Do you exercise with your makeup?
Usually, this is not a good idea. Exercising in makeup can increase acne breakouts as well as cause other skin problems.
But you might cringe at the idea of going out in public without your makeup on. Most of us do! So 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 hit the gym feeling like dynamite. Do yourself a favor by keeping your exercise appointment. You’re working out, and while you’re pumping iron or logging miles on the treadmill, you can’t help but sweat.
This is good because it means you’re getting your heart rate up high enough to reap the health benefits of exercise.
Unfortunately, sweat also mixes with your makeup and that’s not good for your skin.
According to a study published in The Journal of Cosmetic Dermatologymakeup on sweaty skin affects oil and sebum production and can lead to clogged pores.
The scientists had the participants exercise while half their faces were covered in makeup and the other half were not. The good news is that during exercise, the skin’s moisture and elasticity levels improved – a sign that exercise is a good way to keep your skin looking young.
The bad news was that the makeup created negative effects on the skin. Cream foundation reduced oily skin, causing dryness. This means that if you use foundation while exercising on a daily or near-daily basis, you could be worsening 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 work, creating a kind of airtight seal that prevents your skin from “breathing.” This is likely why the skin may be drier in areas with foundation. If you have sensitive skin, it can increase irritation and redness.
What exercise does with eye makeup
What about eyeshadow and mascara? Can you be ok to wear them?
You can try it, but be aware that sweat can also make eyeliner and mascara smudge and run. This will not only look unattractive, but can contribute to blockages and irritations. When makeup mixes with sweat, it can also cause inflammation in the delicate skin around the eyes.
You’ll likely want to wipe away those smudges and sweat, which can spread 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 appear 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 nervous about hitting the gym without makeup, we’ve got some tips for you.
Well-hydrated skin can help blur blemishes, reduce the appearance of pores, and even make skin look healthy, youthful, and glowing. Choose products that breathe and are 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 you need to take. Pamper yourself by adopting a twice-daily routine that includes a gentle cleanser, alcohol-free 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 skin over time. It will also help you delay the effects of aging so you will always look young.
We recommend using the Rescue + Relief Spray as your tonic. It does not contain alcohol, but has natural anti-inflammatory ingredients that eliminate redness and calm the skin. Pop a mini size in your bag and spray during a workout to refresh you. It can cool and soothe reddened skin.
This multitasking product doubles as a post-workout spray, drawing heat away from the skin. It has the ability to balance the skin, adding moisture without greasiness, so you come out of your workout looking great. It’s great for all skin types from oily, acne-prone to extremely dry and everything in between. If you’re prone to rosacea or eczema, this will help calm skin while keeping breakouts at bay.
Choose a breathable moisturizer like our Calming Moisture. Apply after Rescue & Relief Spray. It’s full of powerful antioxidants that keep the skin nourished, while calming inflammation and helping to restore the skin barrier. It gives you a natural, fresh glow and keeps skin healthy without clogging pores. Apply just before hitting the gym for your best, vibrant look.
2. Exfoliate regularly.
Regular exfoliation keeps your skin fresh. Without it, dead skin cells can build up on the top layer, creating a dull and lackluster appearance. Be careful not to overdo it. If your skin starts to break out or develop redness and irritation, back off.
Most skin types exfoliate once or twice a week with a gentle product that includes salicylic acid, lactic acid, and malic acid. Avoid rubbing the products as they can create micro-tears in the skin which then collect bacteria.
2. Shape your eyebrows.
Having well-shaped, beautiful eyebrows can help you frame your makeup-free face in a flattering way. Trimming your eyebrows regularly is a good idea. If you’re older and your brows look sparse, try encouraging growth with a natural hair growth formula. There are many eyebrow growth serums out there that can help, although they usually take a few months to show results.
Use a dab of Restorative Skin Balm on your brows to tame any tiny hairs and keep them smooth while you work out. Finally, if you need a little tint, use a waterproof brand with a light touch or consider tinting your brows. The effects usually last four to six weeks and help your brows look great without makeup.
3. Take care of your eyelashes.
As with your brows, daily care of your lashes can help them look great even without mascara. Try a daily brushing serum that helps condition and protect lashes. You can even use natural coconut or jojoba oil before bed to do the trick.
If you still feel like you need more, use a waterproof mascara that doesn’t run. Otherwise, when you sweat and wipe your eyes, you will stain it. Try a few until you find what works for you. You can also try an eyelash tint if you need. It can help open up your eyes and make you feel more confident without mascara.
4. Fill in your lips.
Taking care of your lips regularly will go a long way in making them look great without makeup. We recommend applying Restorative Skin Balm every night before bed to heal any cracks and prevent breakouts. You can also dab some on your lips before exercising to keep them moist and healthy.
It also helps to exfoliate your lips once a week or so, especially if you notice dryness. You can use your toothbrush, a towel, or a gentle scrub with sugar.
Then, if you want a hint of color during your workout, try a lip tint that gently smudges the lips so that when you lick them or wipe your face, you don’t smudge them.
5. Skip the foundation.
It’s better for your skin if you can skip colored products on your face altogether. If you’re not ready for this step, try a tinted moisturizer or BB cream. Make sure it has clean ingredients, as you don’t want anything on your face that will clog your pores or create inflammation. Then apply lightly for a nice shine without the drying effects.
After your workout, always clean your skin!
Regardless of whether you wear a little makeup or not, always cleanse your skin after your workout. If you don’t have time to shower or wash your face with leather, bring along some clean makeup wipes to do the job.
Cleanse, tone and hydrate before returning to your day. This way, your skin will be able to enjoy all the benefits of exercise without any problems later on.
Can you go to the gym without makeup and feel confident?
Featured image by Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels.
