As glamorous and convenient it may be to work out in a face full of makeup, it is very bad for your skin. Whether you are getting a quick afternoon run in or don’t feel like taking your makeup off during your gym time, it is better to remove it than leave it on and create more problems for your skin.
PHOTO: Confession of a Blog VIxen
One of the main reasons this can be harmful to your face, according to Dr. Preethi Daniel who spoke to Hello!, is while exercising, blood vessels near the surface of your skin begin to expand and it causes you to sweat because your body begins to promote circulation. Sweat helps to cool you down but it also assists in pushing impurities out of your skin during this time. If you have a layer of makeup over your pores, the sweat and bacterias could be trapped causing extreme clogging of pores and interrupting the face’s flow of releasing heat.
"The trapping of bacteria and sweat in the (now dilated) pores can enlarge pores over time and cause blackheads, while the trapping of heat can flare temperature-sensitive conditions such as rosacea, ultimately causing redness and uneven skin tone," Dr. Rachel Nazarian shared with Health.
Irritating our skin in this manner is not something we aim to do, but if by chance you are unable to remove your makeup or are not moved by the warnings, attempt to use products that may not cause as much damage to the skin. While Dr. Preethi is adamant about not having any makeup products on your skin during your workout routine, Dr. Nazarian says if you have no choice but to wear these products, go for those that won’t clog pores, use lighter products such as powders and be sure to face your face as soon as you can afterward with a gentle/unscented cleanser. Dr. Preethi also suggests using makeup wipes or micellar water to take off makeup before working out to ensure a proper removal of impurities.
Another dermatologist, Dr. Debra Jaliman, who spoke with Health suggested using "tinted products" since they are usually lightweight or instead of trying to achieve a full face, just spot correct with a concealer to cover your trouble spots. Also, it is suggested that you try to do light movements while wearing makeup product at the gym to avoid excessive sweating, but if you need to feel that sweat to ensure you had a great workout — just don’t wear makeup!
PHOTO: Dermveda
Dr. Nazarian also advises completing wiping away items like eyeliner, lipstick and mascara because, "They're likely to smear and smudge during a vigorous workout, and can clog delicate pores around the eyes and mouth, leading to styles of the eyelids and blackheads around the lips."
Here a few items to stash away in your gym bag just in case you need emergency removal:
Simple Kind to Skin Micellar Makeup Remover Wipes
PHOTO: Target
Unscented and combined with the power of micellar water, these wipes are the perfect items for your gym days to help you completely remove your makeup and help refresh your skin. Retails for $5.59.
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Foaming Gel Cleanser
PHOTO: Garnier
If you prefer a cleanser to a wipe, Garnier Skinactive’s got you covered! Also combined with the power of micellar water, this gentle, unscented cleanser lifts away dirt, oil and makeup without drying out the skin or causing you to rub your skin abrasively. Retails for $8.99.
Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer
PHOTO: Target
This moisturizer is safe for all skin types and includes SPF 15 to help protect your skin from sun damage as well. It is super lightweight and nourishes your skin while keeping it hydrated. Retails for $11.79.
Burt’s Bees Pomegranate Lip Balm
PHOTO: Burt’s Bees
Your lips need a little love before you hit your favorite machine? Burt’s Bees moisturizing lip balm naturally revitalizes your lips and adds the slightest hint of color to make your lips look even and hydrated. Retails for $5.80 for a two-pack.
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