This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Bristol chapter.
We all know working out isn’t the most glamourous affair. In fact, sometimes it can get downright ugly.
When you’re red faced, covered in sweat and galumphing about on your last set of burpees, it’s not the most attractive sight.
Especially in a public gym (where you seem to bump into every single person you’ve known ever!), I for one will be the first to admit that I have succumbed to the pressure of wearing makeup to the gym. But is it really worth it?
Leading dermatologist and training manager at Bioderma, Emilie Montassier has recently revealed the science behind what working out with a full face of makeup does to your skin.
Photo Credit: Pinterest
On her YouTube channel Montassier advises “As your skin sweats more during a workout, the pores need to be uncovered and left free from makeup so that a good level of water and sebum can exit. When you sweat, you lose more water than usual and your skin needs extra hydration to compensate for this loss. Additional water is found in your pores and surfaces to the top of your skin. This constitutes a layer of a hydrolipidic film which protects your skin from daily aggression. If however there is a layer of makeup on the skin, pores can become easily clogged, consequently leading to blemishes”.
Photo Credit: Pinterest
So, wearing makeup may be compromising the overall health of your skin. But Montassier also divulges how you can use your cardio to keep your skin healthy and free from toxins.
“Before the gym, skin should be cleaned with a gentle cleanser, then moisturised with a light cream or serum. Whilst in the shower post-gym, cleanse again with a foaming gel then apply a light ultra-hydrating moisturiser. It is also crucial to drink water after exercise to compensate for the loss of hydration during your workout.” She recommends a light cleanser like Bioderma Sensibio foaming gel cleanser or Vitamin C+ glow boost skin serum, by Super Facialist.
Photo Credit: Instagram
However, if you are absolutely adamant to wear some form of product on your face it’s best to keep it light. In an interview with Style Caster magazine, Kate O’Brein founder of all natural mineral makeup Alima Pure suggests a light powder “because it’s natural and quick”. Whereas Rosie Johnson Celebrity makeup artist says brow gel is the way to go, as “even if the rest of your makeup is minimal, a defined brow can frame a face and keep you looking fresh throughout your workout”.
But it shouldn’t matter whether you wear makeup to the gym or not.
You don’t pay monthly membership to worry about what you look like, or what people think of you. You go to the gym to the gym to workout. And personally, whether I look fresh-faced, or like a sweaty, flushed, uncoordinated mess- that is exactly what I am going to do.
Happy gyming!