Gym Skincare for Men: Stop Doing This To Your Skin

Gym Hygiene Is Integral

Gyms are breeding grounds for germs, so good hygiene is non-negotiable.

Beware of Equipment Grime: Even if you’re good at wiping down machines after use, others may not be. That sweat and grime can transfer from the equipment to your skin, causing clogged pores and breakouts. Here’s how to dodge the dirt:

• Swap Towels Regularly: A clean towel is your first line of defence. Bacteria thrive in damp environments, so switch out your towel every gym session. We recommend using a medium-weight towel as it dries quickly and is easier to manage than thick, fluffy towels.
  
• Hands Off Your Face: Touching your face after handling gym equipment is a big no-no. Keep those germs away by resisting the urge to wipe your brow or scratch an itch until you’ve washed your hands.
  
• Hydration Is Key: Staying hydrated is crucial for healthy skin. Sweat depletes your body’s water levels, so drink up to keep your skin looking and feeling its best.

Post-Workout Skincare: Stop Breakouts Before They Start

Breakouts on your back, shoulders, and face can be all too common if you’re working out regularly. Sweat and oil buildup is the main culprit, so hit the showers ASAP after your session. Here’s what you need:

• Shower Essentials: Opt for a body wash or targeted treatment designed to combat body acne. Look for ingredients like salicylic acid to keep breakouts at bay.
• CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser: This cleanser works to alleviate rough and bumpy skin texture, by exfoliating the skin with salicylic acid.
• Q+A Salicylic Acid Body Wash: This salicylic acid body wash helps brighten the skin, and improve overall skin texture.

For After The Shower 

• The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 0.5% Body Serum: If you would prefer to exfoliate after the shower then this is the serum for you!

For more recommendations, click here.

1. Wash:

We recommend washing your face with a gentle cleanser to clear out your pores. Here are some of our favourites:

• CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser:
  Gentle but effective for removing sweat and excess oil.
  
• Aesop In Two Minds Facial Cleanser
  This cleanser washes without stripping, leaving your skin feeling clean and comfortable.

2. Serum

It’s now important to re-hydrate and cool down your skin. A moisturising serum will help rehydrate your skin after sweating and a calming serum will reduce any redness. Here are some of our favourites:

• Allies of Skin Multi Hyaluronic Antioxidant Hydration Serum
  An absolute hero product from Allies of Skin. It’s light, non-greasy and quickly absorbed, leaving you with a bright and thirst-quenched complexion.
  
• The Ordinary Balancing & Clarifying Serum
  This serum provides visibly clearer skin, by helping to reduce the look of pores, excess oil, and uneven skin texture.

3. Moisturiser

After cleansing, replenish your skin’s moisture with a lightweight moisturiser. Sweat can dry out your skin more than you think! Using a moisturiser with SPF is integral for keeping skin protected from the sun and looking great.

Here are some of our favourites:

• Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel SPF 50
  Not only does it moisturise the skin, but it protects it from environmental factors such as UV rays and pollutants. It also helps prevent early signs of ageing.
  
• Murad Oil-Control Mattifier SPF 45
  Murad Oil-Control Mattifier SPF 45 is the perfect moisturiser for greasy skin. It helps to reduce the amount of oily residue on the skin, without being too harsh – leaving a gentle glow and less shine.