The Post-Gym Skin-care Routine That Keeps My Skin Breakout Free
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I’ve been in the gym a couple times a week for almost three years. In the time since, my skin has seen lots of changes. I turned 30 and discovered that my chin and neck were places I could grow hair and that plucking said hairs could lead to stubborn hyperpigmentation. I went through bouts of hormonal chin acne and my skin being inexplicably dry for months on end. All that said, I’ve managed to keep my skin in a relatively good place despite sweating fairly often. I credit my post-gym skin-care routine, which is simple and consists of just a few key products.
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This is always my first step after I get home from the gym. I can be lazy about immediately washing my face when I get home, so this helps with reducing the chances of a breakout. The main ingredient in this is hypochlorous acid, an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredient. It’s well tolerated by pretty much everyone (including myself), so I can use this regardless of what condition my skin is in. I also spray it after cleansing on days my skin feels a bit sensitive, itchy, or irritated. It helps to calm things down and is soothing too.
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I’m a big believer in double-cleansing, especially post-sweating. It’s important to get my skin super clean after a workout — whenever I don’t, I notice my skin looks a bit duller and that I’m more prone to a breakout. I also don’t want to strip my skin in the process. I like to use this Bioderma micellar water with a cotton round to cleanse. It’s no-rinse, but I end up rinsing it away with my cleanser immediately after. I’ve also used this on its own if I’m in a rush or can’t do my full skin-care routine and find it’s an acceptable option in a pinch.
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Prequel Gleanser
Next, I go in with this hydrating cleanser from Prequel. I’ve sung the praises of this cleanser to anyone who will listen. When Iwrote about itlast year, I was six months into using it and said it was uncommonly moisturizing and effectively cleansed my skin. Seven months later, I still stand by that. I never want my skin to feel too dry, and this cleanser ensures that doesn’t happen. Another bonus is that it’s affordable — at sub-$20, I can’t think of a better option for the price point.
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My skin can be a bit finicky post-workout. I’ve found that moisturizers my skin generally likes under other circumstances can feel a bit itchy or stingy after the gym. That never happens with this moisturizer from Aestura, which has made fans of my fellow sensitive-skin Strat colleagues. It’s filled with ceramides and fatty acids, which help to support the skin barrier and has a nice, rich feel.
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My last step is sunscreen. This one from Beauty of Joseon is very lightweight and doesn’t feel heavy or greasy on top of skin. I like the ingredients — hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and panthenol, a blend that offers hydration, a little skin brightening, and a dewy finish.
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While the majority of my skin-care routine is face-focused, this anti-microbial body wash is an essential part of my body-care routine. I have hidradenitis suppurativa, a chronic inflammatory condition that causes deep cysts. It can be triggered by lots of things and is person-dependent, but I try to be diligent post-gym to ensure I don’t encourage any new cysts to form. I use this wash after every workout session, which helps to reduce bacterial load. It’s anti-microbial, antiseptic, and anti-bacterial, so it covers all the bases.
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