Happy New Year – fit healthy bodies and skin are in! Whether lifting weights at the gym, hitting the great outdoors or giving it your all in yoga class, taking care of your skin is as essential as caring for your body.
With skin being our largest organ, it makes sense to incorporate a regular skincare routine alongside your workout schedule. Sweat, environmental pollutants, and exposure to UV rays all play a part in damaging our skin. And a proper skincare routine will complement your regular workout.

Apply a lightweight serum under your moisturiser/UV protection for an extra hydration boost during your workout. Some great hydration products include ESK Hydra boost HA Serum, Elemis Hydraboost and EVE LOM Intense Hydration Serum.

Step 3 Moisturise and Protect

Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day. It is essential even on cloudy days, and if your regular workout is indoors, it’s important to note that although glass blocks some UV rays, more than 50% of rays can penetrate glass and damage your skin.
Try to avoid heavy make-up, as sweat can block your pores. Instead, opt for a tinted moisturiser with SPF if you want a little coverage. Sarah Chapman Skinesis Skin Insurance Tinted SPF30 is great.
During your workout, avoid touching your face with sweaty hands to minimise the transfer of bacteria. Keep your gym towels clean and remember to stay hydrated throughout.

Post Workout Gym Skin

After your workout, clean your face as soon as possible to remove sweat, oil and any lingering bacteria. (Lukewarm water as before and a clean, soft towel or cloth to pat your skin gently dry as before your workout.)
Apply moisturiser according to your skin type. Some great moisturisers with UV protection include CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion with SPF50 (a lightweight moisturiser with UV protection), Body Shop Skin Defence Multi-Protection Light Essence SPF5, and the most highly recommended moisturiser for dry skin, Medik8 Advanced Day Protect SPF50.
Don’t forget – regularly reapply your SPF to exposed areas to protect your skin if you’re outdoors and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, your skin will love you for it!

Coming in 2025 – Keep a look out for Mist by Les Huilettes, a multipurpose spray packed with vitamins that promises to protect your skin before and after a workout.

Sarah Maxwell is a multi-award winning Lifestyle Wellbeing and Fitness coach. You can find her at sarahmaxwell.com
Get in touch via email at sarahmaxwell@mail.com
and on social
@sarahmaxlife