POST-WORKOUT SKIN + HAIR TIPS

by McKenna Ruzga

It's always great when you can wake up and get a workout in first thing in the morning before getting ready for the day - but for many of us, that's just not the reality. Whether your work schedule makes a lunchtime workout easier, you're more into the mid-day jog, your energy peaks later in the day, or you're just trying to sneak in a workout whenever the kids are occupied (work from home parenting life is real), no one wants to spend the rest of the day feeling - or smelling - like a sweaty mess. Do you shower once in the morning and again post-workout? Do you always have to wash your hair after sweating? Do you really have to wash your face after a workout? Here are a few post-workout skin and hair tips to guide you.

Do you really need to shower after a workout?

As much of an inconvenience as a shower can be if you workout midday, it's always best to rinse off if you worked up a sweat. Sweating is great for you, but what's left behind on your skin after you sweat...not so much. Your body is pumping toxins out of your pores, plus the salt and oil produced during a workout can clog pores, cause irritation and acne, and feed bacteria that can make you smelly. And don't even get us started on the amount of bacteria and dirt lurking on most gym or studio equipment. So if you have time for a 3 minute shower, lather up with a gentle cleanser like CLEANSE+ and rinse that sweat away.

Post-Workout Skin Care

You already washed your face this morning and put on a moisturizing oil, so no need to wash your face again post-workout, right? Not quite. As we mentioned above, as sweat dries, it can clog your pores and lead to blemishes or irritation. Here's how to face the rest of the day feeling fresh:

  1. Blot any excess sweat off with a soft towel. Avoid rubbing, which can cause irritation.
  2. Ideally, it's best to take a shower wash your face and body using a gentle cleanser like CLEANSE+. Start with warm water to wash, then rinse with cold if you need to cool down. Warm water will keep skin pores open to wash away dirt and oil, while cooler water helps shrink pores so they're less visible.
  3. Finish with a few sprays of FACE TONER. Alternatively, if you don't have time for a full wash, you can spray some of the toner onto a cotton ball or pad and use it to wipe your face, focusing on the "T-zone" of your forehead, nose, and chin areas.
  4. If your skin feels tight or dry, massage a few drops of a face oil like SUPER FACE OIL into your skin for a refreshed look and feel.

How to Style Hair Post-Workout

For healthy hair and better styling, we recommend washing your hair with shampoo no more than once a week - but how do you deal when your hair gets sweaty or limp from a workout?

  1. If you're working out hard enough that your hair is wet, your best option is to give it a post-workout rinse in the shower (skip the shampoo), then restyle as usual.
  2. If showering isn't an option, wipe away excess sweat with a towel and allow hair to dry for a couple minutes.
  3. Use a few sprays of HAIR REFRESH to restyle and shape hair without the need to apply more product.
  4. If hair is still unmanageable, use a very small amount of CLAY POMADE to tame any rogues. The bentonite clay in this pomade will help to absorb some of the oil to give you the matte finish you're looking for. 

What to do if you can't shower after a workout

If you're short on time or don't have a convenient spot to shower after a workout, there are still things you can do to get that freshly-showered feeling.

  • Take a few minutes to cool down at the end of your workout, both to help with muscle recovery and help slow the production of sweat. 
  • Splash cool water on your face and neck and pat dry with a clean towel.
  • Wipe away any excess sweat on your body or hair with a towel. Wipes are great to stash in your bag for a quick refresh, but steer clear of sketchy ingredients and fragrances and opt for Water Wipes or just wet a clean washcloth.
  • If you have time, follow the full skin and hair routines above. If you're short on time, a few quick sprays of HAIR REFRESH and FACE TONER will go a long way toward reviving your skin and hair.
  • Apply DEODORANT and change into a fresh pair of clothes, and you're ready to face the rest of the day!