An Easy Pre- and Post-Workout Skin-Care Routine

Whether you’re still doing at-home workout challenges or gyms have finally reopened in your area, we’re here to tell you that having a workout skin-care routine is important. That’s right — before you hit those burpees, it’s important to complete a pre-workout skin-care routine because working out with dirt, debris or even makeup on can wreak havoc on your skin. And a post-workout routine is equally as important because you’re likely all sweaty, which if left sitting on your skin can cause potential breakouts. That’s why we made a simple pre- and post-workout skin-care routine for your next sweat sesh. If you’re looking for new skin-care products, we’ve got you covered with recommendations from our parent company, L’Oréal.   

A Pre-Workout Skin-Care Routine

STEP 1: Cleanse and Remove Makeup With Micellar Water

Before you get your workout on, you’ll want to make sure that you start with a fresh, clean complexion — regardless of whether you have makeup on or not. One of our favorite ways to cleanse our complexion when we’re in a hurry to workout is with micellar water. Made with micelle technology, small, round cleaning molecules suspended in water that work together to attract and gently remove impurities on the skin’s surface. One of our favorite multitasking micellar waters to use before a sweaty workout is the Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-In-1 Waterproof. The bi-phase micellar water can not only lift away pore-clogging dirt and debris from the surface of your skin, but it can remove stubborn, waterproof makeup, too. 

STEP 2: Refresh With Facial Mist

One of our favorite (read: must-try) ways to refresh before a workout is with a little facial mist. We love facial mists to provide our skin with a boost of hydration and quickly nourish our complexions with beneficial ingredients. Try the Kiehl’s Cactus Flower & Tibetan Ginseng Hydrating Mist. This refreshing spray smells amazing, boosts hydration, improves the overall texture of your skin and leaves it feeling soft, smooth and refreshed. 

STEP 3: Hydrate With Moisturizer

The last step in your pre-workout skin-care routine should be to moisturize. When it comes to pre-workout moisturizers, we like to stick with something that is lightweight and absorbs quickly, such as the Vichy Aqualia Thermal Mineral Water Gel. Formulated with the brand’s exclusive Mineralizing Thermal Water, this mineral-rich moisturizer can boost the skin’s moisture barrier function and leave it feeling soft, soothed and hydrated.

STEP 4:  Apply SPF (OPTIONAL) 

If you plan on getting your fitness on outdoors, plan on applying (and reapplying) sunscreen to all exposed areas of your body. Sunscreen protection is one of the most important steps in any and all skin-care routines. For maximum protection, try the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Sunscreen with SPF 100. 

A Post-Workout Skin-Care Routine

STEP 1: Cleanse 

It’s super important to wash the sweat off of your face as soon as possible after your workout to avoid any blemishes or breakouts. Cleanse your face using the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, which is a gentle formula made for all skin types and effectively cleanses the skin without stripping it of its moisture. 

STEP 2: Exfoliate 

After you’ve cleansed, we recommend exfoliating to really ensure any lingering sweat, dirt and grime is completely removed from your complexion. We love the L'Oréal Paris Glycolic Acid Serum, which is a chemical exfoliant that gently dissolves dead surface skin cells for a smoother-looking complexion. If you prefer scrubs, the La Roche-Posay Ultra-Fine Face Scrub is gentle enough for all skin types, including sensitive, and works to purify your skin. 

STEP 3: Apply a Serum 

Whether you’re a skin-care minimalist and like to stick to the essentials or swear by your ten-step routine, we highly recommend using a facial serum post workout. It’s an extra step that helps to target your skin’s specific concerns while offering a bit of extra hydration. For example, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is formulated to reduce the appearance of large pores and acne scars. For a dry skin type, the Vichy Aqualia Thermal Face Serum is a refreshing, lightweight formula that provides long-lasting hydration while smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

STEP 4: Moisturize 

Finish off your routine by moisturizing your complexion. We love the Kiehl’s Pure Vitality Skin Renewing Cream, which is a lightweight, skin-renewing face cream that leaves your skin smooth, glowing and youthful-looking. Make sure to follow with a broad-spectrum if it’s daytime.

STEP 5: Don’t Forget Your Body

One of the most overlooked parts of any post-workout skin-care routine is your body. To avoid any chest or back acne, be sure to take a shower shortly after your workout to remove the sweat from your body. We recommend the CeraVe SA Body Wash, which is formulated with salicylic acid and niacinamide to gently cleanse and exfoliate without sacrificing the soft feel of your skin.  

Read More: 

Micellar Waters That’ll Beat Any Sweaty Summer Situation

7 Common Causes of Chest Acne and How to Treat It

I Swapped My Antiperspirant Deodorant for Anti-Odorant Wipes for a Month — Here’s What Happened