Your Ultimate Pre & Post-Workout Skincare Routine For Glowing Skin

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Besides removing our makeup, we don’t often think about our skincare routine before or after we head for a major sweat sesh. But it’s actually super important, as when you exercise, your body temperature increases, and more often than not, you sweat – a lot! This causes your pores to dilate, making it even easier for makeup, dirt, and oil to make their way in and block your pores and impact your glow game. But DW hunnies as we’re here to share the ultimate pre and post-workout skincare routine to ensure your skin brings its A-game every time.

Pre-Workout Skincare Routine

Step 1: Wash your Face

…Not with makeup wipes!!

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A.M.: If you’ve just woken up or you’re not wearing makeup, swipe your skin with a cotton pad soaked in micellar water or splash a little cold water on your face. It’s important that your skin is clean, so if you feel like your skin needs it, do a gentle cleanse with a milk or gel cleanser.

P.M: Double cleanse to remove all your makeup! We love to use the Face Halo, because all you have to do is wet it, and the tiny little fibers will remove makeup and dirt, so it’s super easy to use on-the-go. To finish, we love to use the Foreo Luna 3 cleansing device with a gel cleanser to remove every last trace of makeup – the T-sonic pulsations and soft silicone bristles help clean extra deep into pores, which is exactly what you need before a workout!

Step 2: Actives That Work

Pssst. you can apply skincare pre-workout; you just need to look for gentle formulas and brightening actives to amplify that I-just-worked-out-kinda glow. We love to use lightweight, hydrating and protective formulas while we hit the treadmill, like a vitamin C serum or an antioxidant-rich gel moisturizer to protect our skin from free radicals that attack during exercise. Avoid anything too rich and heavy, which could feel uncomfortable when you sweat.

3. Protect

If you’re working outside in the sun or going for a hike, SPF is essential. We recommend a mineral sunscreen, which means when you sweat, your eyes shouldn’t sting (chemical SPFs often sting the eyes). Check out our fave mineral sunscreens here.

Finally, don’t forget a little lip balm to keep your lips moist and prevent cracking. Find our fave SPF-lip balms here.

Post-Workout Skincare Routine

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Step 1: Cleanse

When you’ve completed your workout, we totally get you just want to chill, but it’s so important to wash your face with cold water as soon as possible. Use a gentle water-based cleanser to rid your skin of sweat and bacteria. We love the Holi Frog Superior Omega Nutritive Gel Wash, $36, as it’s pH-balanced so it does not disrupt your skin’s barrier. Plus, it’s enriched with omega fatty acids, probiotics, and antioxidants to replenish the skin.

Step 2: Hydrate

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First things first, drink plenty of water to hydrate your body and skin before, during, and after your workout – the best hydration comes from within! Then, drench your skin with layers and layers of delicious moisture!

Start with a toner that’s soothing and calming, so look for ingredients like chamomile and aloe or opt for hydrating milky formulas. We love the Pixi Rose Tonic, $18, which helps to reduce redness and calm the skin while balancing your skin’s pH levels.

Follow with a lightweight serum or hyaluronic acid, like the Sarah Chapman Intense Hydrating Booster Moisture Serum, $98, that’s formulated with bioecolia and beta glucan, which activate the skin’s natural defenses against bacteria and irritants. It’s also enriched with hyaluronic acid and soothing rose.

Step 3: Lock it in

Now your skin is well hydrated, lock in all that goodness with a moisturizer. We prefer to steer clear of thicker formulas post-workout (save that for nighttime); instead, stick to gel-like or lightweight moisturizers like the Biossance Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer, $52, which helps to reduce redness (great for after a workout), tighten pores, and balance your skin.

Now enjoy that glow-up and feel proud of yourself for working out and showing your skin some love at the same time.

Finally, if you absolutely must wear makeup when you work out, then check out these 7 Gym-Approved Makeup Products That Won’t Make You Breakout.