Post-workout skincare: how to care for your complexion after exercising

Like every other organ in your body, your skin needs to be taken care of. Before you head out for your morning workout session, you may be wondering whether you should do your skincare routine before or after you start exercising. Well, the answer depends on your skin type and the type of exercise you're doing.

For those with sensitive or blemish-prone skin, it's best to opt for a gentle cleanser and lightweight moisturiser.

To begin your cleanse, use our Sensitive Cleansing Wash to get started. This formula is especially designed with a unique milk protein base, this gentle face wash deeply purifies without being too harsh on sensitive skin. Infused with extracts of thyme, German chamomile and lady’s mantle, this calming blend is the perfect way to get warmed up for your workout, and leaves your skin feeling deeply cleansed. 

Follow up your cleanse with our lightweight Sensitive Soothing Milk. Designed to calm the skin, its advanced formula, enriched with red sage and aloe vera, provides a protective moisture shield. Fragrance-free and fortified with bisabolol complex, it strengthens your skin's moisture barrier for a comfortable, even complexion that lasts all day.

If you have dry or mature skin, applying a moisturiser before your workout can help lock in moisture and prevent your skin from becoming overly dehydrated during exercise. You can’t go wrong with our best-selling Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30, with its ultra-light gel cream formula that leaves skin deeply hydrated without feeling heavy throughout your workout.

The essentials of post-workout skincare

After a vigorous workout, your skin needs a little extra help to recover and stay healthy. Whilst taking care of your skin before and after a workout might seem like another task to add to your to-do list, these simple steps will help you have your skin feeling and looking great in no time.

And if you’re looking for a collection of convenient, travel-sized products you can take with you while you’re on the go, our Sensitive Skin Essentials set will gently cleanse, tone, and moisturise — all while fitting discreetly into your gym bag. They’re gentle and lightweight, and are also perfect for those last minute trips away in the sun.

Cleansing

The first step in your post-workout skincare routine should always be cleansing. Sweat, oil, and debris can accumulate on your skin's surface during exercise, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. Use a gentle, sulphate-free cleanser to remove sweat and impurities without stripping your skin's natural oils. Our Pro-Collagen Energising Marine Cleanser is perfect for building a rich lather without stripping your skin of the essential moisture it needs.

If you struggle with breakouts, cleansing is a crucial post-workout step to minimise the appearance of stubborn blemishes by helping lift any impurities produced during exercise. Our Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash, a foaming gel cleanser enriched with Tri-Enzyme technology, moringa, and white truffle — all of which help to resurface the skin, whilst making sure your skin’s natural microbiome is supported.

Toning

While not everyone needs a toner, it can be beneficial for some. A toner can help balance your skin's pH levels and remove any remaining impurities. Look for a toner that's alcohol-free and contains soothing ingredients..

Our gentle, Soothing Apricot Toner, infused with extracts of apricot, sweet Betty flower and saponins from quillaja bark, calms and harmonises.

Hydration

After cleansing, it's essential to hydrate your skin. Choose a lightweight moisturiser to replenish any lost moisture during your workout. Our lightweight Daily Defence Shield SPF 30 is great for a creamy, non-greasy finish. Plus, with its Enviro-Age Complex — a triple defence system that helps combat the visible effects of environmental ageing — it’s perfect for keeping your skin protected from outdoor pollution while you're on the move.

If you have dry skin, consider a hydrating serum or a moisturiser with hyaluronic acid to lock in hydration. For intense moisturisation, try our Pro-Collagen Marine Cream Ultra-Rich, a deeply hydrating version of our best-selling Pro-Collagen Marine Cream. Complete with a powerful combination of anti-ageing marine algae and cocoa butter, this product leaves your skin completely hydrated all day long

SPF

Even if you're not planning to spend extended time outdoors post-workout, it's crucial to protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays. Sun protection is a non-negotiable step in any skincare routine, so consider using a moisturiser with SPF like our Dynamic Resurfacing Day Cream SPF 30 for convenience. 

During exercise, your skin is exposed to various scenarios, and as your body responds uniquely to each type of activity, it’s important to tailor your skincare routine accordingly.

hese low-impact workouts may not leave you drenched in sweat, but it's still essential to cleanse your skin afterward. Use a gentle cleanser, followed by a lightweight moisturiser. These workouts are an excellent opportunity to focus on mindfulness and self-care, so make your post-workout skincare routine a part of your relaxation ritual.

If you're doing cardio, HIIT, or any other high-intensity exercise, you'll likely sweat a lot. In this case, cleansing is especially crucial to prevent post-workout blemishes. Opt for a foaming or gel cleanser to thoroughly remove sweat and impurities, and finish up with a moisturiser suitable for your skin type.

If your workout takes you outdoors, sunscreen is non-negotiable. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, and don't forget to reapply if you'll be in the sun for an extended period.
Sunscreen not only protects your skin from UV damage but also helps prevent premature ageing.

Caring for your complexion after a workout is an essential part of maintaining healthy, radiant skin. Whether you’re into more low-impact activities like yoga and Pilates or prefer the intensity of cardio exercises like running, boxercise, or HIIT — it’s important to take care of your skin as well as your body.

From deeply hydrating, anti-ageing solutions like our Pro-Collagen range, to our more lightweight products like our Superfood Day Cream, we’ve got you covered for the distance.

Start getting warmed up with our Cleanse and tone collection today.