The warm weather means your workout can finally move outdoors. Whether the spring season means you up your activity level, try a new fitness routine, or expose yourself to the elements more often, take a look at what you need to know about warm-weather workouts and your skincare routine.
Use Sunscreen
Are you a runner, jogger, swimmer, biker, or hiker? If you spend time outdoors, you need sunscreen—even in the spring. Don’t let a chilly spring morning trick you into thinking you can skip this necessary skincare product.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), everyone needs sunscreen to protect from and prevent skin cancer. The AAD recommends:
- An SPF 30 plus. Choose a sunscreen that’s rated SPF 30 or higher for your outdoor workouts.
- A broad-spectrum sunscreen. Your outdoor activity sunscreen should protect your skin from both UVA and UVB sun rays.
- A water-resistant product. If you swim or sweat, you need a water-resistant product. The more active you get, the more you sweat.
- Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before you go outside. Don’t wait until the last minute to lather the sunscreen on.
- Use enough sunscreen. The typical adult needs the equivalent of one full shot glass of sunscreen each time they go outdoors to exercise.
Reapply the sunscreen at least every two hours — especially if you exercise vigorously or sweat profusely. While sweat serves a function (cooling your body), it also washes away the sunscreen.
Moisturize Well
Sweat and pool water may make your skin wet — but neither adds moisture. Healthy skin is moisturized skin, even if you have an oily complexion or are prone to breakouts.
Why should you pay extra attention to your warm-weather workout moisturizing routine? The top reasons include:
- Pool chemicals. If you swim regularly, chlorine can irritate or dry your skin. Talk to your dermatologist about a pre-swim moisturizer to protect your skin and a post-swim lotion/cream to ease irritation.
- Sun damage. Sun-damaged skin can appear dry or cracked. Protect your fragile facial skin with a moisturizer that contains broad-spectrum sunscreen.
- Wind. The whipping spring wind can irritate or dry your skin as you run, jog, or bike outdoors. Along with sunscreen, apply a pre-and post-workout moisturizer.
If the weather-related humidity levels make your skin oily, choose a light, oil-free moisturizer.
Cleanse Correctly
Again, the added humidity in the warm-weather air can make your skin feel oily (or oilier than it typically would). Between oily skin issues, sweat, and irritating pool chemicals, you need to cleanse correctly.
How should you keep your skin clean during and after a springtime outdoor workout? The simple steps include:
- Wipe during your workout. Bring a soft towel along to wipe the sweat off your face mid-workout. Even though this can help to keep your skin clean, it also removes sunscreen. Reapply the broad-spectrum product after you towel off the sweat.
- Choose the right product. Care for irritated skin with a gentle cleanser. But if you have oily/acne-prone skin, choose a stronger or medicated product.
- Use a new towel. Don’t use your workout towel to wash your face afterward. This will redeposit sweat, bacteria, and other debris onto your face and body.
- Reapply sunscreen. Your post-workout cleansing routine will remove the sunscreen you applied before or during physical activity. If you plan to go back outside, reapply the sunscreen first.
Talk to your dermatologist about the right cleanser for your skincare needs. The doctor can help you to find the facial and body products that clean the sweat away and remove leftover sunscreen—minus dryness or irritation.
Do you need professional help choosing spring-time workout sun and skincare products? Contact Advanced Dermatology & Skin Care Specialists for more information.
