Do you workout in a gym? You probably sweat a lot, even in an air-conditioned room. Going for a brisk morning jog? The dry, cold air could wreak havoc on your skin. Are you an adrenaline junkie searching for new adventures in extreme weather conditions? Imagine what all that can do to your skin, especially if you’re often changing climates.
Adventurous, active people’s skin often needs extra TLC. In this article, we’ll share our best skincare tips for active people, to keep your skin looking and feeling amazing; while treating the rest of your body as a temple as well.
Always use sunscreen when outside
Do you think there’s no need to apply sunscreen on a bright autumn day, when the sun is seemingly mild? Well, you’re wrong. The sun knows its ways through the clouds; and even with the low temperatures, it can affect your skin.
Because you’ll be active and spend several hours outside, consider upping your sun protection game and using a water-and-sweat-resistant, mineral-based, SPF 30 sunscreen. Apply it generously 30-60 minutes prior to outdoor exposure, and re-apply to all exposed skin every 2 hours.
Remember–though sunscreen is important, protective clothing often provides greater protection.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Active people especially need balanced skin moisture. Spending time outdoors, especially with changing temperatures and air humidity, can dehydrate both your epidermis and dermis. That’s why it’s crucial to always use hydrating skincare products, regardless of whether you have dry or oily skin.
Start your routine with a spritz of facial mist or herbal toner (hydrosols are fantastic for this), apply a moisturizer, and seal everything in with facial oil. You can also carry your facial mist on your adventures to refresh and quench drying skin as needed.
Remember to hydrate internally too. Keep an abundant supply of filtered water with you at all times, whether your adventures are indoors or out!
Take care of your feet
Running, jogging, and hiking can all cause harm to your feet, particularly if you’re wearing uncomfortable shoes or inadequate socks. So, how will you keep your feet healthy and blister-free while being active? Here are a few tips:
- Wear wool, bamboo, or socks made with special synthetic blends for active people. These materials are good at wicking the sweat away from your skin.
- Avoid cotton socks because they need a lot of time to dry out.
- Choose well-fitting, high-quality running shoes or hiking boots.
- Before putting on socks, you can apply emollients to your feet (anhydrous herbal balms and butters are great for this). They serve as an additional layer of protection, and reduce abrasive friction.
Keep your skin clean
Common sense tells you to wash your face after a workout, but your skincare routine shouldn’t stop there. If you don’t have a proper cleansing routine, your pores are likely to get clogged, which may cause breakouts and other visible skin problems. Using a face cleanser before and after a workout can help. We also recommend keeping an on-the-go cleanser like non-toxic cleansing wipes, or a reusable soft cloth with your facial mist for especially grimy adventures.
Consider gentle exfoliation too. Super-active people and adventurers who spend lots of time outdoors often deal with skin texture issues that can be greatly improved with periodic exfoliation. We recommend keeping exfoliation as gentle as possible with natural honey or plant enzymes, and soft mechanical exfoliants such as jojoba beads. However we always recommend a visit to the spa for a facial once every couple of months. Licensed aestheticians provide excellent skincare tips for active people!
Feed your skin
Remember, diet and lifestyle play a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin. What you eat and what you drink has a lot to do with how your skin looks and how it reacts to extreme weather conditions. This is the reason why many athletes praise their nutrition as the reason for a glowing complexion.
A diet full of nutritious fruits and vegetables can do so much for your skin. When you’re on the road for some time though, it’s useful to also take omega-3 and top quality vitamin supplements. Make sure also to drink a lot of water and avoid processed food.
Keep your hair off your face
Leaving hair down while you exercise will not only make you hot and sweaty, but it could also lead to breakouts. Sebum, debris, and sweat that accumulate in your hair could eventually end up clogging your pores, and you don’t want that, do you?
So rock a ponytail, a hair braid, a sweatband, or any other hairstyle that will keep your hair off your face.
Working out regularly is one of the best things you can do for your body.
And having an adventurous spirit is great for your mind. However, you need to be aware of how all that affects your skin. Today’s skincare tips for active people will help you maintain a healthy complexion without having to sacrifice your active lifestyle.
What’s the number one skincare tip you share with your adventure-seeking clients?
Please share in the comments below!
About the author:
Caitlin Evans is a bookworm, writer and recreational dancer. When she is not trying to find the meaning of life and the Universe, Cate is researching and writing about various health and well-being related topics. Connect with Caitlin on Twitter.