Maintaining a heathy lifestyle can come with a price. Not only is an hour long sweat session taxing on your muscles, but on your skin as well. All that sweat can lead to breakouts and other skin conditions that can be truly frustrating. That's why we reached out to Dr. Leslie Baumann, a board-certified dermatologist, bestselling writer, media personality and sought-after lecturer.Dr. Leslie Baumann founded Baumann Dermatology & Research Institute in 1997, and it has since become internationally known for being at the forefront of skin science thanks to its commitment to clinically proven treatments and procedures. Her research has been instrumental in the FDA approval of Kybella, Botox, Dysport, Voluma, Sculptra, Juvéderm, Tri-Luma and other groundbreaking drugs and treatments. She is a Fellow of the prestigious American Dermatological Association, member of the American Academy of Dermatology and board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology.Here are Dr. Leslie Baumann's 7 skin care tips before, during and after your workout.Ditch the makeupNot only does full-on foundation look silly when you’re working out, body heat causes pores to dilate and prompts your skin to produce extra oil. With makeup in the mix, you have a recipe for acne. Wash your face with a salicylic acid cleanser before you work out to clear pores of makeup and debris that can cause acne when combined with sweat and bacteria. If possible, do not wear foundation or color cosmetics when you exercise. And always wash your face again after exercisingDon’t forget the sunscreenIf going for a run or doing any physical activity outdoors, don’t forget the sunscreen. You don’t need extra moisturizer because your sunscreen and natural oils produced during exercise will hydrate your skin. If you are in a very dry or cold climate or will be subjected to cold wind, you should apply moisturizer over or under your sunscreen. Moisturizer can create a barrier that protects your skin from the potentially irritating salt in your perspiration and can protect your skin from the cold air. If you are in very harsh conditions such as skiing in very cold weather, applying a layer of safflower oil, argan oil or Aquaphor over your skin will protect it.Mist is your friendIf you have rosacea, apply an anti-inflammatory mist followed by a moisturizer before your workout. A thermal spring water mist (found at most drugstores) can help prevent and alleviate redness thanks to anti-inflammatory minerals.Know your skin typeIf your sensitive skin gets red and irritated after exercising, wash with an anti-inflammatory cleanser immediately after working out. You can also use a cream that contains caffeine such as Replenix Power of Three to help blood vessels constrict to counteract the flushing. If you have dry skin, PAORR 100% Organic Moroccan Argan Oil is a wonderful antioxidant-rich post-workout moisturizer (but don’t use it before the gym as it can potentially clog pores).Ingredients to avoidAlthough some skin types can benefit from moisturizer before exercising, there are certain ingredients to avoid, since they can lead to stinging and irritation, especially when you break a sweat. Glycolic acid, retinoids and vitamin C are the main offenders, and you should save these for nighttime or days you skip the gym so your skin can reap the maximum benefits. Avoid hair conditioners with isopropyl myristate because sweat can make the hair product drip on your skin and this ingredient is well known to cause acne.Avoiding infectionFoot fungus, herpes and warts are often transmitted in gyms. Washing your hands and body with GCP Skincare Cleanser prior to and after exercise will help protect it from these infections. Wear flip flops in the gym shower to decrease your risk of getting plantar warts and foot fungus that thrive in these warm, moist environments.Clothes can be your enemyRemove sweaty clothing as soon as you can. Wearing dry-fit and lightweight cotton will help prevent heat rash. If you get a rash from your sports bra or underwear, it can be due to the elastic band that becomes allergenic after multiple washings. Throw old sports bras and underwear away because newer pairs will not cause this irritation.Exercise is good for body—and your skin on many levels. Simply following these precautions can help prevent skin problems, so you can look and feel your best.
