At an early age I learned the importance of taking care of my skin. Cleansing and nourishing the skin is especially important after working out! When we sweat our pores open which makes the skin more susceptible to dirt, breakouts and becoming clogged. Even though this is for active skin, I believe these steps can be used by anyone. The skin is the biggest organ in the body. This means it absorbs whatever you put on it. I read ingredients on beauty products (just like I do with food labels) and search for non-toxic and plant based ingredients.
Step 1: Cleanse
Wash your face with a mild cleanser. This works to strip away the dirt and oils from the skin (and remove makeup). Since I have sensitive skin I prefer something gentle and with essential oils. I am all about natural skin and beauty products that contain plant derived ingredients and no harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances. I currently use 7th Generation Lavender dish soap. It might sound a little odd, but this natural cleanser works for me.
Step 2: Exfoliate
Scrub your face with an exfoliator. This removes any dead skin cells and cleans out the pores. It polishes the skin leaving it smooth and youthful looking. An exfoliator should have some kind of texture or grit to abrase the skin. I love the Alba Botanica Acne Dote face and body scrub. It’s formulated with Salicylic Acid which helps acne breakouts (very important for someone who sweats). It also contains crushed Walnut Shells, Aloe, Witch Hazel and many other plant based ingredients.
Step 3: Tone
Spray your face with a toner. This balances out the pH of your skin after you have striped it from any dirt, oil and dead skin. It also helps to reduce the oil and redness of the skin. I like using Witch Hazel, but another option is Rose Water or Coconut Water face mist. (These sprays can also be used as a natural setting spray for makeup).
Step 4: Moisturize
Hydrate the surface of your skin with a moisturizer. This provides a protective barrier from the environment and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. I like to use an oil free moisturizer with Aloe Vera as a main ingredient. Aloe in skin care products helps reduce redness. I use the Alba Botanica Hawaiian Oil Free moisturizer. It’s very light weight and doesn’t feel like its trapping in sweat or heat when I workout. Don’t forget to moisturize your neck!
Step 5: Apply Sunscreen
Exposure to the sun’s harmful rays can cause sun spots, wrinkles, hyper-pigmentation and even skin cancer. Always apply a sunscreen to the face. You can mix it into your moisturizer or buy one that already has SPF protection. I prefer a mineral sunscreen like Zinc Oxide, instead of a chemical sunscreen (Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Octisalate, etc.) which can do more harm than good. Moisturizer with sunscreen is important, because it offers anti-aging protection from the sun.
Our skin takes a hit from all the sweating and redness caused by exercise. I hope these 5 easy steps help to improve your everyday skincare routine. Like the NY Times Best Selling book says… “Girl, Wash Your Face”. Have a Happy and Healthy Day!
In Health, Stephanie