Regular sweating and the shifting of seasons can challenge your skin, leading to breakouts, clogged pores, and fluctuations in sebum production, resulting in dry or oily skin. This brings up the important questions of how to care for your skin throughout the year and which products are best suited for your needs, especially on those sweaty days.
Here, Leah Quinn, owner of Quinn & Co. Hair Studio in Raynham, MA, and a seasoned cosmetologist with over 25 years of experience, alongside Kim Schneckloth, RN Aesthetic Nurse Injector and Owner of Estheva Med Spa located within Quinn & Co. Hair Studio, share key insights for achieving vibrant, healthy skin every day, regardless of your activity level.
How to Care for Your Skin Before, During, and After the Gym
Quinn and Schneckloth offer their essential tips to keep your skin fresh, clean, and free from breakouts while maintaining your fitness routine.
Pack a Cleanser and Moisturizer in Your Gym Bag: When you sweat with unwashed hair and scalp, dirt can transfer to your face. Your scalp functions as an extension of your face, so using a dry shampoo on your scalp prior to your workout absorbs oils and sebum, minimizing transfer.
Use a Clarifying Shampoo Weekly: In the harsher winter months, applying a clarifying shampoo weekly can help exfoliate your scalp and the hairline area, which can become irritated and flaky, especially if you work out regularly.
Wash Your Face After Sweating: Ignoring this step can lead to clogged pores. Use a gentle cleanser alongside a clean towel for the best results.
Use a Fresh Towel to Wipe Your Face at the Gym: A clean towel minimizes the risk of transferring bacteria to your skin, which can cause issues.
Remove Makeup Before Working Out: Makeup can lead to clogged pores during exercise. If you feel you need some hydration, consider applying a light skin cream beforehand.
Avoid Touching Your Face After Gym Equipment: Be sure to wipe down equipment before use to reduce the potential transfer of bacteria to your hands and towel.
Skip Makeup Wipes: While they are designed to remove makeup, most wipes often contain fragrances and oils that don’t effectively eliminate dirt and oil. Having a gentle face wash, like ‘Vanicream Gentle Face Wash,’ ensures a quick, effective cleaning solution, particularly for sensitive skin. Quinn keeps Vanicream available for guests needing a gentle makeup removal before services. Always follow up with a light moisturizer and SPF after use.
Seasonal Skin Care Suggestions from the Experts
As seasons shift, your skin calls for different care strategies. Here, Quinn and Schneckloth outline how to maintain skin health year-round.
Spring and Summer:
- Opt for Lighter Products: Use lightweight, oil-free cleansers and creams.
- Increase Exfoliation: Exfoliating can be increased to twice a week if needed.
- Don’t Skip the SPF: Every season, sunscreen is essential for skin protection against sun damage.
Winter:
- Choose Gentle Products: Stick to gentle, hydrating cleansers and limit exfoliation.
- Use Rich Creams: Incorporate thick creams or butters to shield your skin. Quinn recommends Farm House Fresh products, known for their fresh microgreens that provide gentle yet effective care year-round.
- Maintain Hydration: A gentle cleanser is vital to prevent over-drying, which can easily occur during the colder months.
- Limit Exfoliation: Use exfoliants sparingly, ideally once a week, depending on your skin dryness.
- Incorporate Peptides: Select creams with peptides or ceramides for enhanced skin protection.
- Exfoliate: Consider using a face polish to remove dead skin cells periodically.
Essential Ingredients to Look For in a Skin Care Line
- Always look for Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, and Peptides. Products with SPF are crucial.
- Select all-natural, organic, hypoallergenic, and oil-free options containing hyaluronic acid.
Avoid These Ingredients for Optimal Results:
“The fewer ingredients, the better,” explains Quinn. Here’s her guide to identifying high-quality products:
- Choose products that are paraben-free and silicone-free.
- Introduce products with glycolic acid, AHA, or BHA carefully, as they can cause irritation.
- Consult with a skin professional before trying new skincare items.
- Prefer lightweight, oil-free moisturizers containing hyaluronic acid and sunscreens.
- If experiencing drier skin due to seasonal factors, consider thicker creams, being mindful of potential breakouts.
- Avoid thick oils and silicones that can lead to clogged pores. “Many products are available for gym enthusiasts. However, finding the right fit may require some trial and error,” remarks Quinn.
Final Reflections:
Connecting with a skincare professional can significantly enhance your skin’s health, both during and beyond gym sessions, and throughout various seasons. Each person’s skin reacts differently to climatic changes and sweat. With insights on hormonal influences and the most suitable products, a specialist can help improve your skin for the long term.
