June 2007

EXERCISE AND HEALTHY SKIN

Q:

I love all of the positive changes I have seen in my body since I started working out regularly. While my skin is tighter, I am having problems with acne and larger than usual pores. It seems like washing my face right after a workout is not helping. What can I do?

-Mel Flores

A:

I experienced similar problems when I started working out every day. I would blame it on the foods I ate, or hormones, or whatever. Eventually I figured out some helpful strategies.

I already washed my face every morning, night and immediately after a workout, but it wasn’t enough. I kept the morning and night routine the same, but what works for me to wash my face right before a workout.

Remove the impurities and makeup so they won’t get into our pores when we sweat and towel off. Start the workout with a clean face. Then after sweating and cooling down, try a facial instead of just washing. Use a cleanser with cold water and a toner / skin tightener like witch hazel.  I've also heard that an ice cube rubbed lightly and quickly over the face will help shrink pores.  Maybe put a mask on a few spots for a couple of minutes. Then moisturize and protect as usual.

It’s a good idea to use moisturizer and sunscreen everyday on the face, neck, and anywhere on the chest area or cleavage that gets exposed. We get vitamin D from sun exposure, but why make one little part of our skin do all the work (and look more aged from the damage)? Wear shorts and tank tops for occasional sun exposure instead of making your face and neck pay the price every single day.

-Margo, Randomosity Fitness

This is not intended as medical advice which should be obtained directly from your doctor.