Skin care tips for your next sweat session

The good news is that working on your physical form is not only doom and gloom, as it is associated with the largest organ in your body. There are ways to keep your skin clear and fresh, and we will share them with you. Keep reading to discover six expert-approved tips to follow before, during, and after your next sweat session!

1. Clean your face and body

You (fingers crossed!) cleanse your skin before you hit the treadmill or elliptical trainer. Follow this example right after your workout at the gym to get rid of the dirt, bacteria and sweat that may be on the surface of your skin. The longer they linger, the more likely you are to create a breeding ground for pesky pimples and blemishes. Wanda Serrador, facial and body specialist at The Body Shop, recommends showering immediately after your workout. If you can't head home right away or the locker room showers are full, wipe sweat off your face and body with cleansing wipes and micellar water stored in your gym bag. We prefer these cleaning options because they're quick and easy, and best of all, they don't require access to a sink. In other words, there really is no excuse not to wash your face. Be sure to wash your hands immediately after a workout, even before you start cleaning your skin.

Editor's Note: Keep an extra pair of clothes in your duffel bag for changing after showering or cleaning. The exercise won't be as effective if you put your sweaty workout gear back on. Besides, do you really want to run errands and spend your day in sweat-drenched clothes? Did not think.

2. Moisturize

Moisturizing your skin is essential whether you exercise or not. After cleansing, apply a light face and body moisturizer to help lock in moisture. When choosing a formula, pay attention to your skin type. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, choose a moisturizer that mattifies the skin and eliminates excess sebum, such as La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat. Apply face moisturizer and body lotion to skin while still slightly damp after washing and/or showering for best results. But don't just hydrate your body from the outside! Hydrate from the inside out by drinking the recommended amount of water daily.

3. Avoid bright makeup

In the same way that it is not recommended to apply makeup while sweating, we also recommend discarding makeup after you are done so that your skin can breathe. If you don't want to completely expose your face, use a BB cream instead of a full coverage foundation. BB creams are usually lighter and may cause less irritation. Bonus points if it contains a broad-spectrum SPF to help protect skin from harmful UV rays. Try Garnier 5-in-1 Skin Perfector Oil-Free BB Cream.

4. Cool off with a mist

After a workout, you'll probably need a way to cool down, especially if you're sweating profusely and looking flushed. One of our favorite ways to freshen up our skin — besides cold water douses — is with a facial spray. Apply Vichy mineralizing thermal water to the skin. Rich in 15 minerals and antioxidants sourced from French Volcanoes, the formula is instantly refreshing and soothing, helping to strengthen skin's natural barrier function for healthy-looking skin.

5. Apply SPF

Any sunscreen you put on your skin before a workout is likely to have evaporated by the time you're done. Because few things are as important to your skin as a daily broad-spectrum SPF, you'll need to apply it before going outside in the morning. Choose a non-comedogenic, waterproof formula with broad spectrum SPF 15 or higher, such as Vichy Idéal Capital Soleil SPF 50.

6. Don't touch the skin

If you have a habit of touching your face during and after your workout, it's time to get rid of it. During exercise, your paws are exposed to countless germs and bacteria that can harm your skin. To avoid cross-contamination and pimples, keep your hands away from your face. Also, instead of brushing your hair out of your face and risking touching your neck, tie your hair back before exercising.