Olympian Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Has A Skincare Routine As Hardworking As She Is

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Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is at the top of her game as a track athlete. How do we know? The only world records left for her to crush are her own. Most recently, she nearly shattered the American record for the 400m hurdles, finishing just four hundredths of a second shy.

But 2023 has proved that McLaughlin-Levrone has other plans for herself. In September, she announced that she's releasing a book, Far Beyond Gold: Running from Fear to Faith, which will drop at the end of January. She's also global skincare brand Neutrogena's newest ambassador.

"I feel like I'm learning more about my skin and about myself," she tells WH. "I was that girl in high school who went to the drugstore constantly, trying to find what worked. Now, I want to be able to share what I'm learning with other people as well."

Ahead, read all about McLaughlin-Levrone's partnership—and everything she does to keep her skin protected on and off the track.

Women's Health: When you're on the track for hours at a time, how do you protect your skin from the sun?

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone: The Neutrogena Ultra transparent Sunscreen is, honestly, my favorite. It’s lightweight, and I literally carry it in my bag all the time because I'm on the track for two or three hours at a time during the day. There are days where the sun is beaming on us, and it's heating up the track. I'm out there five to six days a week just open to UV rays, so sunscreen is the number one thing.

WH: What skin issues do you like to address when taking care of your skin?

SML: I definitely get a lot of blemishes from stress, not drinking enough water, being out in the sun, and sweating so much. I use the Neutrogena Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes even when I don't have makeup on. I love them for cleaning everything up, and I keep those in my bag and in my car.

I also like the Neutrogena Stubborn Acne Ultra-Thin Blemish Patches. When I put them on at night, I just go to sleep, wake up, and the blemish is gone. I feel like I'm still going through hormonal acne, so that's huge, especially when I have photoshoots coming up. So it's just about making sure my skin's clear.

WH: How would you describe your makeup style? Do you like to go all out or keep it simple?

SML: When I first started doing my makeup, I did full-face glam, and it took an hour and a half to get ready. But I think over the past few years, I’ve loved how natural beauty trends are starting to take over.

I love seeing people accentuate their natural features, and I feel like I've taken to that. So my makeup is a lot lighter than it used to be. It’s a lot more natural and glowy. I'm not trying to make myself be someone else. I'm loving who I am and showing that in a beautiful way.

WH: How do you like to get “unready” and give your skin a reset at the end of the day?

SML: Getting unready is probably my favorite part of the day. First I use the Makeup Remover Melting Balm. I rub that in to get all the makeup and dirt out of my pores, and then I'll wipe it off with the towelettes. Afterwards, I'll wash my face. If I need pimple cream, moisturizer, or toners, I’ll do my whole skincare routine.

I feel like I can't go to bed until I feel clean. That's how I know I've reached that point of thinking, 'Okay, I can go to sleep now.' To make sure my skin is hydrated, I use the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Cream. And if I need a pimple patch to go to sleep to make sure that it's gone in the morning, I’ll use that.

WH: Is there anything you've learned about your skin over the years as an athlete?

SML: Before, I would've considered myself to have dry skin, but I realized I have oily skin. I think it’s because I'm always changing environments. And for me, a lot of it is just making sure that I’m washing my face and using products that aren't going to clog my pores.

It's taken a while to get to that point where I understand my skin's tones and textures. I'm very new and still learning.

WH: What is a product that you use that feels like an act of self-care?

SML: One final self-care task that I always include in my regimen is ice rolling my face with the PUR Botanicals Ice Facial Roller. When I get home from practice, I use the facial roller to reduce any puffiness or redness that might’ve formed while running. I keep the facial roller in my freezer and when I get home I grab it, sit on my couch and use it on my face for 5-10 minutes

I’ve also been loving the skn by Conair Jade Vibrating Face Roller Kit to help firm and brighten my complexion. I use the jade roller attachment in tandem when I apply my serums, and follow with the Gua Sha attachment when I can feel added tension in my jawline.

WH: You're a newlywed—is there anything skincare-related you've been able to teach your husband?

SML: I'm trying to get him into more of a routine. It’s like an uphill battle. He's like, “I'm a guy, I just put water on my face, and I'm good.” And I'm like, “But babe, the same sun that affects my skin, affects your skin. Aging happens—you know, you have to be proactive.” I think for him, sunscreen is the number one thing because he's starting to see skin tags and little things like that.

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