Plenty of us men stay active in order to keep our bodies strong. If you are athletic, you should consider picking up skin-care habits to keep your skin healthy. Whether you are outside or in the gym, your skin is vulnerable to acne and damage. Here are some ways you can take care of your skin.
Use Sunscreen
If you are going to exercise outside, make sure to wear sunscreen. Being outside exposes you to ultraviolet rays that can damage your skin. The sun's rays can still affect your skin even if you are inside. You can still be exposed by working out near a window. Make sure to use sunscreen of at least SPF 30, but a higher SPF is preferable. It can get hot during the day, and you will most likely be sweating. Sports sunscreen is often sweatproof, so check to make sure how long it will last. The areas you should protect with sunscreen are:
- Neck
- Back of neck
- Arms
- Face
- Chest
Shower After Exercising
After exercising, the pores in your skin are covered in sweat, oil, and germs. Your skin may likely develop acne, especially if you are prone to acne. After a fitness routine, head to the showers to wash all that grime off your skin. During your post-workout, use a wash that contains either benzoyl peroxide or sulfur. These two ingredients fight the bacteria that causes breakouts. Thoroughly scrub your skin to clean your pores and change into a new set of clothes.
Bring Toner Pads
Another way to clean your skin after a workout is with toner pads. Toner pads are cotton rounds that come pre-soaked. Pads that have salicylic acid as an active ingredient are helpful for those who tend to have oily skin. Salicylic acid limits the production of oil and helps remove sweat. Some key areas to wipe are:
- All around the neck
- Face
- Chest
- Back
Hydrate the Skin
Your body loses moisture after exercising, and it can cause dryness and irritation in the skin. Some tips to prevent these skin conditions are:
- Moisturizers replenish water in the skin without clogging your pores. Apply it after you wash your face. If you are susceptible to acne breakouts, there are oil-free products available.
- Drinking water will keep your skin hydrated, especially if you are outside in the heat. Be sure to keep a bottle of water on hand while you exercise.
Have the Right Towel
You may not be aware, but having the right towel can benefit your skin. If you are going to a gym, there might have some clean ones available to use. However, if you want to bring your own, or will be exercising outside, it is important to know what type of towel you will need. One thing you should consider is absorbency. Having a plush towel will make it harder to get rid of most of the bacteria when you wash it. At the same time, your towel should not be super thin. Some towels are infused with silver. Silver contains antimicrobial properties that make it easier to wash away bacteria. When you are drying off, be sure to leave a bit of water on your skin to keep it hydrated.
Make a Shake
Post-workout shakes are not only good for your muscles, but they also help your skin. One of the proteins in the skin is called collagen. Collagen help keeps your skin firm, and production starts to decrease as you age. However, using supplements can increase collagen synthesis. Add a scoop of collagen peptides to your smoothie for supple skin.
Fitness is an excellent way to stay in shape, but it is important to take the necessary steps for healthier skin. We provide men with quality grooming products that help improve skin.