Skincare might be the last thing on your mind before and after a workout, but that doesn’t mean that it should be ignored.

Exercise impacts your skin in several ways as sweat, bacteria, friction, and environmental exposure can lead to various skin complaints such as breakouts, irritation, or dehydration if not managed properly. 

Why is pre and post workout skincare important?

Taking care of your skin before and after a workout is important because when you exercise, sweat production, oil secretion, and exposure to bacteria increases.

Cleansing your skin before a workout helps prevent clogged pores, which can lead to breakouts, especially when sweat mixes with dirt and makeup. Applying a lightweight moisturiser before your session ensures your skin is getting the hydration it needs, without making your skin feel greasy. If you’re working out outside, it’s important to apply sunscreen to protect against UV damage.

After your workout, taking care of your skin is essential to remove sweat, bacteria, and excess oil that can cause acne and irritation. Washing the face and body with a gentle cleanser helps prevent breakouts, while a soothing moisturiser or body cream restores hydration and calms redness. 

Pre and post workout skincare is important to: 

• Prevent clogged pores and breakouts – Sweat mixes with makeup, dirt, and oil, which can clog pores and lead to acne. Cleansing beforehand helps keep pores clear.

• Protect against environmental damage – If you're exercising outside, sunscreen is essential to protect against UV rays and premature ageing.

• Maintain hydration – Lightweight hydration before exercise helps prevent excessive moisture loss from sweat.

• Remove sweat and bacteria – Sweat left on the skin can trap bacteria and dirt, leading to breakouts and irritation.

• Prevent redness and sensitivity – Moisturising can help reduce post-exercise inflammation, especially if you have sensitive skin.

• Restore your skin’s balance – While exercise increases circulation to the skin, sweating can strip the skin of essential oils and hydration. Replenishing your skin’s moisture and hydration helps to keep your skin healthy.

We know working out can drain your energy, but spending that little bit of extra time looking after your skin can help to keep your skin barrier healthy and maintain a clear, balanced complexion.

Pre workout skincare essentials

Before you start to move your body and enjoy a workout, spending a few minutes preparing your skin can help keep it happy and healthy. 

1. Cleanse your skin

Take time to remove any makeup, debris, and dirt to prevent clogged pores. We recommend double cleansing to ensure your skin is as clean as possible. 

Use an oil-based cleanser first to help to dissolve oil, makeup, pollution, and any other surface layer dirt that has accumulated throughout the day – without drying out your skin. This will also ensure you get a thorough cleanse without altering the natural balance of your skin. 

Then, cleanse your skin for a second time using a water-based cleanser. This helps remove impurities you might not necessarily see with the naked eye such as debris or congestion. Any gentle water-based cleanser is perfect for this last cleanse, especially if you sweat a lot.

2. Use a lightweight moisturiser

Applying a water-based or gel moisturiser can help prevent dehydration, without making your skin feel greasy during your workout.

Our Face Moisturiser with Vitamin E is light and protective. Deeply nourishing, soothing, and balancing, this moisturiser helps to boost collagen production in the skin. Suitable for all skin types, this facial moisturiser is made with finely-ground powder of discarded argan shells, a natural by-product of the argan oil industry, and rich in antioxidant Vitamin E.

3. Apply sunscreen 

Sunscreen is a must for every single day, but absolutely essential if you're working out outside. Use a sweat-resistant, non-comedogenic mineral sunscreen.

Post workout skincare routine 

You may want to flop straight onto the sofa after your workout, but try to resist and your skin will thank you.

1. Wash your face and body ASAP

Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser to remove sweat, oil, and bacteria from your face. 

Our Fennel + Cardamom Chai Cleansing Bar combats breakouts while drawing toxins from your pores. Gently cleansing to purify and energise your skin, this soap cleanser is formulated with green clay to draw toxins from pores, helping combat acne and breakouts. Shea butter and glycerin leaves your skin feeling hydrated and smooth. 

It’s not just your face that can be prone to acne breakouts, your body can too. Hop in the shower after exercising and cleanse your body of sweat, grime and bacteria. 

Our Natural Hand + Body Wash with Lemongrass is rich in vitamin C + antioxidants to cleanse and invigorate the skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties to help soothe your skin post-workout, while also locking in moisture and boosting radiance.

2. Cool your skin with a spritz

Use a soothing toner to reduce redness and inflammation.

Our Balancing Face Toner leaves the skin feeling plump and hydrated. Formulated with BHA salicylic acid, this toner works to clear pores and keep blackheads at bay. Applied after cleansing, this face toner helps to revitalise and refresh the skin. The formulation includes hyaluronic acid and glycerin to moisturise, brighten, and refresh the skin. 

3. Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise!

Don’t let getting a sweat on convince you that you don’t need to moisturise, because you do! 

Apply a lightweight moisturiser to rehydrate your skin with a non-comedogenic, soothing moisturiser. Dermatologically approved, our vegan face cream is suitable for all skin types. Vitamin E rich argan powder is combined with skin-soothing cocoa butter, aloe vera and blood orange.

Discover our full collection of skincare and bodycare to support your skin barrier.