Working out provides numerous health benefits, but do you know that it can be highly beneficial to your skin, too? Dermatologists agree that performing physical exercises increases oxygenated blood flow to the skin, which is the body’s largest organ. Additionally, it allows for better excretion of body wastes and better regulation of cortisol. These three elements are necessary for giving your skin a healthy glow.
Inversely, an improper post-workout skincare routine can worsen specific skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis. If you have these issues, it’s best to practice special caution when shaving or cleaning your face after a workout.
Skincare is not only for women, given that dermatological problems may affect any gym-goer. Keep on reading to learn more about post-workout shaving tips.
Why Shaving Is Better After and Not Before Working Out
Rinsing your face and body clean after completing your exercise routine is better for your skin, as it ensures less risk of attracting dirt and bacteria.
There are men who prefer shaving before working out, but experts believe this may do more harm than good to your skin. After you shave, your skin will become more prone to skin problems and breakouts. Doing push-ups and other workout routines will cause you to sweat. According to dermatologists, the longer the sweat stays on your body and face, the more you become exposed to bacteria and dead skin cells. Ultimately, this can make your face easily irritated, especially if you have sensitive skin.
What Your Post-Workout Skincare Routine Should Look Like
Your post-workout skincare regimen shouldn’t focus only on your face but your whole body as well. And, whether you prefer wet or dry shaving, below are some important reminders on how to properly add shaving into your after-gym session skincare routine:
- Pat your face and body to dry – It can be tempting to wipe your face unrestrained. However, you must stop yourself from using your clean and dry towel to scrub your skin to dry it. That’s because the vigorous physical action opens your pores and makes your skin highly susceptible to infections.
- Wash your face as soon as possible – Use a cleanser that can thoroughly get rid of sweat, dirt, and oil from your pores. Don’t use skin scrubs because your skin is highly sensitive post-exercise.
- Avoid shaving immediately after your workout – This can expose your skin to irritation, as your face becomes inflamed.
- Take a shower – Wait for about 30 minutes before taking a shower. Ideally, use hot water to more effectively cleanse the trapped oil, dirt, and bacteria.
- Shave after showering – Post-workout, shaving is better done after your take a hot shower so your skin softens and your pores open up, leading to a closer shave. If you’re looking for more than just a clean shave, check out Shaving Time to find a wide variety of shaving products ideal for your needs.
- Use the proper skincare products – In addition to using the correct shaving products, quality skincare products are also key to avoiding skin problems. Based on your skincare concerns and your dermatologists’ recommendations, look for products with hydrating, moisturizing, and acne treatment ingredients.
- Switch to normal clothes – Your tight clothes may allow free movement, but if it stays on your skin too long, it can lead you to develop skin problems down the road. That’s because the fabric can trap oil and dirt which, when mixed with sweat, may lead to a breakout.
- Clean your equipment – Regularly sanitizing gym tools is essential. To make sure bacteria doesn’t thrive on your skin, wipe your gym tools and equipment clean before and after using them.
Take heed of the following shaving tips taken mostly from the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA):
- It’s best to shave after washing your face to soften it. Cleansing also gets rid of the pore-clogging oil, sweat, and dirt that could interfere with your shaving experience.
- Don’t forget to apply a shaving cream or gel. Wait for about three minutes before shaving.
- To prevent bumps, follow the direction of the hair’s growth.
- Individuals with acne should use a sharp razor. Shaving off the pustules is highly discouraged so as not to make the acne worse.
- Clean your razor with cold water after use and replace disposable razors after five or seven uses to reduce the chances of skin irritation.
- Dry your razor properly to prevent bacterial growth and store it in a dry place.
- Rinse your face with cold water to close your pores and minimize facial skin inflammation.
- Consider applying a moisturizer after shaving.
Final Thoughts
Shaving is an essential grooming activity for both men and women. Because it can expose you to irritation and inflammation, alongside other skin troubles, each shave should fit well into your skincare regimen. Keeping all your tools clean and sharp and your skin moisturized are two of the cornerstone principles for minimizing skin problems when shaving.
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