Can you… workout in make-up?

Turn here now before you even sweat a drop!

Sometimes you have no choice but to turn up to the gym with a face full of make-up. Life is busy, which means working out is often wedged between meetings or at the end of a long day. The question is, should you boost your fitness in foundation? “Ideally you should go without make-up and cleanse just before your workout,” suggests dermatologist Dr Jo-Ann See from Central Sydney Dermatology. Make-up can trap the oil and bacteria that sweat brings to the surface of your skin, leading to breakouts. But if you can’t avoid wearing make-up while you exercise, try these simple tips (and gym-friendly products, below) to give your skin its best chance to remain blemish free.

KEEP IT LIGHT

Choose a light-formulation foundation and reduce your use of moisturiser pre-sweat as much as possible to avoid clogging pores, says Dr See.

TREAT POST-SWEAT SKIN GENTLY

Jumping straight into the shower while your skin is still hot can affect your protective skin barrier, so any harsh or active ingredients risk becoming irritating. For the same reason, avoid scrubbing your skin post-exercise. Rich, creamy cleansers can be more clogging than foam cleansers or micellar water, which sweep away perspiration without leaving residue, explains Dr See.

BE KIND TO YOUR PORES

Once you’ve stopped sweating and your face is clean, try applying a salicylic acid treatment to reduce and prevent pore blockages, suggests Dr See. “Just beware if your skin is sensitive, as it’ll be even more so after a workout.”