Staying active is essential for overall health, but did you know that exercise also has significant benefits for your skin? Regular physical activity increases circulation, promotes collagen production, and encourages naturally bright complexion. To reap the full benefits of exercise for skin, you have to counter potentially adverse effects of exercise such as sweating, friction, and oil buildup. In this guide, we break down the best pre- and post-workout skincare practices, explain the benefits of exercise for skin, and recommend the best products to keep your skin clear and healthy.

How Exercise Impacts Your Skin

Exercise is one of the most effective ways to maintain whole body health, but it also supports healthy, youthful skin. The increased blood flow delivers oxygen and nutrients to skin cells, supporting repair and renewal. There are some potential downsides if you neglect proper skincare before and after your workout. Sweat, dirt, and bacteria may clog pores, leading to breakouts. Dehydration can make skin appear dull and dry. The good news is that with the right skincare routine, you can maximize the benefits of exercise for skin while preventing common issues like acne, irritation, and moisture loss.

Benefits of Exercise for Your Skin

Some of the many ways that exercise benefits skin include:

  • • Increased blood circulation – exercise stimulates blood flow, ensuring oxygen and essential nutrients reach skin cells. This process enhances cell regeneration, giving a radiant post-workout glow.
  • • Detoxification – sweating acts as a natural detox, helping your body expel toxins and clear out pores. However, to prevent breakouts, washing your face immediately after working out is crucial.
  • • Boosts collagen production – collagen is vital for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. Regular exercise promotes collagen synthesis, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time.
  • • Reduces stress hormones – high cortisol levels trigger breakouts and inflammation. Exercise lowers the production of these stress hormones, helping to keep skin calm and clear.
  • • Regulates oil production – exercise regulates hormone levels that influence sebum (natural skin oil) production, reducing excessive oiliness that can lead to acne.
  • • Improved sleep and skin renewal – quality sleep allows skin to repair and rejuvenate. Since exercise improves sleep patterns, it indirectly contributes to a more even complexion and fewer dark circles.

Pre-Workout Skincare: What to Do Before Exercising

Your skincare routine before exercise is just as important as your post-workout skincare routine. Preparing your skin properly prevents clogged pores, excessive dryness, and skin irritation.

Use This:

  • • Gentle, lightweight cleanser – remove dirt and excess oil before sweating, ensuring pores stay clear.
  • • Lightweight, oil-free moisturizer – maintain hydrated skin without clogging pores or feeling heavy.
  • • Water-resistant sunscreen (SPF 30+ if outdoors) – shield skin from harmful UV rays during outdoor workouts.
  • • Lip balm with SPF – protect lips from sunburn and dryness, preventing chapping.

Avoid This:

  • • Heavy makeup – can mix with sweat, clog pores, and cause breakouts.
  • • Thick creams or occlusive products – may trap sweat and bacteria, leading to irritation and acne.
  • • Harsh exfoliants or retinoids – can increase skin sensitivity, making skin prone to redness and irritation during workouts.
  • • Synthetic, non-breathable fabrics – can contribute to sweat buildup and worsen clogged pores and skin irritation from friction.

Recommended Products:

 

Post-Workout Skincare: What to Do After Exercising

After a workout, your skin needs cleansing, hydration, and soothing ingredients to recover from sweat and heat exposure. A good gym skincare routine can prevent post-workout breakouts and irritation.

Step 1: Wash Your Face Immediately

Sweat, oil, and bacteria accumulate on skin during exercise, increasing the risk of breakouts. Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser to remove sweat and dirt without stripping moisture. If you can’t wash your face right away, opt for cleansing wipes or at least rinse away sweat and oils with cool water.

Step 2: Rehydrate Your Skin

Sweating leads to dehydration, making skin feel tight and dry. Apply a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer or a serum rich in hyaluronic acid to replenish lost moisture. Increase your water intake to rehydrate from within and promote skin elasticity.

Step 3: Soothe Redness & Irritation

Heat and sweat make sensitive skin prone to redness and inflammation. Use a calming serum containing aloe vera, niacinamide, or green tea extract to reduce irritation and restore balance. Avoid strong active ingredients like retinol immediately after working out.

Step 4: Reapply Sunscreen (If Needed)

If you exercised outdoors, reapply sunscreen to maintain protection against UV damage. Choose a non-comedogenic, breathable formula to prevent clogged pores and breakouts.

Recommended Post-Workout Products:

 

 

Common Skin Issues Caused by Exercise (and How to Prevent Them!)

While exercise can be great for skin’s health and appearance, there are some skin health concerns that can be triggered by exercise. Below, we outline some common skin issues caused by exercise with recommended products to prevent these potential concerns:

Breakouts & Sweat Pimples

  • • Cause: Sweat, oil, and bacteria clogging pores.
  • • Prevention: Cleanse your skin immediately after working out with an oil-free, non-comedogenic cleanser.
  • • Try This: MD Skin Essentials Control It (60 pads) is ideal for keeping skin fresh and preventing breakouts.

Body Acne ("Bacne")

  • • Cause: Tight gym clothes trapping sweat and bacteria against skin.
  • • Prevention: Wear breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics and shower immediately after exercise.
  • • Try This: SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Mask detoxifies skin and reduces risk for acne breakouts.

Chafing & Irritation

  • • Cause: Friction from tight clothing and repetitive movement.
  • • Prevention: Apply a protective balm to areas prone to chafing and opt for loose, breathable activewear.
  • • Try This: ALASTIN Restorative Body Treatment repairs skin and prevents irritation.

Dehydrated Skin

  • • Cause: Sweating leads to a loss of moisture, leaving skin dry and tight.
  • • Prevention: Hydrate internally by drinking plenty of water and externally with a serum containing hyaluronic acid.
  • • Try This: PCA Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum offers an intense hyaluronic acid infusion that instantly restores moisture to skin and promotes long-term skin hydration.

When to See a Dermatologist

If exercise-related skin issues persist with improved skincare, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist. Signs you need dermatologic support:

  • • Persistent breakouts that don’t improve with skincare adjustments.
  • • Red, itchy, or inflamed skin that worsens after working out.
  • • Painful bumps, rashes, or skin infections.

Final Thoughts: The Importance of Skincare for Active Lifestyles

Exercise provides numerous benefits for your skin, but it’s essential to maintain a proper skincare routine before and after workouts to ensure skin health. Skincare before or after a workout makes a huge difference in preventing breakouts, irritation, and dehydration.

Keep Skin Healthy with Dermatologist-Recommended Skincare

At DermSkincare, we provide access to a range of dermatologist-recommended skincare products to meet a variety of skin health needs. Whether you’re looking to boost your daily skincare routine or turn back the clock on aging skin, we’ve got you covered. Want to learn more about caring for skin or get more product recommendations? Read our blog regularly for tips and tricks to keep skin flawless.