Workout fanatics and gym-goers alike often ask the question, “should you wear makeup to the gym?”. It's an excellent question because a lot of people wear makeup to the gym, whether it's because of insecurities or because they've just gotten off work. In the case of coming straight from work or college, it can feel like such an inconvenience to have to wipe off your makeup before jumping into your training.
What’s more, some of us look like tomatoes after we have done so, and given that, we would prefer to do the makeup removal when we are back home. Not to mention, a lot of us have successfully gotten away with wearing makeup to the gym without getting spots. This only makes us more likely to do it again. However, it is important not to make a habit of it and take your makeup off before attending your workout session.
Below we will discuss why it is not a good idea to wear makeup to the gym and how to best cleanse your post-workout.
Should You Wear Makeup to the Gym?
It is not advisable to wear makeup to the gym as it can have implications for your skin. This is because you are essentially putting a layer of product over your skin, and underneath, you will be sweating due to the intense exercise. Our body temperature increases during exercises, and this causes our pores to open. This means your pores can very easily become clogged by dirt, oil, particles of makeup, bacteria, and more.
As a result, you are likely to experience breakouts and oftentimes, uneven skin texture. Beyond sweat, makeup provides bacteria with the perfect breeding ground. As a result, this can result in spots. This is especially the case if you touch your face excessively while sweating.
Does Working Out With Makeup Cause Acne?
We’ve all heard it before, “don’t wear makeup to the gym, you will break out” or “you’ll get acne wearing all that to the gym.” This is likely to make you question whether working out with makeup on causes acne. Unfortunately, it is not great news. Working out with makeup on can cause acne.
This is because our blood flow to the skin increases during exercise. This opens the pores, and makeup can result in bacteria and our sweat clogging our pores. Clogged pores can eventually lead to acne. Therefore, if you struggle with acne or want to find ways to prevent it, it is best to take your makeup off before going to the gym.
Will Wearing Makeup to the Gym Affect My Skin in the Long Term?
Now that you know what could happen if you wear makeup to the gym, you are probably wondering if there are long-term effects to doing this. We spend a lot of money on skincare products and time caring for our skin, but does wearing makeup to the gym cancel all this out? The good news is wearing makeup to the gym will most likely not affect your skin in the long run.
Our body’s natural reaction to working out is to sweat and generate heat. Although wearing makeup while working out can result in blemishes, it has not been proven to speed up the process of ageing. Therefore, if you are guilty of wearing makeup to the gym, you won’t damage your skin in the long term. However, you know better now, so it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid doing this.
Can You Wear Foundation to the Gym?
Face makeup products like foundation, powder, and concealer are not ideal for wearing to the gym. This is because they block the skin from breathing which means when you sweat, you create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria which ultimately could lead to breakouts. What’s more, foundation is a very heavy product that will not sweat off easily.
This means the makeup particles may mix in with that bacteria and sweat, clogging your pores. Therefore, if you want to wear makeup to the gym, it is best to avoid face products like foundation. It is best to wear no makeup to the gym if possible and to skip the foundation step altogether.
Is It Better to Workout Without Makeup?
It is a lot better for your skin to work out without any makeup on. This allows your skin to breathe and helps you keep breakouts at bay. Therefore, if you are due to head to the gym but have a full face of makeup on, it is best to remove it all before working out.
How to Cleanse Your Skin Before and After Working Out
It is really important to cleanse your skin before and after you work out. This is because we sweat a lot more, and our body temperature increases. Our pores also open and can easily get clogged with dirt, bacteria, and more.
Therefore, following through with your skincare routine before and after working out helps look after your skin and keep spots at bay. Below are some tips you should follow for pre and post-workout cleansing.
Cleanse Twice Daily
This step is arguably the most important in your skincare regime as it is where you remove all your makeup before working out and all the dirt, sweat, and debris afterwards. It is just as crucial, however, to ensure you are cleansing with a product that is right for your skin.
For example, makeup wipes suit some people well if they need a quick cleanse, but they can be a bit abrasive on sensitive skin types. You may find micellar water suits you better for quick cleansing post-workout.
However, some people may prefer a more thorough cleanse after working out. Therefore, you may find it more worthwhile to use a face wash or gel cleanser if you have oily skin. If you have dry skin, a cleansing milk or cream will be your best pal.
Be Sure to Moisturise Your Skin
Cleansing your skin twice daily is important, especially when you are working out. However, it is also crucial to ensure your skin retains its moisture. The way to do this is by making sure you moisturise it after you cleanse. You should ideally cleanse your skin twice daily. For pre-work moisturise, you could go for something lightweight like the Poko Soothing Serum.
It is a lightweight formula that works to keep blemishes at bay while also moisturising the skin and calming redness.
For moisturising after you work out, you can opt for a heavier moisturiser. Depending on your skin type, you could either try the Poko Ultra Hydrating Moisturiser or the Poko Regenerating Collagen Moisturiser. The Ultra Hydrating Moisturiser is best suited for dry and sensitive skin since it works to maintain the skin’s balance. It does this while not clogging the pores too and locking in moisture. It is packed with active vegan ingredients.
On the other hand, the Regenerating Collagen Moisturiser is packed with aloe vera juice to ensure the skin is nourished and soft. What’s more, it leaves behind a youthful glow and targets dullness and dehydration. Like the Ultra Hydrating Moisturiser it is also packed with vegan active ingredients.
Don’t Forget Your Undereyes
It’s great to moisturise your face but don’t forget to look after your undereye skin too! For this, we would recommend the Poko Correcting Eye Cream. Receiving accolades such as the Beauty Bible 2021 Best Eye Cream, it’s a lightweight formula that works to slow down aging. Packed with avocado oil, it also ensures the skin is kept hydrated. The eye cream works to reduce puffiness and brighten dark circles.
Why Not Use Some Facial Oil For Some Extra Moisture
If you find your skin is on the dryer, duller side of things, why not try some facial oils to give it some extra moisture? Facial oils are a great way to add some extra moisture to the skin. The Poko Luxury Facial Oil is a great choice for those looking to do exactly that. Packed with vitamins A, D, E, and F, it supercharges the skin and works to slow down the signs of ageing.
What’s more, it gives the skin an extra hydration hit, making your skin feel soft and plump. It is also formulated to repair the skin’s natural moisture barrier. This, in turn, helps in preventing free radicals.
Key Takeaways
We see people on the daily going into the gym with a full face of makeup on. Some of us have even done it ourselves when we have been rushing from the office to our workout session. This makes many wonder: should you wear makeup to the gym, and what are the implications of doing so?
Well, the good news is, doing it won’t have long-term effects on your skin. However, it is not advisable to do so since it can result in spots and even acne. Therefore, it is best to remove your makeup before working out and following a good skincare routine that suits your skin type.
