Here’s a newsflash: a quick shower and a rinse with antibacterial soap may not be the best post-workout skincare regime. If you’re investing time in a regular workout routine, your skin may be paying the price. Here are a few tips for cleansing and caring for your skin after the gym that can help maximize the benefits of your workout and give you younger, healthier, better-looking skin.

Say no to Soap

Instead, try rinsing your face with cold water. As a guy, you have larger pores than a woman and your skin is naturally prone to being oilier. In order to keep dirt (and sweat and grime) from sticking to your face and embedding in your pores, try a deep cleansing lotion instead of your usual soap. Look for products that are odor-free and include natural ingredients. These can help remove the dirt, toxins and oils that collect on your skin at the gym.

Try an Astringent

An astringent can help you control the oils that your skin will continue to excrete for an hour or more after your workout is over. It can also help you to minimize the size of your pores to keep your skin looking smooth and healthy. Look for products that contain alpha hydroxy acid – an ingredient that helps to refine and minimize pores and can also help to prevent ingrown hairs. Also check to be sure that the product is not photosensitive. If it is, be sure to use sunscreen before going outside.

Don’t Forget to Moisturize

This is the most important part of the regimen – even if you ignored steps one and two. In fact, it’s even more important then. Of course you’ll have the best results overall if you use the deep cleanser and the astringent first.   

The best time to moisturize is right after you shower. Use a light moisturizer on your face. Look for products that list vitamin E and as an ingredient and are oil-free. Pay special attention to the skin around your eyes. Regular use of a good quality moisturizer can help keep those crow’s feet from forming and reduce the appearance of those fine lines under your eyelids.

Also be sure your moisturizer has a sunscreen with at least SPF 15. If you can find it, a moisturizer with SPF 30 is even better. Sun damage to unprotected skin can quickly undo the healthy effects of even the best skincare regime.

Hydrate

Drink adequate amounts of water after your workout. Most experts recommend eight 12oz glasses per day – that should go up if you’re exercising. While you’re in the gym, hydration is an easy thing to remember, but after you leave, is when it’s most important. Not only does the water return much-needed moisture to your muscles, it also helps to keep your healthy by flushing it of the toxins that start working their way out of your body as you exercise.

Tip: Once a month, include a mild exfoliant between your deep cleanser and your astringent. An exfoliant will gently remove dead skin cells and leave your face smooth and rejuvenated. There are a variety of exfoliants out there, so be sure to look for products that are formulated to work gently and do not include pieces of nuts or seeds – these can damage your newly invigorated skin.

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