DON’T SWEAT IT

Don’t let your workout get in the way of scoring a knockout complexion. Here’s how to match your skincare regime to your fitness schedule

Skincare tips to gym-proof your complexion

THE WORKOUT Spinning, dance cardio and on the gym floor SNEAKY SKIN ISSUE Irritation

Aside from guzzling water, the thing you’re most likely to do during a sweaty high-intensity workout is wipe your skin with a gym towel. But go easy. ‘Communal towels are typically washed with harsh detergents and chemicals that can irritate skin,’ says cosmetic dermatologist Dr Paul Jarrod Frank. ‘They are also notoriously coarse and can strip your skin’s protective barrier,’ adds dermatologist Dr Elizabeth Hale. Once again, it’s best to bring your own and, if you forget, gently dab – don’t rub – with the complimentary ones.

THE WORKOUT Running SNEAKY SKIN ISSUE Sagging

‘I can spot a serious runner just by looking at their face,’ says Dr Hale, a marathoner herself who defines serious as logging 25 miles a week or more. Blame the literal pounding of the pavement, which results in ‘runner’s face’

– a loss of volume in the temples and cheeks that eventually leads to sagging. ‘The constant force causes microtears in collagen that add up over time,’ says Dr Hale. And if you run outside, the UV exposure (a collagen killer) doesn’t help either. Retinol is ‘the ultimate skin smoother’, she says – opt for a firming cream with collagen-stimulating peptides. Try L’oréal Paris Revitalift Pro Retinol Day Cream (£12.99). Also, swipe on SPF30 before you head out the door.

THE WORKOUT Swimming SNEAKY SKIN ISSUE Dryness

Chlorine can strip skin of natural oils and break down your protective barrier, leaving you dry and itchy, says dermatologist Dr Arash Akhavan. Post-swim, always wash with a sulphate-free cleanser

– Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser (£8.99) does the job. Next, follow with an unscented moisturising formula – fragrance is a known skin irritant – that contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid, such as Cerave Moisturising Cream (£14.50). ‘Hyaluronic acid draws moisture to the skin, while ceramides rebuild the protective layer to retain it,’ explains Dr Akhavan.

THE WORKOUT Boxing, bootcamp, Crossfit SNEAKY SKIN ISSUE Breakouts

Shared equipment – mats, gloves, weights – can be a hotbed of bacteria. When possible, BYO and rub down weights (or anything else that’s shared) with an antibacterial wipe. Most important: ‘Avoid touching your face during your workout,’ says Dr Frank. Wiping away sweat with a germy hand may seem harmless, but it can cause acne, or, worse, spread skin infections – even cold sores. If you’re acne-prone, washing with a salicylic acid cleanser, such as Murad Clarifying Cleanser (£20), is as important as post-class stretching; the ingredient kills the bacteria that causes blemishes.

THE WORKOUT Hot yoga SNEAKY SKIN ISSUE 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 your capillaries,’ says Dr Frank. Other potential problems include dark spots and larger patches called melasma. While research is limited, some experts believe heat can stimulate pigment-making cells. As soon as the class is over, cool your skin with a splash of cold water and follow with a soothing cream, like Pai Camomile & Rosehip Calming Day Moisturiser (£38).