You would probably know this – while nutritious food, plenty of hydration and good skincare products are important for good skin, so is physical activity. Getting in a proper session of exercise regularly can do more than just keep you looking and feeling fit – it can help flush out toxins from the body and when you sweat, your pores are cleaned out too!
Now, the post-workout glow isn’t just about feeling strong and accomplished—it’s also about taking care of your skin once you’re done sweating it out. Whether you just smashed a HIIT session or finished your yoga flow, your skin deserves some extra TLC.
If you are a part of our indē wild tribe, you would know this – we like to keep skin and hair care routines simple. So, naturally, the post-workout skincare routine, we would suggest, should also be just as simple.
A 6-step post-workout skincare routine for you to try!
Working out is often an adrenaline rush; you can feel the blood pumping through your body and when you sweat, you can feel that flush on your face. Most people will take a shower post-workout and then head out to whatever their normal routine is – however, there are some post-workout skincare tips that you could consider for better skin!
Step 1 - Cleanse Immediately After Your Workout
Sweat, bacteria, and impurities accumulate on your face and body during your workout, making a good cleanse the first step in your post workout skincare. Start with a gentle cleanser that doesn’t strip away your skin’s natural moisture. Using lukewarm water, rinse off the sweat and grime that can clog pores and cause breakouts.
Step 2 - Tone to Restore pH Balance
After cleansing, your skin’s pH balance might be disrupted due to sweat and cleanser residues. A good toner helps restore that balance, tightens pores, and preps your skin for further hydration. Look for alcohol-free formulas that calm and refresh without over-drying. Toners can also remove any lingering impurities that your cleanser might have missed. Incorporating a gentle, natural toner ensures your skin feels soothed and ready to absorb moisturizers and serums. This step is particularly important if you have combination or sensitive skin, as it minimizes irritation while enhancing overall skin texture.
Step 3 - Exfoliate Gently
Exfoliation is key to removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores, but timing is essential. Right after a workout, your skin is more sensitive, so it’s best to wait at least 15–20 minutes after exercise before exfoliating. By sloughing away dead skin, you allow fresh, glowing skin to come through. Regular, gentle exfoliation can also enhance the effectiveness of your other skincare products by ensuring they penetrate deeply. However, we do suggest that you exfoliate once or a maximum of twice a week, since over-exfoliating can damage your skin.
Step 4 - Hydrate with a Lightweight Serum
Sweat can leave your skin dehydrated, making it crucial to replenish moisture right away. A lightweight serum packed with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid can work wonders. Consider adding our AM Sunrise Glow Serum to your post workout skincare products, as this single product can nourish, hydrate and give you radiant skin. This serum has been created to penetrate deeply, deliver antioxidants and vitamins that combat free radicals generated during exercise and boost hydration levels. Just a few drops will do the trick!
Step 5 - Don’t Forget Sunscreen
Whether your workout is a run around the park or you like to hit the gym, sunscreen is a must! A lot of people don’t know that sweating can make your skin more vulnerable to UV damage - so applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 should be non-negotiable. Thankfully, if you are building your post workout face care routine with a little help from indē wild, then you have the AM Sunscreen Glow Drops SPF 50+. Applying sunscreen will not only prevent premature ageing but also safeguard your skin from harmful rays that can lead to hyperpigmentation and other skin issues. While it might seem like an extra step, incorporating sunscreen into your post-workout routine helps maintain a youthful, glowing complexion.
Step 6 - Hydrate from Within
While topical skincare is critical, hydration starts from the inside out. After a workout, replenishing your body’s fluids is as important for your skin as any cream or serum. Drinking plenty of water throughout your exercise session and afterwards aids in flushing out toxins and supports overall skin health. Coconut water is also a good way to hydrate and replenish the lost electrolytes as well. Pair your water intake with a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to give your skin that natural glow.
Taking care of your skin after a workout doesn’t have to be complicated. But yes, steps like cleansing and toning to hydrating and protecting, are crucial in ensuring that your skin recovers and thrives. By making these simple adjustments to your post-workout routine, you’re not just enhancing your skincare—it’s a little act of self-love that pays off in the long run.
Enjoy that post-exercise glow and keep shining, both inside and out!