Dermatologist-Recommended Skincare Tips for Active Athletes

For most athletes, taking care of their bodies is essential. They train hard, eat a nutrient-rich diet, keep hydrated, and get the deep rest they need to recover their bodies after a workout. However, many athletes overlook one key aspect of overall health – caring for their skin. Some even believe they have to accept bad skin as the price of their frequent workouts and the added stress on their bodies. Acne breakouts, chronic skin irritation, sun damage, and premature signs of skin aging are all common concerns for athletes, but you don't have to accept that your skin is never going to look great just because you're an athlete. Instead, choose high-quality, dermatologist-approved skincare products and stay consistent. In this blog, we dive into the best skincare for athletes.

Why Athletes Need a Special Skincare Routine

Leading an active lifestyle that includes regular, intense exercise can be both good and bad for your body and your skin. Any athlete will tell you that their workouts leave them feeling invigorated and sore in equal measure. The same is true for the skin. Sweating removes toxins from skin, but it can also increase risk for clogged pores that lead to blemishes. Exercise increases blood circulation, which ensures oxygen and nutrients are distributed to the skin. Exercising outdoors means exposure to damaging sun and wind. Overall, skin health for athletes is a balancing act. They need a skincare routine that maximizes the benefits of exercise for skin while minimizing potential concerns, including:

  • Increased sweating – sweat is healthy. It helps us regulate body temperature and flush out toxins. However, sweating can also lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Acne mechanica, a type of sports-related acne, as well as heat rash are common skin concerns that develop as a result of excessive or prolonged sweating.
  • Sun and wind exposure – those who engage in outdoor sports have the added concern of exposure to environmental aggressors like sun, wind, and pollutants. This damage may reflect right away with concerns like sunburn and windburn, but environmental damage also has long-term ramifications. From accelerated skin aging to increased risk for skin cancer, damage from regular time outdoors without proper preventive maintenance can be serious.
  • Friction from gear – helmets, protective padding, and even tight uniforms are notorious for rubbing skin and causing chaffing or skin irritation. This can lead to developing blisters or breakouts in the area as well as increasing risk for skin infection.
  • Dehydration – working out zaps moisture from the body. Rehydrating by consuming water and drinks with electrolytes does help, but it's also important to use skin hydrating products to avoid skin dullness and sensitivity that occur when skin isn't properly moisturized.

Step-by-Step Skincare Routine for Athletes

The good news is that a simple, consistent skincare routine is all most athletes need. There's no benefit to developing an extremely complex, multi-phase routine. Simply cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting skin morning and night will make a huge difference. Below, we provide a dermatologist-approved step-by-step skincare guide with product recommendations to get you started:

Step 1: Cleansing

Remove sweat, oil, and impurities from skin in the morning and evening and within 30 minutes of workouts. The longer bacteria and sweat sit on skin, the more likely irritation and clogged pores will occur. A good cleanser should get rid of all the grime and buildup without stripping moisture or damaging skin's natural barrier.

  • Revision Skincare Brightening Facial Wash – this product is ideal for post-workout cleansing. It gently removes impurities and sweat while smoothing and brightening skin. Those who have dull skin from wind and sun exposure will benefit from this unique formula.


  • Revision Skincare Purifying Cleansing Gel – this cleanser is uniquely formulated to gently remove oil, refine pores, and prevent breakouts. It's ideal for athletes who are acne-prone or who have oily skin types.

Step 2: Exfoliation

Exfoliation is essential to keep pores clear and improve skin cell turnover. In most cases, exfoliation can be limited to just once or twice a week to maximize the benefits while avoiding skin irritation. Over-exfoliation can weaken the skin barrier, leaving skin vulnerable to damage from the sun and other environmental aggressors.

  • ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Polish – using ultra-fine crystals, this high-quality exfoliating polish instantly smooths rough areas of skin, removes dead and damaged skin cells, and accelerates skin cell turnover.


  • SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub – for those with sensitive skin or acne that is prone to redness and inflammation, this exfoliator offers a gentle approach. Use in place of face wash a few times a week for a deep clean and exfoliation.

Step 3: Moisturizers and Serums

Hydrate and protect to ensure skin bounces back after exercising. Even those with oily and acneic skin need to apply moisturizer. Without a good moisturizer, skin will continue to produce excess amounts of oil to make up for the lack of hydration. For athletes, it's usually best to pair a hydrating serum with a very lightweight moisturizer to achieve the desired level of hydration without clogging pores.

  • SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 – this is uniquely formulated moisturizer composed of a 2:4:2 ratio of skin-healing lipids to strengthen the skin barrier. 2% ceramides, 4% cholesterol, and 2% fatty acid work together to protect skin from environmental aggressors like wind, UV rays, and pollutants.
  • Revision Skincare DermProtect Barrier Defense – it's another lightweight moisturizer that boosts the skin's barrier. You may be noticing a theme. Keeping the skin barrier strong is essential for athletes. Not only does a strong barrier protect against external irritants, but it also keeps moisture locked into skin.
    Revision Skincare DermProtect Barrier Defense (0.5 oz - Travel Size)
  • ALASTIN Skincare C-RADICAL Defense Antioxidant Serum – this antioxidant serum shields skin from sun and pollutant damage. It should be used in the mornings before applying moisturizer.

Step 4: Sunscreen

Non-negotiable for anyone, sunscreen should be an essential component of every athlete's morning skincare routine, especially if they spend time outdoors. Choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays with a sun protect factor (SPF) of 30 or higher is essential. Finding a high-quality sunblock that is also water-resistant is ideal since it reduces the need to reapply as frequently when sweating. It's still important to reapply sunscreen at least every two hours.

  • EltaMD UV AOX Mist Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 – this uniquely formulated sunscreen has a protective antioxidant boost in addition to the broad-spectrum coverage. The spray on applicator also makes it easy to apply and reapply throughout the day.
    EltaMD UV AOX Mist Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 (5 oz)
  • SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 – this universal sheer tinted sunscreen blends with all skin tones and won't leave a white cast. It even blurs existing skin irregularities, leaving skin looking flawless.

Step 5: Lip Care

Don't forget your lips! The lips can be very vulnerable to sunburn and drying out, but many athletes forget about this sensitive skin when they're going through their daily routine.

Skincare Tips for Athletes

In addition to keeping a consistent and effective skincare routine that utilizes quality products, dermatologists also offer the following skincare tips for athletes:

  • Shower right after exercising to remove any sweat and bacteria from skin. Gently pat skin dry with a towel to avoid any moisture being trapped against skin.
  • Apply sunscreen before outdoor training or events and reapply at least every two hours.
  • Choose non-comedogenic products to avoid clogging pores.
  • Drink plenty of water. Hydration is key to whole body health as well as skin health.
  • Skin health doesn't stop at the face. Make sure to keep your whole body clean and moisturized.

Conclusion: Stay Active & Invest in the Right Skincare Products

Whether you're engaging in a friendly tennis match on the weekend or you're a professional athlete, it's important to understand that your skin is working hard when you compete. Sweat, friction, and sun exposure can all take their toll, especially if you engage in sports regularly. With the right basic skincare routine that includes gentle cleansers, hydrating skincare products, and a broad-spectrum sunscreen, skin health concerns faced by athletes are minimized.

Explore More from DermSkincare

Looking for athlete-friendly skincare solutions? Browse DermSkincare's curated products for dermatologist-approved cleansers, moisturizers, sunscreens, and more. If you're interested in more insider tips and product recommendations, come back to read our blog.