Your Simple Skincare Routine for Before and After the Gym

An active lifestyle is an important part of maintaining our health, and for many of us, that means regular visits to the gym. Working out helps ease physical ailments and can even improve your mood, but how does it affect your skin concerns?

While exercise can benefit your skin, it’s important to not neglect taking the time to keep it clean before and after a workout. If that seems impossible, we guarantee it’s easier than you think with these simple skincare routine tips.

Should I Wash My Face Before Working Out?

A lot of us squeeze workouts into a schedule that’s already jam-packed, which means stopping at the gym on the way to work, heading there right after work, or even working out during your lunch break (when what you really want is French fries). You may be wondering if it’s safe to work out when you have makeup on, or if you should remove it with your handy makeup remover wipes before exercise. Good questions!

In general, it’s best to take off your makeup before you hit the elliptical. Mascara and eyeliners can cause eye irritation if they run into your eyes, whereas foundation and powder can clog your pores after mixing with your sweat.

Sometimes even the most tenacious makeup is challenged by an intense sweat session or several laps in the pool, so it’s a good idea to remove it first. One eco-conscious alternative to disposable wipes are Paula’s Choice Reusable Cotton Rounds. These 10 soft, durable cotton rounds can be washed and reused over and over again, making them perfect for your gym bag.

Simply saturate a round with your preferred makeup remover (especially for eye makeup) or liquid skincare product, gently swipe across your face and neck, and you’re ready to work out with a clean, fresh face. After use, toss the rounds into the included mesh bag and wash them on the gentle cycle.

When they eventually reach the end of their lifespan, the bamboo-cotton blend is fully compostable, so you can refresh your routine without creating waste.

What About Washing My Face After My Workout?

One of the best parts of hitting the gym is that relaxing post-workout shower. But, just because you don’t have time for a full shower doesn’t mean your facial skin needs to suffer!

If there’s one key product you need to bring along to the gym, it’s definitely a good facial cleanser. This ensures that your facial skin is properly cleaned of any sweat, helping you to avoid clogged pores, breakouts, and other common skin concerns.

Here’s how to use it as part of your post-workout skincare routine:

• Pack along your favourite facial cleanser, it can be gel or foaming, so long as you feel confident in its ability to leave your face feeling clean and refreshed!)
• Run through a quick, purposeful routine at the sink
• After splashing your face with lukewarm water (not hot), use a small amount of cleanser and gently massage it into your skin in a circular motion for 20–30 seconds
• When you’re done, rinse thoroughly, then pat your skin dry with a soft towel—stash this in your bag, too.

Learn more about different types of facial cleansers.

Shop our best-selling facial cleansers online at Paula's Choice Skincare Singapore.