So many of us can’t live without our Muay Thai sessions and yoga classes because of how strong, happy, and confident they make us feel. It’s a well-known fact that exercise has many health benefits, but how is our skin affected by our favorite physical activities? It turns out that exercising can cause redness, acne, and dehydrated skin. And, just like your muscles, your skin also needs to recover. That’s why we’re here with products, tips, and treatments that will help keep your skin healthy and clean, no matter which workouts you love. Read on to find helpful info targeted to your favorite sweat sesh.
HIIT/Cardio
If you’re a fan of cardio or HIIT workouts, you’re probably used to a fair amount of sweat. You may also know that letting sweat stay on your skin for too long can lead to itchiness and inflammation. But did you know that higher body temperatures (like the ones you may reach during a kickass combo at Hit House) can cause your blood vessels to dilate? This can lead to redness.
If you’re sick of being super flushed post-workout, you might want to try Skin Spa New York’s anti-inflammatory Laser Genesis Treatment. This preventative and corrective treatment can also help diminish fine lines and wrinkles by kickstarting your collagen production. Expect to leave with skin that’s plumper, firmer, and more youthful. If those benefits weren’t enough, this treatment can also help with any active acne.
Another treatment you might want to try is a facial with lots of skin massaging. Katie Werbowski, the director of Skin Spa New York, recommends a facial where creams or serums are massaged into your skin with a circular motion. This movement brings fresh blood and new nutrients to your skin cells, giving you an instant glow and helping to deflate puffiness.
Lastly, for a solution you can try at home, consider buying your very own face roller. Keep it in the fridge and roll it on your face to help calm down irritated skin (bonus: the coldness feels amaaaaazing post-cardio).
Swimming
If doing laps at the Y is more your speed, it’s likely that your skin is dehydrated. Pool chemicals can really affect your skin, drawing out natural oils and breaking down your skin’s protective layer. This can make it easier for moisture to escape.
Sound like you? You may want to try a hydrating facial, like Skin Spa New York’s OxyTrio Facial. In this treatment, the stimulating power of oxygen can help hydrate your skin while minimizing fine lines and wrinkles. Expect to emerge with revitalized skin, and swim away happily knowing your skin now has an increased ability to absorb vitamins A, C, and E, plus other nutrients.
For an at-home fix for thirsty skin, try products with hyaluronic acid, which acts like a sponge to pull moisture in. Incorporating this chemical into your routine will help protect your skin, providing the perfect balance to your aquarian tendencies.
Hot Yoga/Pilates
More of a hot yoga or pilates person? Well, steamy studios (we miss you, y7!) can cause your pores to open up, which makes them appear larger.
While you may think sweat is the main culprit for acne after a hot yoga sesh, it’s more likely to be other environmental factors. First off, sweaty skin creates the ideal moist environment for bacteria. This means the dirt and bacteria on your towels and hands can find its way into your newly opened pores. Plus, if your exercise glow also comes from piling on foundation and highlighter, you could see increased acne after a sweat sesh.
If you’re having problems with acne or oiliness, it may be time to try Skin Spa New York’s Power Peel. Power Peels exfoliate your skin to reveal your freshest face without abrasion or down time. Not only will they help prevent clogged pores, Skin Spa New York’s Power Peels loosen the top layer of the dermis, promote cell renewal, reduce fine lines, minimize the appearance of pores, and even out skin tone. This treatment is perfect if you’re struggling with acne, or if you just have an oily skin type.
Looking for another way to fight exercise-related breakouts? Try using a Salicylic acid cleanser, which dissolves oil and dead cells. This strategy works best if you’re able to wash your face thoroughly right after working out. This will help get the debris out of your pores and prevent future acne.
What if you just worked out and you can’t make it to the spa? Luckily, our favorite Thom Elzner Complexion Treatment Pads fit right in your gym bag. The pads are designed to reveal your own healthy, glowy skin. How do they work? Well, they contain glycolic acid and salicylic acid, which together exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin’s surface. Plus, soothing aloe leaf extract nourishes your skin while keeping it balanced, radiant, and ready for your skincare routine.
Lastly, laser hair removal can make your locker room experience that much quicker and more comfortable. Are you tired of shaving and waxing? Would you like to avoid razor bumps and ingrown hairs? Laser Hair Removal does all that and more. Skin Spa New York can help you get rid of hair permanently with a spa laser treatment.
Fortunately, it’s not all bad skin news for fitness lovers! Exercising can also help bring oxygen and nutrients to your skin, helping you achieve a true post-movement glow. Even if you don’t have time to squeeze in a sweat sesh, there’s a hack that can bring similar benefits to your skin. Try getting upside down in a handstand or forward fold. You’ll be amazed at the immediate lift and over time, the circulation in your face will be even better.
No matter your preferred way to work out (even if it’s JetSweat vids and IG Lives in your living room for the foreseeable) you can help protect your skin. For all of us that depend on movement during these stressful times, this should come as welcome news.
Maggie Norsworthy is a writer, editor, and writing coach based in Jersey City. Her favorite exercise is running and her favorite color is orange. Find out more at maggienorsworthy.com.
