Exercise is a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle, but it’s essential to remember that your skin needs as much care as your muscles. Especially in our country, where the hot and humid climate, pollution, and dust can exacerbate skin issues, having a proper pre- and post-workout skincare routine is vital. Neglecting your skin before and after exercise can lead to problems like acne, clogged pores, irritation, and even premature aging.

Why Skin Care Before and After Workouts is Essential

During exercise, sweat helps detoxify your body, but it can also trap dirt, oil, and bacteria on your skin. Without proper care, this can result in clogged pores, inflammation, or even breakouts. Climates where high humidity levels can make you sweat more, these issues are compounded. Pollution in cities like Dhaka and Chattogram also increases the risk of skin irritation post-workout.

By adopting a comprehensive pre- and post-workout skincare routine, you can prevent these issues and ensure your skin stays healthy, glowing, and refreshed.

Pre-Workout Skin Care Routine

1. Cleanse Your Face

Washing your face before working out removes makeup, oil, and dirt that could clog your pores during exercise. Popular and affordable options available include:

1. Simple Refreshing Facial Wash – ৳499
2. Parachute SkinPure Goat Milk Brightening Face Wash – ৳99
3. Rajkonna Acne Fighting Facial Wash With Jojoba Beads – ৳157
4. Aarong Earth Neem Face Wash – ৳180
5. Himalaya Oil Clear Lemon Face Wash – ৳112
6. Ponds Face Wash Bright Beauty – ৳185 
7. Lilac Advanced Brightening Face Wash Dry And Sensitive Skin – ৳590
8. Skinpro Acne Clearing Gel Cleanser – 155

2. Apply a Lightweight Moisturizer

Hydration is key even before exercise. Opt for a lightweight moisturizer to prevent your skin from feeling greasy or heavy. Popular and affordable options available include:

1. Himalaya Natural Glow Saffron Face Cream – ৳99
2. Pond’s Super Light Gel Moisturiser – ৳149
3. Rajkonna Light Moisturizer With Rice Water And Licorice Extract – ৳249
4. Pond’s Bright Beauty Serum Cream – ৳131
5. Nivea Soft Light Moisturising Cream – ৳199

3. Avoid Makeup

Makeup and workouts don’t mix. Sweat can trap makeup particles in your pores, leading to breakouts. Wear SPF to protect your skin from UV rays, especially if you’re exercising outdoors.

4. Tie Your Hair Back

For those with long hair, keeping it tied back ensures it doesn’t transfer oil or sweat to your face. On warmer days, a breathable, cotton hairband can absorb sweat and keep your forehead clean.

During Your Workout

1. Use a Clean Towel

Always keep a clean towel handy to blot sweat off your face and body. Avoid wiping aggressively, as this can irritate your skin.

2. Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workout. Staying hydrated helps maintain your skin’s elasticity and reduces the risk of dryness.

Post-Workout Skin Care Routine

Once you’re done exercising, your skin needs immediate attention to remove sweat, dirt, and bacteria. Here’s how to do it effectively:

1. Cleanse Thoroughly

The first step after any workout is to cleanse your skin to remove sweat and grime. Use a mild cleanser with antibacterial properties, especially if you work out in a gym where germs are prevalent. 

For body care, use an antibacterial body wash, like Dettol Original Shower Gel (৳200), to prevent body acne. Other affordable bodywashes include: 

1. Rain Shower Refreshing Bath and Shower Gel – ৳260
2. Freyia’S Shower Gel Bubble Kiss – ৳295
3. Rajkonna Moisturizing Shower Gel – ৳280
4. She Is Sexy Shower Gel – ৳550
5. Nivea Female Shower Gel – ৳530
6. Skin Secret Shower Gel Cool & Clear Ice Boosting – ৳350

2. Exfoliate (Twice a Week)

Exfoliating your skin twice a week helps remove dead skin cells and unclogs pores. In Bangladesh, where pollution levels are high, a good exfoliator can make a significant difference. Look for products with natural ingredients, such as St. Ives Apricot Scrub (৳699), but avoid over-exfoliating, as it can irritate your skin.

3. Apply a Toner

After cleansing, use a toner to tighten your pores and refresh your skin. Toners with natural ingredients like rose water are widely available in Bangladesh. Dabur Gulabari Rose Water (৳85) is a budget-friendly option that doubles as a toner and a natural hydrator.

4. Use an Antioxidant Serum

Exercise-induced inflammation can lead to redness and irritation. Applying an antioxidant serum rich in vitamin C or green tea extracts can help combat this. 

5. Moisturize Again

After applying a serum, lock in the hydration with a moisturizer. If you’re prone to oily skin, use a gel-based moisturizer. For dry skin, opt for a creamier formula.

