How To Treat Your Skin After The Gym

New Year = new #fitnessgoals

Whatever your health resolutions for 2016, we’re rooting for you. But we’re more interested in how you tend to your skin after you’ve demolished those reps, when your skin’s all hot and bothered.

So, here’s a list of what you should be doing if you aren’t already, to treat your skin post-workout and keep it looking as solid as that work-in-progress bod:

1. Wash Your Hands Immediately

Unless you’ve got access to the Hemsworth private gym, you’re going to want to wash your hands – thoroughly, and with soap – to avoid picking up and transferring any bacteria from hand >>> face. Gyms are riddled with germs, so first thing’s first, get your hands fresh and clean.

2. Pat Dry, Don’t Rub

You must wash your face after a workout. That’s like, the rules of feminism or something (not really, but just as important). Exercising increases your blood flow making your skin more sensitive, so go for something gentle. Pat dry, don’t rub and use a foaming or gel cleanser to easily remove oils and impurities, and glycolic acid or tea tree to fend of pore-clogging bacteria. Makeup wipes are a good idea, too.

3. Deal With Hydration

Your skin might feel oily and sweaty after training, but it could actually be dehydrated. When you workout, you lose moisture though evaporation and the salt in your sweat can ultimately have a drying effect. Go for a moisturiser with hyaluronic acid to replenish and plump skin, as well as all-important SPF to protect from any further damage (whether you’re training outdoors or indoors behind glass windows).

4. Avoid Body Acne

Body acne. Backne. Moist. *Shudders*. It can happen to anyone, if you leave your active wear on after you’ve been sweating bullets or give unwashed gym gear a second run. If you’re going straight home from the gym, at the very least make sure you towel dry any sweat prone areas like your back and décolletage to prevent body breakouts. Once a week, it’s a good idea to give your back a good scrub.

5. Use A Fragrance Oil

As mentioned, skin becomes sensitised and dehydrated after a workout so why not try a scented oil instead of an alcohol-based EDP? With your blood still pumping quickly, your body heat will help carry the scent of the oil for a longer lasting fragrance. Plus, because perfume oils are more concentrated, they generally come in smaller, travel-friendly packaging making it easier to toss into your gym bag.