6 Must-Dos for Protecting Your Skin Before and After Working Out

Now that you know just what exercise can do for your complexion, you’ll want to maintain the skin-care habits that prevent acne, improve hydration, and reduce irritation and damage. We talked to two dermatologists about what you need to do to prep your skin before and after exercise. Going that extra mile — in the gym or with your skin — can help turn back the clock and keep your complexion glowing.

1. Before You Break a Sweat, Don’t Forget to Apply Sunscreen

If you’re going outside, put on a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30, says Deirdre Hooper, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Audubon Dermatology in New Orleans and an associate clinical professor in the department of dermatology at Louisiana State University and Tulane University. Make sure you choose a noncomedogenic formula that won't clog your pores.

This advice applies even if you’re working out inside at a gym with windows that let light in. “Anytime there’s visible light, you’re exposed to some part of the electromagnetic spectrum,” Dr. Hooper says. “Growing evidence is showing that all light is important when it comes to skin damage and aging.”

Apply it to your face, ears, throat, chest, and the back of your neck. The last is the spot most people forget, and these folks may be surprised when they see signs of aging, like discoloration, appear in their late thirties and forties, Hooper says.

2. Believe It or Not, There’s No Need to Wash Off Makeup Pre–Sweat Sesh

This may come as a shock, but Hooper says it’s okay to skip washing your face before a workout. “You’ll sweat and it’ll get a little messy, but it’s not bad to have makeup on your face during exercise,” she says. That means it’s totally fine to schedule a lunchtime workout and head straight for the treadmill.

But one thing you don’t want on your face as you suit up to sweat is a heavy moisturizer. “Some moisturizers put a barrier on skin that prevents the evaporation of water,” says Charisse Dolitsky, MD, a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Long Island, New York. Not only is there a pore-clogging concern, but it’s the evaporation of sweat that cools you down. So if you’re tempted to add more moisturizer before working out, don’t.

3. After You Exercise, Hit the Showers to Wipe Away All the Sweat

Now that athleisure is a thing, it’s socially acceptable to sport the leggings you wore at the gym while you're out running errands or to breakfast later. Not so fast. “Sweating creates a warm and wet environment for bacteria to grow,” says Hooper.

As a rule, always change into new clothes. If acne remains after you adopt these habits, it’s time to see a dermatologist, who may recommend stronger prescription options to clear your skin.

4. If Nothing Else, Be Sure to Wash Your Face Post-Workout

If you’re not showering at the gym, at the very least clean your face before you pack up and leave. Avoid harsh washes and opt for a gentle or mild cleanser, Dr. Dolitsky says.

A facial wipe can be used in a pinch if you’re running out the door. If you’re acne-prone, a wipe with salicylic acid can prevent plugged pores that lead to pimples, she says.

Next, top with a lightweight moisturizer to help your skin retain water.

5. Apply a Tinted Sunscreen When You’re Done Washing Off

Yes, you’ve heard over and over again that you should use sunscreen. Dermatologists are unanimous that this practice is critical for the future health of your skin. Sunscreen guards against the UV rays that degrade collagen, the proteins in skin that keep it springy and line-free.

If your workout makes you break a sweat, this step is all the more important. “If you sweat, the sunscreen you applied prior to your workout is now gone,” says Hooper.

6. Just as You Let Your Muscles Relax After Exercise, You’ll Want to Cool Down Your Skin

You know you need to cool down your muscles after exercise by walking or stretching, and your face needs a break, too. “Heat can damage the skin by inhibiting its restorative processes,” Dolitsky says.

You’re protecting your complexion from the sun's UV light damage, and you should guard it against heat energy, too. This is especially important after prolonged heat exposure, such as a hot yoga class, Dolitsky says.

Luckily, it’s relatively easy. Simply wash your face with cool water if you’re on the go, or apply a cooling mask at home.

The Takeaway

• Exercise not only benefits your muscles; it also improves your skin's health.
• Studies show that activities like endurance and high-intensity aerobic training can reduce signs of aging and enhance your overall complexion.
• Whether you work out at a gym or exercise outdoors, always remember to moisturize, protect your skin with noncomedogenic sunscreen, and refresh it afterward with cool water.