The best workouts for your skin

But, if you do not adapt your skin care routine for before, during and after exercise, there can be some negative effects too. Exercise can also cause skin dehydration through sweating, as well as increased skin sensitivity, irritation, breakouts and congestion.

As the skin is a large organ of elimination, wastes such as urea, salt, ammonia and sugars are flushed through the skin via sweat. So, it is important to keep the skin as clean as possible prior to and post workout to avoid irritation.

It is best to make sure skin is clean before sweating it out, and especially to avoid any heavy make-up such as foundation or concealers. Other important ways to keep skin clear are to ensure that hair is tied up, that bangs or fringes do not hang in your face and hair styling products are away from the hair line, as this may cause breakouts and irritation. Once you are in full swing with your workout, avoid touching your face with sweaty hands, or repeatedly rubbing your face with a towel or sweatband – and make sure any equipment that comes into contact with your skin such as goggles, swim caps, helmets, hats or sunglasses are clean. As you sweat, these items can rub against skin and cause skin irritation.

Fun in the sun

Whether you are taking your dog for a walk or going for an extended run, it is really important that you protect yourself from sun damage by wearing a hat and sunglasses, using a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 and covering up exposed skin areas. That way you will be more sun safe and your skin will be better protected. The Environ Sun Care Range RAD SPF 15 is a light cream containing a combination of physical and chemical sunscreens that offers protection against UV-A and UV-B rays, while gently caring for the skin with protective antioxidants.

(*RAD SPF 15 is not available in Australia, Canada and the USA)

After you have gone for the burn and your workout is done, wait a few minutes to cool down before showering and applying any products to your skin. A cool shower and plenty of water can help reduce skin temperature. Make sure skin is cleaned of all sweat and impurities. The Environ Skin EssentiA® Mild Cleansing Lotion is a luxurious, moisturising cleanser that gently lifts sweat and other surface impurities while assisting in maintaining skin’s natural moisture balance. It rinses off easily and leaves skin feeling refreshed and conditioned.

The best way to put back nourishment into your skin post a workout to look for a moisturiser with vitamin A and other antioxidants, such as the Environ Skin EssentiA® Range of Vita-Antioxidant AVST Moisturisers. They form part of the Environ Vitamin STEP-UP SYSTEM™, and contain a selection of vitamins, antioxidants and peptides, to help replenish lost moisture and nutrients naturally found in the skin, combat free radicals and improve the overall health and wellbeing of your skin. Follow with your preferred sunscreen before applying any make-up.

The Environ Body Range A, C & E Oil is also ideal for caring for the skin all over your body. It’s a light, finely textured nourishing oil containing vitamins A, C and E and essential antioxidants which assists in conditioning the skin and in relieving the appearance of dry and sun-damaged skin, giving your skin a soft, velvety look and feel.