6. Don’t Forget Sunscreen

If you’re heading outdoors after your workout, always apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30. In Bangladesh’s sunny climate, sunscreen is non-negotiable to protect against UV damage. Affordable options include:

1. Freyia’s Sunscreen SPF PA 50++ – ৳535
2. Skin Cafe Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++ – ৳510

Additional Tips for Gym-Goers

1. Shower Immediately: Don’t let sweat sit on your skin for too long. Showering immediately after exercise reduces the risk of clogged pores and body acne.
2. Wear Breathable Clothing: Opt for sweat-wicking fabrics like cotton or activewear designed to reduce friction. In humid areas, synthetic fabrics can trap sweat, causing irritation.
3. Avoid Touching Your Face: Whether you’re at the gym or exercising outdoors, avoid touching your face with unclean hands. Gym equipment often harbors bacteria that can lead to breakouts.
4. Keep a Skincare Kit Handy: Carry travel-sized cleansers, toners, and moisturizers in your gym bag for quick post-workout touch-ups.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping Cleansing Before Workouts: Exercising with a dirty face or makeup on can worsen skin issues.
2. Overusing Harsh Products: Avoid strong cleansers or scrubs that strip your skin of natural oils.
3. Neglecting Hydration: Drinking enough water is as crucial for your skin as it is for your body.
4. Ignoring Sunscreen: Even if it’s cloudy, UV rays can harm your skin. Always use sunscreen.

The combination of heat, humidity, and pollution can be challenging for skincare, a consistent pre- and post-workout routine is essential to maintain healthy skin. By following the steps outlined above, you can protect your skin from common exercise-related issues and keep it glowing. Prioritize cleansing, hydration, and protection to ensure your skincare aligns with your fitness goals.

Your skin is as important as your health—so take care of it as you sweat your way to fitness!

Written By –
Nafia Khanom Tanha 

Shop Now – 

Face Wash Handpicks: 

1. Himalaya Oil Clear Lemon Face Wash- https://shop.shajgoj.com/product/himalaya-oil-control-lemon-face-wash 
2. Parachute SkinPure Goat Milk Brightening Facewash – https://shop.shajgoj.com/product/parachute-skinpure-goat-milk-brightening-facewash-for-bright-glowing-skin-prevents-dry-dull-skin-all-skin-types-no-parabens-sulphate-100-gm 
3. Rajkonna Acne Fighting Facial Wash With Jojoba Beads – https://shop.shajgoj.com/product/rajkonna-acne-fighting-facial-wash 
4. Aarong Earth Neem Face Wash – https://shop.shajgoj.com/product/aarong-earth-neem-face-wash-with-bursting-beads 
5. Ponds Face Wash Bright Beauty – https://shop.shajgoj.com/product/ponds-face-wash-bright-beauty-100g 
6. Simple Refreshing Facial Wash Gel – https://shop.shajgoj.com/product/simple-kind-to-skin-refreshing-facial-wash-gel 
7. Lilac Advanced Brightening Face Wash Dry And Sensitive Skin – https://shop.shajgoj.com/product/lilac-advanced-brightening-face-wash-dry-and-sensitive-skin 
8. Skinpro Acne Clearing Gel Cleanser – https://shop.shajgoj.com/product/skinpro-acne-clearing-gel-cleanser 

Moisturizer Handpicks: 

1. Himalaya Natural Glow Saffron Face Cream – https://shop.shajgoj.com/product/himalaya-natural-glow-saffron-face-cream 
2. Pond’s Super Light Gel Moisturiser – https://shop.shajgoj.com/product/ponds-super-light-gel-moisturiser-49g 
3. Rajkonna Light Moisturizer With Rice Water And Licorice Extract – https://shop.shajgoj.com/product/rajkonna-light-moisturizer-with-rice-water-and-licorice-extract 
4. Pond’s Bright Beauty Serum Cream – https://shop.shajgoj.com/product/ponds-bright-beauty-serum-cream-35g-free-ponds-facewash-bright-beauty-19g 
5. Nivea Soft Light Moisturising Cream – https://shop.shajgoj.com/product/nivea-soft-light-moisturising-cream-500-ml 

Shower Gel Handpicks – 

1. Dettol Body Wash Shower Gel – https://shop.shajgoj.com/product/dettol-body-wash-shower-gel-original-pine-fragrance-with-trusted-protection-250ml 
2. Rain Shower Refreshing Bath and Shower Gel – https://shop.shajgoj.com/product/rain-shower-refreshing-bath-and-shower-gel 
3. Freyia’S Shower Gel Bubble Kiss – https://shop.shajgoj.com/product/freyias-shower-gel-bubble-kiss-2 
4. Rajkonna Moisturizing Shower Gel – https://shop.shajgoj.com/product/rajkonna-moisturizing-shower-gel 
5. She Is Sexy Shower Gel – https://shop.shajgoj.com/product/she-is-sexy-shower-gel 
6. Nivea Female Shower Gel – https://shop.shajgoj.com/product/nivea-female-shower-gel-lemongrass-oil 
7. Skin Secret Shower Gel Cool & Clear Ice Bo0sting – https://shop.shajgoj.com/product/skin-secret-shower-gel-cool-clear-ice-boosting 

Dabur Gulabari Premium Rose Water – https://shop.shajgoj.com/product/dabur-gulabari-rose-water 

St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot scrub – https://shop.shajgoj.com/product/st-ives-fresh-skin-apricot-3 

Sunscreen Handpicks – 

1. Freyia’s Sunscreen SPF PA 50++ – https://shop.shajgoj.com/product/freyias-sunscreen-spf-pa-50-for-dry-skin 

Skin Cafe Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++ – https://shop.shajgoj.com/product/skin-cafe-lightweight-non-greasy-sunscreen-spf-50-pa