Whether it’s hiking, swimming, or running, athletes put a countless number of hours into training their bodies. And while a good diet and plenty of exercise are two important parts of the puzzle when it comes to caring for yourself, an active lifestyle can take a serious toll on the health of your skin. Long days spent sweating in the sun is a recipe for dehydrated skin, wind-chapped cheeks, and clogged pores. But, with a few easy changes to your skincare routine, you can keep your natural glow through every marathon, pickup game, and mountain trek.
Skip the Makeup
When you workout, your pores open up to allow perspiration and heat to leave your body. Going full glam before you hit the gym can block your skin’s ability to breathe, clogging your pores, and leading to breakouts. Skip the cosmetics and opt for a rich moisturizer to help keep your skin hydrated through your reps.
Keep a Towel Handy
While cosmetics might make acne more likely, sweat can do damage all on its own. Your sweat contains bacteria that, when left on the skin, can lead to breakouts. When you’re done with your workout, gently dab your skin with a towel to tide you over until you can shower. Be gentle, and be sure not to rub as you’re drying, as it’s damaging to your skin.
Pay Attention to Your Feet
When we think about skincare, our feet are usually pretty low down on the priority list. For athletes, though, keeping the skin on your feet healthy is absolutely vital. Blisters are a common problem for athletes because their shoes create the perfect environment of friction and moisture that causes the fluid-filled bumps to form. To help blisters heal faster, carefully drain the blister, then cushion it with a bandage. You may have to skip your workout for a few days, but neglecting to do so could cause more serious issues. Athletes foot is another common ailment for those with an active lifestyle, caused by a fungus that can be tough to get rid of. A powerful treatment, such as Tetra Corporation Anti-fungals, can provide relief and get you back on your feet faster.
Don’t Skimp on the Sunscreen
During a particularly intense outdoor activity, it’s easy to forget to re-apply sunscreen every couple of hours. For athletes, who tend to spend a lot of time outside, keeping a sunscreen schedule is absolutely vital. Overexposure to UV rays can lead to sunburns, skin damage, and some types of cancer. If you use an activity tracker, set alarms to go off at the intervals recommended by your product’s bottle. Kinesys Performance Sunscreens and EltaMD UV Sport SPF 50 are great options for active lifestyles. Then, take a quick break, hydrate, and slather on the SPF.
Stay Hydrated
Serious athletes already know the importance of drinking plenty of water before, during, and after their workouts, but they may not know that healthy hydration habits help keep our skin plump, firm, and protected. When our skin loses moisture, it’s more prone to breakouts, flaking, and wrinkles. Keep your water bottle close by, and help your skin maintain its natural beauty.
At Advanced Skin Therapeutics, we have products that can combat athletes’ skin concerns and protect your body’s biggest organ. Stop by for a consultation, or check out our online shop to have our products delivered right to your door.
