5 Secrets to Banishing Post-Workout Breakouts

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Rigorous sweat sessions can often be a double-edged sword: While workouts do wonders for our bodies, they can wreak havoc on our skin.

We’re more susceptible to breakouts after hitting the gym due to the clogging of pores that occurs after sweating. Not exactly that “healthy glow” you were going for, huh?

Well, the good news is that there are some easy ways to stay “skin-sational” this spring. Dr. Ronald Moy, a board-certified dermatologist and one of the leading cosmetic and facial plastic surgeons in Los Angeles, has five tips for keeping both your complexion and your body in peak condition.

1. Keep it simple

Ladies, it’s a treadmill not a runway, so leave the heavy artillery at home. Slathering on a thick layer of makeup will only mix with sweat and get stuck in pores, increasing your chances of blackheads and cystic bumps.

2. Refrain from touching

You pick up a veritable smorgasbord of bacteria every time you grab dumbbells, grasp treadmill handrails or manhandle that elliptical control panel. Keep hands away from your face, and you’ll not only help prevent potential breakouts, but also avoid that nasty virus making its way around town.

3. Remember to cleanse

Even if you’re in a hurry, don’t skip this step. “Cleansing can help prevent some clogging of pores,” says Dr. Moy, who recommends products that contain a mild glycolic acid coupled with naturally-derived, sulfate-free cleansing agents to remove dead skin cells and de-gunk pores, respectively.

4. Brush it off

Exfoliating ensures there’s no dead skin lingering around to clog up pores. Try a gentle scrub, or invest in a face brush, which utilizes a sonic frequency to clean skin and remove more makeup, dirt and oil than manual cleansing alone.

5. Hydrate, inside and out

The body loses water through sweat, so it’s important to replace lost fluids throughout the day to keep skin soft and supple. And don’t forget to moisturize every morning and evening — not only can it soothe irritation and help keep wrinkles at bay, but it also wards off excessive dryness, which keeps your oil glands from going into overdrive.

What’s your post-workout skincare routine? 

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