If you were someone in the days of BC (read: before corona) who used to put on makeup before the gym... such as perhaps a tiny bit of foundation or a few strokes of mascara to hit that HIIT class, you might want to think again. We know - weāve all been told a million times that wearing makeup can be bad for our skin when working out, but we all slip up occasionally.Ā
After all, itās not easy feeling confident enough to brave it bare-faced every time you head into the gym, right?Ā
Well, we might have just launched the perfect product for you. And it's called The Glow Booster. It brings an all new approach to gym proof skincare. No more searching for those sweat proof primers or scouring the internet for the best makeup for the gym. No no no.Ā
As the age old saying goes, the best makeup product is a good skincare routine And that's not wrong.
The Glow Booster is Innermost newest product launch, and it's our debut booster in the skincare game. Packed with research-backed ingredients and skincare must-haves such as collagen, hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C, The Glow Booster is here to increase your hydration levels, boost your radiance and kick your skin insecurities to the kerb.Ā
Gone are the days when you feel as if you need to top up your BB cream and your makeup for the gym (spoiler alert: you didn't need to, anyway).Ā Self love, baby.Ā
Why you shouldnāt wear makeup to workout
Itās well-known that weāre better off going fresh-faced when exercising. In an interview with ELLE, Dr Anjali Mahto, Consultant Dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson, said: āIdeally, itās best to avoid wearing makeup to the gym. Sweat and increased temperature brought on by exercise can lead to open pores which can become blocked by particles of makeup. This can easily lead to breakouts and, in turn, uneven skin texture.ā
But aside from our own sweat (and tears), there are several other factors we encounter at the gym that can have negative effects on our skin, aside from wearing makeup for the gym.Ā
From bikes, to yoga mats, to dumbbells, to kettlebells, gym equipment is the quintessential breeding ground for germs and bacteria. And when, on average, we end up touching our face 16 times an hour, this can be a recipe for a skin disaster. So, what can you do to protect those pores and ban those blemishes?
Our top gym-proof skincare and beauty hacks
- Cleanse properly before and after the gym
Everyone knows that cleansing your skin properly is one of the most important pillars when it comes to your beauty routine. Even more so if youāre going to be going to the gym with any kinds of products on your face.
If youāre going to the gym later in the afternoon or evening and have been wearing makeup or other beauty products throughout the day, make sure to properly remove them before re-applying anything you want to wear in the gym. Makeup collects pollution and microbes throughout the day, so itās good to start with a fresh base to minimise the congestion and build-up in your pores.Ā
Then, after your workout, give your face another good cleanse to make sure all the residual dirt, sweat, and makeup products have been fully removed. Thereās nothing better than that post-gym shower, right?
We recommend carrying some cleanser or cleansing wipes with you in your gym bag too, just in case youāre super tight for time. For simple, gentle brands that suit most skin types, try Cetaphil or CeraVe.
To find out more about how to properly cleanse your skin post-workout, click here.
- Wear a non-comedogenic moisturiserĀ
If youāre a skincare junkie, youāll already know what weāre going to say here. And if youāre new to this topic, then listen up. Even if your skin isnāt naturally oily, you should invest in a decent non-comedogenic moisturiser.
āComedonesā is the medical term for blocked pores, so ānon-comedogenicā describes skincare and makeup products that are made in such a way as to not cause pore blockage and breakouts. If youāre prone to acne or breakouts, you should probably try to use non-comedogenic products anyway.
But if youāre going to the gym with anything on your face then opting for these kinds of products is a great way to reduce the chances of any potential spots of bother arising. Brands like La Roche-Posay and Bioderma have plenty of non-comedogenic options in their ranges.
Itās important to remember though that everyoneās skin reacts differently to different products, so even if something is labeled non-comedogenic, it may still not work for your skin type.
It may take a little while to find the right thing for your skin. But if skin troubles persist, then always see your doctor or dermatologist who can assist with finding you a solution.
- Opt for a BB cream instead of foundation
If youāre a die-hard makeup lover, foundation can be a tough one to kick.
Especially if youāre not feeling ready to go fully (face) naked just yet. If this sounds like you, try a BB cream instead. Bursting onto the beauty scene a few years back, BB (ābeauty balmā) creams sit somewhere between a moisturiser and a foundation. Essentially a tinted moisturiser, it provides more coverage than a normal moisturiser - if youāre looking to hide any existing breakouts - while it has other properties including things like SPF filters and anti-ageing benefits. It's also a great sweat proof primer, too.Ā
The reason why a BB cream would work perfectly for the gym is because itās not as heavy as a foundation, and itās closer to skincare than makeup. Again, look out for non-comedogenic options and always opt for SPF if you can. We love Glossier's Perfecting Skin Tint and Clinique'sĀ Acne Solutions BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 40.Ā
To find out more about some of the best BB creams of 2020, click here.
- Go for a waterproof mascaraĀ
Who doesnāt love long lashes? If youāre someone who simply canāt go without their mascara, but hate the fact that you normally leave the gym with serious panda eyes, waterproof mascara could be the way forward. In the past, waterproof mascaras have often left our lashes feeling hard, crispy, and flaky, but luckily today thereās a range of formulas which cater to all sorts of situations. No flakes necessary. Whether youāre off to a steamy hot yoga class or doing a few laps in the pool, you need never leave the gym with streaky black eyes again.
We love this Eyeko Yoga Waterproof Mascara, as itās full to the brim with ingredients such as vitamin E, ceramides and collagen which help keep your lashes moisturised and protected from damage.
To check out the rest of this yearās best waterproof mascaras, click here.Ā Now, go forth and conquer.
