The benefits of exercising/sweating on the skin
First, let’s simplify the science behind it: Sweating is a natural body response which helps to cool the skin when exercising, regulating your body temperature.
Staying active is essential for stress relief. When exercising the heart starts pumping faster, stimulating oxygen flow and helping to boost serotonin. This boost helps balance stress, one of the main causes of breakouts.
Exercising also helps boost those feel-good endorphins and reduces the negative effects of stress, which could over time cause fine lines and wrinkles. Think ‘happy mind, happy skin’.
The water hydrates the skin, whilst the salt naturally exfoliates it, helping to release bacteria and oil onto the skin surface.
However, sweat is not always good for the skin
Sweating releases sebum oil onto the skin surface and if not washed away, when it is sat on the skin for too long it can clog pores, causing blemishes and breakouts.
Do we sweat when we swim?
In short, yes. When you’re working hard, even in water, you will sweat. However, while swimming you will sweat less than other high-intensity activities on land, this is because the water will cool your body. Also, it washes the sweat away quickly, meaning sweating can often go unnoticed.
But what does this mean for skin?
Chlorine and salt water can take its toll on the skin, causing it to feel dry and tight, disturbing the skin barrier and stripping it of its natural oils. Because of this, be sure to stay hydrated inside and out.
What came first, the skincare or the workout?
Ensure you start your workout with clean skin to allow it to breathe, this will remove impurities sat on the skin before exercising, preventing irritation.
Again, wash your skin after exercise to remove excess oil, preventing breakouts and blemishes.
Remember, beauty comes from within. It’s important to drink lots of water to rehydrate the skin after a workout.
Apply your skincare after exercise so it can be more easily absorbed with maximum time to work its magic. After drinking, use a moisturiser to lock in hydrations. We love Wǒ Skincare’s product range (try their Skin Diagnostic to see what personalised routine they recommend for you) and they understand that your time is precious, their Daily Bases replace your make-up remover, cleanser and moisturiser, making your complicated routine just 1 simple step!
Wǒ’s top tips when it comes to exercising and your skin:
If you’re exercising outside in the open water, ensure you wear SPF to prevent sun damage. Sun exposure can make the skin dull and dry and over time it can cause fine lines and wrinkles. To learn more about the impacts of sun exposure on the skin, their sun awareness blog has some great advice.
Clean towel, clean skin. Use a freshly washed towel every time you workout to prevent bacteria being transferred onto your face.
Why not take your skincare with you to give it optimal time to do its job? Wǒ products come in single mono dose format so you can take your routine wherever you go with no waste or fuss.
If in a shared environment, clean your equipment before using it, they hold so much bacteria and we touch our faces 16 times per hour! Cleaning the workout space is essential to avoid bacteria getting on our skin.
What’s more confusing, building a workout or a skincare routine?
The quick 5 minute Skin Diagnostic considers your lifestyle including how you exercise. So that you don’t have to worry, your recommended solution will be tailored to the way you live.