Sport and Skincare 101

• August 6, 2024

Feeling inspired by the Paris Games? 😊 Beauties, watching those incredible Olympic athletes in action has us all wondering how they manage to keep their skin looking so flawless while staying so active, especially the women! From rugby and track to gymnastics, their glowing complexions are as impressive as their athletic skills.

So, we asked Dr. Costi for some tips on how to keep your skin looking its best, just like the sporty pros. Here’s your guide to maintaining healthy skin before, during, and after exercise.

Why Skincare is Important for Athletes

Staying active is fantastic for your health, and that includes your skin. But when we exercise, we sweat—and while sweat can have benefits, it also requires special attention.

Sweat is your body’s natural cooling system, releasing salt, minerals, water, bacteria, oils, dirt, and impurities onto your skin. As it evaporates, it helps cool you down. But if left on the skin too long, sweat can clog pores, lead to breakouts, and exacerbate conditions like eczema and dermatitis.

Unique Challenges for Athletes’ Skin

Athletes face unique challenges when it comes to skincare. Prolonged periods of intense activity mean higher body temperatures, which can affect the skin in several ways:

– Sweat: Athletes need to be extra diligent about keeping their skin clean. Sweat can clog pores, leading to blemishes and allowing bacteria to flourish, which may result in rashes, acne, and inflammation.

– Acne: While common, acne can affect self-esteem and confidence. It’s usually caused by excess oil and dead skin cells. Using skincare products with natural ingredients can help reduce acne.

– Infections: Athletes, especially those in team sports, are at a higher risk for infections. Close contact in locker rooms or on the court can spread bacteria and fungi, increasing the risk of skin infections.

Athlete Skincare Routine Basics

Creating a skincare routine tailored for an active lifestyle is easier than you might think. Here are some key steps to include:

1. Cleanse Before and After Exercise: Make sure to cleanse your face both before and after workouts. This is crucial, especially if you wear makeup which can cause breakouts. Use cleansing wipes or a gentle cleanser to remove makeup before exercising and cleanse your face within five minutes after a workout to wash away sweat and grime.

For oily skin, try a cleanser with glycolic acid or charcoal.

 

For dry skin, opt for oil-based or nourishing cleansers with ceramides.

CeraVe smoothing cleanserSensitive skin? Look for soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile.

 

2. Soothe with Mist: After cleansing, use a soothing face mist with ingredients like rose or lavender to refresh your skin. It also helps to lock in hydration when applied before your moisturizer.

 

3. Minimize Sweat Time on Skin: Change out of sweaty clothes as soon as possible. But if you can’t, try to let your clothes dry to minimize sweat contact with your skin.

4.Exfoliate Regularly: Regular exfoliation helps remove the buildup of sweat and grime, keeping your skin smooth and fresh.

 

5. Finally, hydrate your skin with a lightweight moisturizer to replenish moisture lost during your workout like the La Roche-Posay Hydraphase. This lightweight texture is ideal for normal to combination skin and gives up to 72 hours of hydration, for plump and radiant skin.

 

6. Don’t forget sunscreen! Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 like the Bioderma Dry Touch which is specifically formulated for sweaty situations, for all skin types.

 

Beauties, following these simple steps will help keep your skin as radiant as you feel after a great workout! And remember, for personalized skincare advice tailored to your active lifestyle don’t hesitate to consult with Dr. Costi.