Swimming, running, netball, football, hiking - we’re covering skin care for athletes and anyone who gets active outdoors. Working up a sweat is great for your skin but you’ve got to take care of it the right way!
Skin Care For Sports
Exercise boosts blood circulation (hello rosy glow!) while sweating helps the body purge itself of toxins and bacteria. Both of these things can lead to clearer, healthier looking skin but only if you’re looking after it pre and post-exercise.
Protect your skin from sun and wind
Any outdoor sport exposes you to the weather and windy conditions or sunny days can impact your skin.
SPF protection is a non-negotiable for your skin care for sports routine - the positive difference for your skin health when you use sunscreen vs no sunscreen can’t be said enough.
Always apply sunscreen (broadspectrum SPF30+ or higher) before heading outside to exercise and if you’re a swimmer, use water-resistant sunscreen.
We recommend: Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF 30
Always cleanse immediately after exercise
Working up a sweat stimulates lymphatic drainage which helps detoxify your body and skin by releasing toxins through your pores in the form of sweat.
Sounds great for your skin, right? Well, only if you cleanse your face ASAP after sport.
If sweat stays on your skin it mixes with the oils, bacteria and dead skin cells quickly clogging pores and leading to breakouts.
Cleansing your skin immediately after exercise is a key element of healthy skin care for sports. Wear makeup? Removing it before exercise will help minimise the chance of breakouts too.
We recommend: The Uncomplicated Cleanser or The Uncomplicated Cleanser Plus Anti-Redness
Stay hydrated
Sweat causes your body’s water hydration to dip when it evaporates from your skin.
Not only does this impact your physical performance, it leaves your skin parched too which may lead to symptoms including congestion, redness, and inflammation.
Sweat isn’t the only thing that can deplete moisture levels. If you’re playing sport outdoors on a windy day, this will pull water from your skin too - a double dehydration combo.
Stay hydrated with water and natural electrolyte drinks (like coconut water) while exercising to replace lost fluid. You can also support skin moisture levels by adding a hydrating serum to your sports skincare routine.
We recommend: Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum (all skin types) and Probiotic Skin Mylck Plus Hydration (Moisturising fluid for sensitive skin types)
Skin Care for Outdoors
Regularly spending time outdoors in nature or green spaces is so important for our wellbeing.
When we spend time in natural sunlight, it triggers the production of Vitamin D in the body. Vitamin D is crucial for overall health (both physical and mental) and it’s often called “the sunshine vitamin.”
We shouldn’t ‘fear’ the sun, but we need to be careful about how we can enjoy the benefits of sunlight without compromising the skin.
Overexposure to UV light accelerates the signs of premature ageing - it’s responsible for up to 90% of the visible signs of ageing. It causes free radical activity in the cells leading to lines, sagging, and hyperpigmentation. Worse, it increases the risk of skin cancer.
Skin can also become dehydrated with too much sun exposure. Signs of dehydration include dullness, tight or itchy skin, and more pronounced fine lines and wrinkles.
Find a happy balance by spending time outdoors when UV is usually lower - early morning or late afternoon - and wear sun protection. SPF 30+, hat, and protective clothing if you are spending long days outdoors.
We recommend: Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF 30
Need guidance on putting together your best outdoor or sports skincare routine? Book your free skin consultation with one of our skincare experts! We’re here to help.
