Sports Care: The Right Skincare Before and After Exercise
Ready, set, go! Do you love pushing yourself hard during your workout or enjoy a relaxing session of yoga? Our colleague from the online marketing team reveals how she properly cares for her skin before and after working out and shares her "sporty" beauty routine with you.
Why extra care during sports?
No matter what form of exercise – sports are good not only for your body but also for your skin. Physical activity boosts circulation and gives you a rosy complexion. However, there are some important points to consider when it comes to sports skincare.
Skincare BEFORE sports
When it comes to sports, the right preparation is essential. The same goes for skincare before exercising. My motto is: first, cleanse thoroughly to avoid clogged pores and impurities. With a gentle peeling, I deeply cleanse my skin and prevent the formation of new shine. After cleansing, I like to apply a light cream gel. It absorbs quickly and refreshes my skin.
Less is more
When it comes to makeup for sports, my motto is: less is more! I either skip makeup entirely or opt for light products. It's important to me that my skin doesn’t feel weighed down and can breathe. Instead of foundation, I only cover larger blemishes spot-wise with a concealer. Then I like to use a clear eyebrow gel – this keeps the fine hairs in place during exercise. To avoid panda eyes from sweating, I rely on a smudge-proof mascara. Before my workout, I also set my makeup with a setting spray.
Effective DEO protection
To be reliably protected during my workout, an effective deodorant is a must. Besides effectiveness, I especially pay attention to natural ingredients. Before exercising, I prefer to use an alcohol-free deodorant cream without aluminum salts. This way, I am reliably protected and my underarms are gently cared for at the same time.
The right skincare AFTER sports
After an intense workout, it's time to give my body and skin some rest. Before I focus on cleansing and caring for my skin, I let my body cool down for 10-15 minutes after exercising. This helps prevent sweating afterwards and allows me to relax.
Why do we actually sweat?
Sweating plays an important role in regulating body temperature and protects us from overheating. As soon as sweat reaches the skin surface through the pores, it forms a thin film and evaporates. This cools our body down and removes excess heat. Sweating therefore helps keep your body temperature stable even on hot summer days or during physical activity.
Gentle cleansing
When showering after sports, I rely on a thorough but gentle cleansing of my skin. For this, I prefer to use a pH-neutral care shower gel that gently cleanses my skin while preserving its natural balance. I also pay attention to the water temperature and shower with lukewarm water. This is not only pleasant but also gentler on my skin. Did you know? Hot water can cause lipids and fats to be removed from the skin's surface, leading to dryness.
My shower tip
Have you ever tried a luffa sponge? I think it’s great because it naturally removes dead, excess skin flakes and stimulates blood circulation. For a soothing care experience, I generously moisten the luffa body peeling sponge. This way, the material can fully develop its peeling effect. Then I lather up my favorite shower gel and massage it in circular motions all over my body. Together with the right care, this helps me prevent dry skin.
Intensive Moisturizing Care
After working out, I especially focus on providing my skin with intense moisture. Blood circulation is activated after training and my body is energized, so I now give my skin the chance to breathe. For moisturizing after exercise, I therefore recommend a light body lotion or moisturizer that absorbs quickly and is well taken up by the skin.
These are the ingredients I rely on
Since I have sensitive skin, I like to use gentle care lotions with natural plant-based moisturizers and natural oils such as jojoba, olive, or almond oil from certified organic farming. To soothe and refresh my skin after sports, I rely on ingredients like licorice root, calendula, lemon balm, or cooling aloe vera.
My goal: More sustainability in my sports care
When it comes to my skincare before and after sports, I pay attention to sustainable products and environmentally conscious alternatives. That’s why I prefer to use reusable cleansing pads for removing makeup. Packed in a waterproof pouch, I can easily take them with me to the gym. After working out, I like to use solid products in the shower. Stored in a sustainable storage box, these are also great for on the go.
