Here's How to Keep Exercise From Messing Up Your Skin
The Workout: BOXING, BOOT CAMP, CROSSFIT
Sneaky Skin Issue: Breakouts
Shared equipment - gloves, mats, weights - can be a hotbed for bacteria. When possible, BYO and wipe down weights (or anything else that's shared) with an antibacterial towelette (travel-size packs were made for gym bags). Most important: "Avoid touching your face during your workout," says Paul Jarrod Frank, MD, a cosmetic dermatologist in NYC. Wiping away sweat with a germy hand may seem harmless, but it can cause acne or, worse, spread cold sores and skin infections.
The Workout: RUNNING
Sneaky Skin Issue: Sagging Skin
"I can spot a serious runner just by looking at her face," says Elizabeth Hale, MD, clinical associate professor of dermatology at NYU Langone Medical Center (and marathoner), who defines "serious" as logging 25 miles a week or more. Blame the literal pounding of pavement, which results in "runner's face": a loss of volume in the temple and cheek areas that eventually leads to sagging. "The constant force causes micro-tears in collagen that compound over time," says Dr. Hale, who notes there's a genetic factor too. And if you run outdoors, the UV exposure - a proven collagen killer - doesn't help. So what does a long- distance-running doctor suggest? Prescription retinol ("the ultimate skin smoother," she says) followed by a firming cream with collagen-stimulating peptides (Dr. Hale uses Olay's Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream, $26) and possibly fillers down the road. Also SPF 30, which, for those who take it outside, is as vital as a good pair of sneakers.
The Workout: HOT YOGA
Sneaky Skin Issues: Redness and Brown Spots
If you have rosacea - a skin condition that causes redness and a bumpy texture - or are prone to broken blood vessels, beware: Extreme heat combined with excessive sweating can cause inflammation, making these conditions worse. "In some cases, it could permanently dilate capillaries," says Dr. Frank. Other problems that occur: dark spots and melasma (aka larger dark patches). While research is limited, some doctors (including Dr. Frank) believe that heat can stimulate the pigment-making cells.
The Workouts: SPINNING, DANCE CARDIO
Sneaky Skin Issue: Irritation
Aside from guzzling water, the thing you're most likely to do during a drenching, high-intensity workout: Wipe your skin with a gym towel. Unfortunately, "communal towels are typically washed with harsh detergents and chemicals that can irritate skin," says Dr. Frank. They are also notoriously coarse and can strip the protective layer of skin, so anything you put on your face afterward could result in redness, says Dr. Hale. Once again, it's best to bring your own … and if you forget, gently blot (don't rub) with the free ones.
The Workout: SWIMMING
Sneaky Skin Issue: Dryness
Chlorine can rob skin of its natural oils, leaving you dry and itchy. Post-swim, always wash with a gentle cream cleanser and follow with a basic lotion made with ceramides (try CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, $15), which rebuild the protective layer that chlorine strips.
Your Face on Fitness: Exercise can be the route to better skin. Here's proof.
It detoxes pores.
Think of sweating like the steam portion of a facial. "It causes pores to dilate and pushes out bacteria and sebum," says Dr. Hale. If you wear makeup, however, you won't get the full benefits. "The barrier prevents all this from escaping, plus it can actually clog pores," says Dr. Hale. Can't bear to go bare? Limit makeup to a waterproof mascara, lip stain, and breathable mineral foundation or concealer. Sweat Cosmetics' powder is noncomedogenic, so it won't clog pores, and is free of oil and silicones that trap debris.
It's a natural form of strobing.
When we exercise, our heart beats faster and pumps more blood. "Much of that increased flow goes to our most vital organ, the brain, and the face reflects this upward surge by flushing," says Dr. Hale. Cue that bright, lit-from-within glow that lasts long after a sweat session.
It improves skin texture.
Exercise reduces stress, which lowers cortisol - the hormone that spikes when you're feeling tired and overworked. When cortisol levels are out of whack, it can lead to an overproduction of oil and collagen breakdown, explains Dr. Hale. Keeping them in check with exercise can mean fewer breakouts, tighter pores, and firmer skin.
It fights puffiness.
Working out tones with time but can have immediate slimming benefits too. "It helps flush out excess water so you look less bloated," explains Dr. Frank. (FYI: Losing too much H2O can cause dehydration. As a rule, aim to drink eight ounces of water for every 30 minutes of exercise.)
It can delay aging.
"Studies show that exercise boosts skin-cell energy, increasing cell metabolism and collagen production," explains Joshua Zeichner, MD, a dermatologist in NYC. Result: a plumper, firmer complexion with fewer fine lines.
If you only do one thing...
Shower post-workout! "The moisture and heat combined with dead skin and sebum can cause acne, rashes, and folliculitis - inflamed hair follicles that look like pimples," says Dr. Hale. Soap and water are your best bet for eliminating dirt and oil from head to toe, but wipes work in a pinch, especially ones that contain salicylic acid. Afterward, skip heavy creams and oil-based products, as they can clog dilated pores, notes Dr. Frank.
TRAINING DAY
File these under gym-babe essentials! Five pros spill their secrets for looking sexy when sweaty.
Laura Cozik, Coach at Mile High Run Club
"Hourglass Liquid Lipsticks withstand hours of sweat, plus they come in bright colors that look awesome in race photos."
Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick in Ballet, HOURGLASS, $28
Holly Rilinger, Nike Master Trainer and Flywheel Instructor
"I love that this spray can go on clean or sweaty hair … and the travel-size one is perfect for toting in my gym bag."
Après Beach Wave and Shine Purse-Size Spray,ORIBE, $22
Sarah Levey, Cofounder of Y7 Yoga Studio
"I sweat a ton, so I take off all my makeup before class. These wipes leave my skin feeling clean without drying it out."
Cleansing Facial Wipes, SIMPLE SKINCARE, $6
Naimah Jackman, Instructor at 305 Fitness
"I'm obsessed with this MAC mineral concealer. It feels hydrating on my skin, stays put after a sweaty workout, and never makes me break out."
Mineralize Concealer, MAC COSMETICS, $21
Jen McCombs, Personal Trainer at Focus Integrated Fitness
"My hands get really rough from lifting . I swear by Bag Balm for smoothing calluses."
BAG BALM, $7.50 for 1 oz.
This article was originally published as "Shape Up Your Skin" in the August 2016 issue of Cosmopolitan.
