Are you exercising with your makeup on?
Usually, that’s not a good idea. Working out in makeup can increase acne breakouts as well as cause other skin problems.
But maybe you cringe at the idea of going out in public without your makeup. Most of us do! So then how can you take care of your skin while still feeling confident?
What Exercising with Makeup Does to Your Skin
You put on your makeup and head to the gym feeling dynamite. You’re doing something good for yourself by keeping your exercise appointment. You work out, and while you’re pumping iron or putting in the miles on the treadmill, you can’t help but sweat.
That’s a good thing because it means you’re getting your heart rate up high enough to gain the health benefits of exercise.
Unfortunately, sweat also mixes with your makeup, and that isn’t good for your skin.
According to a study published in The Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, makeup on sweaty skin affects oil and sebum production and can lead to clogged pores.
The scientists had participants work out while half their faces were covered in makeup and the other half, not. The good news is that during exercise, skin moisture levels and elasticity improved—a sign that exercise is a good way to keep skin looking youthful.
The bad news was that the makeup created negative effects on the skin. Foundation cream reduced skin oil, causing dryness. That implies that if you use foundation while exercising on a daily or near-daily basis, you could be exacerbating the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Additionally, makeup clogged pores and increased sebum (skin oil) production. If you have acne-prone skin, wearing makeup during your workout could increase your breakouts.
When makeup sits on the skin, it traps sweat and oil, creating an environment conducive to acne. It also interferes with how your pores function, creating a sort of air-tight seal that prevents your skin from “breathing.” This is likely why skin can be drier in areas with foundation. If you have sensitive skin, it may increase irritation and redness.
What Exercising with Makeup Does to the Eyes
What about eyeshadow and mascara? Might you be okay wearing those?
You can try it, but realize that sweat can also cause eyeliner and mascara to smear and run. Not only will this look unattractive, but it can contribute to blockages and irritation. When the makeup mixes with sweat, it can cause inflammation as well in the thin skin around the eye.
You’re likely to want to wipe those smears and sweat away, which can spread the makeup around while introducing bacteria to the skin. You may end up with dryness around your eyes or even milia under your eyes. These are small white bumps that occur when dead skin cells get trapped under the surface of your skin.
Exercising with Makeup: Can You Look Good Without It?
If you’re feeling a little anxious about going to the gym without makeup, we’ve got some tips for you.
Well moisturized skin can help blur imperfections, reduce the look of pores, and even make skin look healthy, youthful and radiant. Choose products that are breathable and healthy for you and your skin.
1. Start with a healthy skincare routine.
This may go without saying, but it’s the most important step to take. Treat yourself by adopting a twice-daily routine that includes a gentle cleanser, non-alcoholic toner, and quality moisturizer that gives your skin the nutrients it needs to look its best.
Staying consistent with this routine will help you enjoy healthier-looking skin over time. It will also help you delay the effects of aging so that you always appear youthful.
We recommend using our Rescue + Relief Spray as your toner. It contains no alcohol, but it does have natural anti-inflammatory ingredients that zap redness and calm the skin. Pop a mini size in your purse and spritz during a workout to keep you refreshed. It can cool and calm flushed looking skin.
This multitasking product also doubles as a post-workout spray, pulling heat away from the skin. It has the ability to balance skin, adding oil free moisture so you emerge from your workout looking great. It’s excellent for all skin types from oily, acne-prone, to extremely dry and everything in between. If you are prone to rosacea or eczema, this will help the skin calm while keeping outbreaks at bay.
Choose a breathable moisturizer, like our Calming Moisture. Apply it after Rescue & Relief Spray. It’s full of powerful antioxidants that keep skin nourished, while calming inflammation and helping to restore the skin barrier. It gives you a natural, fresh-faced glow and keeps the skin healthy without clogging pores. Apply some right before you head to the gym for your best, vibrant look.
2. Regularly exfoliate.
Regularly exfoliating keeps your skin looking fresh. Without it, dead skin cells can accumulate on the top layer, creating a dull and lackluster appearance. Do be careful not to overdo it. If your skin starts to break out or show redness and irritation, back off.
Most skin types do well exfoliating once or twice a week with a gentle product that includes salicylic, acid, lactic, and malic acids. Avoid scrubbing products as they can make microtears in the skin that then collect bacteria.
2. Shape your brows.
Having well-shaped, beautiful brows can help frame your no-makeup face in a flattering way. Regularly trimming the brows is a good idea. If you’re older and your brows are looking sparse, try encouraging growth with a natural hair-growth formula. There are many eyebrow growth serums out there that can help, though they usually take a few months to show results.
Use a little of our Restorative Skin Balm on your brows to tame any tiny hairs and keep them smooth while you’re working out. Finally, if you need a little tint, use a waterproof brand with a light touch, or consider eyebrow tinting. The effects usually last four to six weeks and help your brows look great without makeup.
3. Tend to your eyelashes.
As with your brows, daily care of your eyelashes can help them look great even without mascara. Try a daily brush-through serum that helps condition and protect the lashes. You can even use natural coconut or jojoba oil before bed to do the trick.
If you still feel you need more, use a waterproof mascara that won’t run. Otherwise, when you sweat and wipe your eyes, you’ll smear it. Try a few until you find one that works for you. You can also try a lash tint if you need one. It can help open up your eyes and make you feel more confident going without mascara.
4. Plump up your lips.
Regular care of your lips will go a long way toward making them look great without makeup. We suggest applying our Restorative Skin Balm every night before bed to help heal any cracks and prevent chapping. You can also dab a little on your lips before working out to keep them looking moist and healthy.
It also helps to exfoliate your lips once a week or so, particularly if you’re noticing dryness. You can use your toothbrush, a washcloth, or a gentle sugar scrub.
Then, if you want a hint of color during your workout, try a lip tint that gently stains the lips so that when you lick them or wipe your face, you won’t wipe it away.
5. Skip the foundation.
It’s best for your skin if you can skip colored products on your face entirely. If you’re not ready for that step, try a tinted moisturizer or BB cream. Make sure it has clean ingredients, as you don’t want anything on your face that is going to clog your pores or create inflammation. Then apply lightly for a nice glow without the drying effects.
After Your Workout, Always Cleanse Your Skin!
No matter whether you wear a little makeup or not, always cleanse your skin after your workout. If you don’t have time for a shower or to wash your face in the skin, take along some clean makeup wipes to do the job.
Cleanse, tone, and moisturize before heading back into your day. That way, your skin will be able to enjoy all the benefits of exercise without exhibiting any problems later on.
Can you go to the gym without makeup and feel confident?
Featured image by Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels.