1. Protect Your Skin
You should apply SPF 30 sunscreen every day especially when exercising outdoors to protect your skin from sun damage. The sun’s UV rays accelerate aging by breaking down collagen and elastin fibers, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. Surprisingly even indoor lighting, especially from fluorescent bulbs can emit UV radiation and damage the skin. When working out outdoors also wear sunglasses to shield your delicate eye area and prevent the formation of fine lines and crow’s feet.
2. Go Makeup-Free
Exercise makes you sweat so don’t wear makeup while working out as this can prevent your skin from breathing and runny makeup can clog the pores and cause congestion. This can lead to breakouts and inflammation which accelerates the aging process so wash makeup off first.
3. Wear the Right Gear
Wearing the wrong workout gear or tight workout clothes restricts your movement and traps sweat and bacteria against your skin causing irritation and breakouts. It’s worth investing in good quality athletic wear made from breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics to prevent skin issues and premature aging.
4. Don’t Skip Warm-Ups
If you don’t warm up properly or skip the post-workout cool-downs this can lead to muscle tension and increased stress in your body which manifests on the skin as wrinkles and fine lines. Incorporate proper warm-up and cool-down routines to lower your risk of injury, and inflammation and maintain the health and appearance of your skin.
5. Wiping Sweat with a Dirty Towel
Towels are a breeding ground for dirt sweat, and bacteria so wiping your face and body with a dirty towel after a workout can transfer debris onto your skin. This causes breakouts, and irritation, and can exacerbate conditions like sensitivity, redness, rosacea, and acne. Always use clean gentle towels and avoid rubbing your face too harshly as it can stretch the skin causing tension and friction which can damage the collagen and elastin.
6. Not Hydrating Properly
Dry, dehydrated skin can look dull aged skin and speed up the development of fine lines and wrinkles. When you exercise, you lose water through sweat, so it’s crucial to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after your workout to maintain hydration levels and ensure the skin keeps its moisture, elasticity, and plumpness.
7. Don’t Touch Your Face
Resist the urge to touch your face and body during workouts as sweat, dirt, bacteria, and the natural oil on your hands can transfer to the skin leading to clogged pores and breakouts. Blocked pores and excess oil can contribute to premature aging so keep your hands to yourself and if you need to pat your face, do it with a clean towel or hygienic towel wipe.
8. Stop Over-Exercising
A regular workout routine is essential for your physical and mental health and glowing skin but if you overdo it or engage in excessive cardio you increase the production of free radicals (toxins) in your body, which can damage skin cells and accelerate aging. Balance your workout routine with strength training and flexibility exercises to avoid overexertion and always allow adequate rest and recovery periods as you can also put yourself at risk of injury.
9. Forget Hot Showers
Taking hot showers after a workout can strip the skin of its natural oils leading to dryness, and irritation and making your skin more prone to wrinkles and aging. Shower with lukewarm water instead, keep showers short, and to lock in moisturise and invigorate your body finish with some cold water blasts.
10. Change Right After Working Out
It’s best to shower post-workout but if you can’t, always change into clean, dry clothes immediately after exercising to keep your skin healthy and prevent aging. Staying in sweaty workout clothes can spread dirt and bacteria which irritates the skin and causes breakouts.
11. Adopt a Post-Workout Skincare Routine
Always do your daily skincare routine after working out to remove sweat, grime and debris. Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser, apply a skin-boosting anti-aging vitamin C serum and a hydrating antioxidant-rich moisturizer to lock in moisture levels and keep your skin supple and youthful. Ward of warning; using harsh cleansers after workouts can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation and accelerating aging.
12. Eat Nutritious Skin Boosting Foods
Poor nutrition can affect your skin’s health and accelerate aging and it’s even more important when you’re active to eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support skin regeneration. Eat plenty of fruit, vegetables, lean proteins and omega-3 fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines to maintain your health and fight aging.
13. Sleep and Rest Up
Exercising makes you tired so it’s important to get 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to support healthy, youthful skin. A lack of sleep can increase stress and lead to the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, and a dull complexion and hinder your skin’s ability to repair and rejuvenate itself.
14. Engage in Stress Management
Incorporate stress management techniques like yoga, meditation, mindfulness and deep breathing exercises to support your physical and mental health and keep your skin firm and youthful. When you subject your body to chronic or prolonged stress it can increase cortisol levels, the stress hormone which breaks down collagen and increases inflammation which is a major contributor to premature aging.