5 steps to become beautiful after a workout

If we can count on one thing every New Year, regardless of what's going on around us, it's that the gyms will be packed! Whether you've just started exercising or have been going to the gym for years, the following steps will help you look your best after your sweat this year!

Before we get into how to be beautiful after the gym, let's quickly discuss how exercise alone can help you on your journey to more beautiful skin this year! According to the American Academy of Dermatology, moderate exercise can improve circulation and strengthen the immune system, which in turn can give skin a more youthful appearance.

But as good as getting your physique going, it's important to follow an all-round skin care routine after a sweat session to keep your complexion looking defined...especially below the neckline. “If you have acne on your body but not on your face, it’s often caused by waiting too long to shower after your workout,” explains board certified dermatologist and Skincare.com consultant Dr. Lisa Jeanne. “Enzymes from your sweat are deposited on the skin and can clog pores, leading to breakouts. I tell my patients to at least rinse, even if they can't take a full shower. Get water on your body within 10 minutes of your workout." This brings us to our post-workout skincare action plan:

Step 1: Clear

While the optimal post-workout skin care action plan is to jump in the shower within 10 minutes of your workout, we know this isn't always doable when the gym's locker room is packed. However, to make sure you're still washing off that sweat, keep a pack of cleansing wipes and a bottle of micellar water in your gym bag. These cleansing options do not require foaming and rinsing, so you can easily wipe sweat and any other impurities from the surface of the skin as soon as you finish your workout.

Step 2: Moisturize

No matter what skin type you have, after cleansing, you need to apply a moisturizer. By skipping this step, you can inadvertently dehydrate your skin, which can cause your sebaceous glands to overcompensate for excess sebum production. Use a moisturizer formulated for your specific skin type immediately after cleansing for best results.

Step 3: Dry shampoo

Sweaty strands and no soul is expected? Grab a bottle of dry shampoo to freshen up your hair between washes. Dry shampoo is a great option when you need to cover up oily hair. If your strands are sweaty, tie them up in a chic bun after you spritz them with dry shampoo, and be sure to lather them up when you finally get to shower.

Step 4: BB Cream

If you leave after a workout or return to the office, you most likely won't go without makeup. While some foundations can feel heavy after a particularly hard workout at the gym, BB creams are a great lightweight alternative that provides sheer toned coverage. If the sun is still out, opt for a BB cream with a broad spectrum SPF to help protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

Step 5: Mascara

If you want to keep your makeup minimal, a BB cream and a quick mascara application is all you need. After all, you don't want to hide that gorgeous post-workout blush!

Is it better to skip the gym and work out at home? We share a simple full body workout that you can do without the gym.!