Do you exercise with your makeup on?
Usually that’s not a good idea. Working with makeup can increase acne breakouts and cause other skin problems.
But you might cringe at the idea of going out in public without makeup. 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 go to the gym feeling like dynamite. You are doing something good for yourself by sticking to your exercise agreement. You’re working out, and while you’re pumping iron or racking up the miles on the treadmill, you can’t help but sweat.
That’s a good thing, because it means your heart rate is high enough to reap the health benefits of exercise.
Unfortunately, sweat also mixes with your makeup and that is 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 with half of their faces covered in makeup and the other half not. The good news is that exercise improves skin moisture and elasticity – a sign that exercise is a good way to keep skin looking youthful.
The bad news was that the makeup caused negative effects on the skin. Foundation cream reduced skin oil, causing dehydration. 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.
In addition, makeup clogged pores and increased sebum (skin oil) production. If you have acne-prone skin, wearing makeup while exercising can increase your breakouts.
When makeup sits on the skin, it traps sweat and oil, creating an environment conducive to acne. It also interferes with the way your pores function, creating a kind of airtight seal that prevents your skin from ‘breathing’. This is likely why skin can be drier in areas with foundation. If you have sensitive skin, this can increase irritation and redness.
What exercising with make-up does to the eyes
What about eye shadow and mascara? Are you okay with wearing that?
You can try it, but realize that sweat can also cause eyeliner and mascara to smear and run. Not only does this look unappealing, but it can also contribute to blockages and irritation. When makeup mixes with sweat, it can also cause inflammation in the thin skin around the eyes.
You’ll probably want to wipe away the smears and sweat, which can spread the makeup and introduce bacteria to the skin. You may experience dryness around your eyes or even milia under your eyes. These are small white bumps that form when dead skin cells become trapped beneath the skin’s surface.
Exercising with makeup: can you look good without it?
If you’re feeling a little apprehensive about going to the gym without makeup, we have some tips for you.
Well-hydrated skin can blur imperfections, shrink pores, and even make skin look healthy, youthful, and radiant. Choose products that are breathable and healthy for you and your skin.
1. Start a healthy skin care routine.
This may seem obvious, but it is the most important step you need to take. Pamper yourself by adopting a twice-daily routine with a gentle cleanser, alcohol-free toner and a high-quality moisturizer that will give your skin the nutrients it needs to look its best.
If you follow this routine consistently, you can enjoy healthier-looking skin over time. It will also help you delay the effects of aging so that you always look youthful.
We recommend using our Rescue + Relief Spray as a toner. It does not contain alcohol, but it does contain natural anti-inflammatory ingredients that eliminate redness and soothe the skin. Put a mini size in your bag and spray during a workout to keep you fresh. It can cool and soothe red-looking skin.
This multitasking product also doubles as a post-workout spray, helping to draw heat away from the skin. It has the ability to balance the skin, adding oil-free moisture, so you come out of your workout looking fantastic. It is excellent for all skin types, from oily, acne-prone to extremely dry and everything in between. If you are prone to rosacea or eczema, this will help soothe the skin and keep outbreaks at bay.
Choose a breathable moisturizer, like our Calming Moisture. Apply after Rescue & Relief Spray. It’s packed with powerful antioxidants that keep skin nourished while calming inflammation and helping repair the skin barrier. It gives you a natural, fresh glow and keeps the skin healthy without clogging the pores. Apply some just before you hit the gym for your best vibrant look.
2. Exfoliate regularly.
Exfoliating regularly keeps your skin looking fresh. Without this, dead skin cells can build up on the top layer, creating a dull and lackluster appearance. Make sure you don’t overdo it. If your skin starts to break out or show redness and irritation, back off.
Most skin types will benefit from exfoliating once or twice a week with a gentle product containing salicylic acid, acid, lactic acid and malic acid. Avoid exfoliating products as they can cause micro cracks in the skin which then collect bacteria.
2. Shape your eyebrows.
Having well-shaped, beautiful eyebrows can frame your face without makeup in a flattering way. Regular eyebrow trimming is a good idea. If you are older and your eyebrows look sparse, try stimulating growth with a natural hair growth formula. There are many eyebrow growth serums that can help, although it usually takes a few months for results to become visible.
Use a dab of our Restorative Skin Balm on your eyebrows to tame and keep any small hairs smooth while you work out. Finally, if you need a little tint, use a waterproof brand with a light touch, or consider tinting your eyebrows. The effects usually last four to six weeks and make your eyebrows look great without makeup.
3. Take care of your eyelashes.
Just like with your eyebrows, daily care of your lashes can keep them looking great even without mascara. Try a daily brush-through serum that helps condition and protect lashes. You can even use natural coconut or jojoba oil before going to bed to do the trick.
If you still feel like you need more, use a waterproof mascara that won’t run. Otherwise you will smear it when you sweat and wipe your eyes. Try a few until you find one that works for you. You can also try an eyelash dye if you need one. Going mascara-free can help open your eyes and make you feel more confident.
4. Make your lips fuller.
Regular care of your lips makes them look great without makeup. We recommend applying our Restorative Skin Balm every night before bed to help heal any cracks and prevent chapping. You can also dab a little on your lips before working out to keep them looking moist and healthy.
It also helps to exfoliate your lips once a week, especially if you suffer from dry lips. You can use your toothbrush, a washcloth, or a gentle sugar scrub.
Then, if you want a pop of color during your workout, try a lip tint that gently stains the lips so you don’t wipe them off when you lick them or wipe your face.
5. Skip the foundation.
It is best for your skin if you can completely avoid colored products on your face. If you’re not ready for that step yet, try a tinted moisturizer or BB cream. Make sure it contains clean ingredients because you don’t want anything on your face that will clog your pores or cause inflammation. Then apply lightly for a beautiful shine without drying effects.
Always cleanse your skin after your workout!
Whether you wear a little makeup or not, always cleanse your skin after exercise. If you don’t have time to shower or wash your face, bring along some clean makeup wipes to get the job done.
Cleanse, tone and moisturize before getting back to your day. This way, your skin can enjoy all the benefits of exercise without feeling any discomfort later.
Can you go to the gym without makeup and feel confident?
Featured image by Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels.
