Is It Ok To Wear Makeup While Working Out?

As you exercise, blood vessels expand, increasing blood flow to your skin and opening pores. You should not be working out in a full face of makeup but you can wear light products like a tinted moisturizer.  Thick makeup creates a barrier on your skin and traps sweat and bacteria, thus congesting your skin. These layers of bacteria, oil, and dirt clogging your pores will lead to breakouts and rashes.

 

What is a girl to do? You want to make the 5:30 pm TRX class after work and you barely have enough time to change your clothes. Not to mention, you want to look cute while working out.

The good news is there are some types of makeup that won’t clog pores and can be worn while working out.

 

 

Let’s break down the do’s and don’ts of makeup and exercising

 

Cleansing before the workout

• DO: Remove your makeup before exercising. It is best to wash your face before you start your exercise routine. Opting for a cream or gel cleanser is fast and effective. Bonus points if your cleanser contains exfoliants.
• DON’T: Don’t exercise in heavy makeup without cleansing. The makeup will form a barrier, and sweat, oil, and dirt will be trapped in your pores, causing acne and blemishes. 

 

Makeup when you sweat: tinted moisturizer

• DO: Find the light and moisturizing makeup that is non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores). A tinted moisturizer is an ideal choice for something that feels barely there but helps makes skin look perfect. 
• DON’T: Wear thick foundation or heavy eye products. These will not only clog your pores and cause breakouts, but many of the products will also run into your eyes or come off onto clothing when you sweat.

 

Sunscreen for outdoor workouts

• DO: Put on sunscreen. If you are exercising outdoors, you need to protect your skin from sun damage. Apply a sweat-resistant sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher to all exposed areas of your skin, especially your face, to keep your skin looking young and healthy. You can find different types of sunscreen for  body and  face. 
• DON’T: Don’t leave your skin unprotected. Exercising outdoors is exhilarating, but a sunburn or long-term sun damage will ruin your fun in the sun.

 

Drying off during the workout 

• DO: Dry yourself throughout your workout. Pat your face and body with a clean towel during your workout to remove excess sweat.
• DON’T: Don’t rub your skin. Don’t rub yourself with the towel as it can irritate your skin.  

 

Washing up after your workout

• DO: Wash up after exercising. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it is best to shower immediately after exercising. Your hands and feet are in constant contact with weights, yoga mats, and bicycle handles during your workout; all this equipment is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. A quick shower is a withan exfoliating cleanserefficient way to remove the bacteria that causes acne.   If you do not have the time to take a full shower after your workout, make sure to wash your face, hands, and acne-prone areas of your body with a gentle facial cleanser.
• DON’T: Don’t stay in your workout clothes. Even if you are short on time, make sure to change into fresh clothes. Sweaty clothes will cling to your skin, causing irritation that can lead to a rash.

 

Sum up on makeup and exercising 

Thick makeup creates a barrier on the skin and will not let sweat, oil, and dirt escape during a workout. It is best to remove heavy makeup before working out and cleanse the skin of sweat and bacteria after exercising. Opting for a light product like tinted moisturizer can give you that put-together look without causing breakouts.