Whilst we may want to look our best even whilst at the gym it may not be a good idea to work out with a full face of make up on. A bit of eyeliner is one thing and may attract the cute guy working out next to you but what does a full face of foundation do to your skin during those gym sessions?
Well, Dr Preethi Daniel, Medical Director of London Doctors Clinic explains:
Exercise promotes circulation. It opens the blood vessels near the surface of your skin and causes you to sweat. This only helps you cool down but it also helps push impurities out of your skin. Now imagine some foundation, setting powder, blush and some contour is covering all of these sweat glands.
Gross right?
Sweat and natural skin oils can clog these pores and cause overgrowth of bugs such as P. Acne causing spots. What’s even worse is when these sweat pores open, anything sat on the surface such as day old makeup and city pollution particles also clog them up and cause breakouts!
Furthermore, heat rash or miliaria which are small itchy bumps on the skin can develop from not letting your skin breath. Sweat needs to evaporate off the body, cooling it and lifting impurities. By not allowing this you have more of a chance of developing these small itchy bumps.
It is always best to wipe makeup off with a wipe or even better to wipe it off with some micellar water on a cotton pad to remove last of those impurities before working out. You should shower or wash your face after working out to clean any sweat and dirty gym gear residue (shudder, think of those mats!) of your face as soon as you are done at the gym.
Clay masks are excellent for deep cleansing your skin whilst also helping tighten up and lift up. Products contains salicylic acid are natural anti inflammatories and could be useful for breakouts but it’s always best to check with your doctor before using medicated products. Do exfoliate regularly and for a quick DIY recipe, try whizzing papaya with honey for natural cleansing, exfoliating, toning and moisturising all in one.
Happy exercising!
