to sunburns and seek a dermatologist when needed, as “skin cancer is the most common cancer in the world.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the majority of skin cancers are caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays, “an invisible kind of radiation that comes from the sun and tanning beds” that can even pass through clothing.Amy Kiser Schemper, MS, CPT, personal trainer and fitness instructor, uses her platform on social media to spread awareness about sun care and skin health. She has had five different melanomas (cancerous moles) removed.“I am a big advocate for sun protection, which I think is something people think about when they go to the beach or the pool, but not necessarily if they're working out outside,” she says. As someone who sees a dermatologist regularly—every three to six months—she also recommends her clients visit a doctor if something on their body looks suspicious.3. Post-Workout CleanseYou’re likely already washing your face post-gym, but allow this to serve as a reminder that it’s crucial to get all the sweat, dirt, and bacteria off your skin—even if you can’t see it. Dr. Gohara suggests cleaning the skin within a half hour of finishing a workout. “Think of sweat like salty ocean water: great for a swim, [but] not something you want lingering on your skin all afternoon,” she says. A gentle cleanser to wash everything off is optimal for protecting your skin barrier, she adds.Taking a few extra minutes to wash your face after a workout feels refreshing; and it can be even more advantageous in the long term. “Exercise challenges your body, but your skincare routine should help it recover,” Dr. Gohara says. “And after cleansing, apply a moisturizer to replenish hydration and support your skin barrier. Think of it as your skin's post-workout recovery shake.”Schemper carries wipes in her gym bag for moments when she might not have a chance to shower immediately. But she always makes sure to change out of her workout clothes first, and puts on dry clothing. “That way your body is not just sitting in that sweat,” she says.What to Look for in Skincare, Plus Products to TryJust like you’d wear wraps or gloves to protect your hands while boxing, you can also use certain products to support your skin during exercise. That said, choosing the right skincare can feel overwhelming, but here are some things to keep in mind:Star Skincare Ingredients If you struggle with ingrown hairs or acne, Dr. Gohara says that cleansers with salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can be helpful.Glycerin, ceramides, petrolatum as moisturizer, zinc oxide, and niacinamide are a few good ingredients to look for, as well as azelaic acid for dark spots, Dr. Chacon says. She adds that tretinoin has also shown positive anti-aging results, but can be an irritant for some people.La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser“Your cleanser doesn't need to leave your skin squeaky clean,” Dr. Gohara says, adding this La Roche-Posay cleanser is one of her favorites “because it cleans without leaving skin feeling tight.”Colorescience Sunforgettable Loose Mineral Sunscreen Brush SPF50Dr. Gohara says this SPF is great for outdoor fitness, even during a heatwave. “A sunscreen powder is an easy way to top up protection,” she says. It’s also a lightweight option for high intensity workouts.CeraVe Foaming Facial CleanserSchemper uses this cleanser as a lightweight and budget-friendly face wash after a workout. “It’s easy to get on and off, and doesn’t feel super heavy,” she adds.CeraVe Hydrating Mineral SunscreeNow 13% OffAfter a workout, Schemper uses this tinted sunscreen to stay moisturized and protected from the sun for the rest of the day.Neutrogena Facial Cleansing Makeup Remover WipesNow 29% Off“A lot of times, I'll do a workout and then I have to jump into a work meeting,” Schemper says. When she isn’t able to get to a shower right away, she uses these Neutrogena wipes to remove sweat all over her body—especially in areas like the armpits and under the sports bra.Ingredients to AvoidDr. Chacon says to avoid using anything that your skin is allergic to, like certain preservatives, cinnamaldehydes—a fragrance ingredient used in some cleansers—and metals like nickel and gold that can be commonly found in cosmetics. “You want to be oil-free and non-comedogenic,” she says, which means the product should not clog your pores.To help narrow down your options, here are a few expert-recommended skincare products worth keeping at home (or in your gym bag), so you can always be ready to work up a sweat.Skin Hygiene and Safety in the GymGood hygiene in fitness doesn’t just include the face—it actually starts with the hands, which can touch numerous surfaces, like weights, mats, and machines in the gym.“The biggest thing that people overlook is how disgusting the communal equipment is, and how there’s literally millions of bacteria,” Dr. Gohara says. While cleaning your face is essential when dealing with sweat, acne, and ingrown hairs, “washing your hands is [also] really important,” she adds.The same infectious bacteria found on toilet handles can also be found on dumbbells, treadmills, and leg press machines in the gym, according to one often-referenced (albeit decade-old) 2014 study. Cleaning machines before and after use and washing your hands after you workout can help you stay safe and prevent the spread of germs, Dr. Gohara says.One more common gym skincare culprit: rashes and bumps from fabric friction, often caused by working out without undergarments. “Team underwear or team commando, there's no wrong answer,” says Gohara. But, “if your leggings are working overtime and you're noticing friction bumps or ingrown hairs, adding a breathable, moisture-wicking layer can sometimes help.”The Link Between Exercise and Skin HealthWhile, yes, various elements of working out can wreak havoc on the skin—it’s worth noting that exercise itself can actually support your overall skin health, too.“We know what exercise does for muscles, bones, and longevity—but it also really has a lot of skin benefits,” Schemper says. She points to studies that link resistance training with skin elasticity and anti-aging properties.The skin can respond to high cortisol and stress levels, Dr. Gohara says, and exercise can reduce inflammation to bring those levels down. Regular physical activity can also “improve circulation and skin metabolism, strengthen the immune system, enhance moisturizing functions, reduce stress, and inhibit oxidative stress,” per a review from the Journal of Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology.That’s why it’s critical to prioritize exercise—not only in the name of longevity and strength, but also for the sake of your skin. And, combining a regular workout routine with a few extra pre- and post-workout skincare steps can help you maintain your skin health for years to come.Nia Watson is an editorial intern at Women’s Health. She completed her Master of Fine Arts degree in Journalism at New York University. She has written about chronic reproductive health conditions like endometriosis and nutrition for Rewire News Group and The 19th News, as well as about the food and beverage industry in NYC for AmNewYork. She loves starting her morning with yoga and coffee; and when she’s not writing, she enjoys wandering around Central Park.