In Awe Exercise Skincare

Exercise is essential for our bodies and our minds – and ensuring we get enough fresh air and time in nature is, too.

That’s why playing sport and keeping fit outside is a great idea, but it does come with the need to ensure we keep our skin safe from the sun and healthy.

Here’s how to help make staying active outside easier on your skin.

1. Cleanse

Exercising can be sweaty business and ensuring sweat doesn’t create clogged pores when it mixes with our skin’s natural oil and dirt from the environment is vital.

When our skin is clean before we get active, there’s less chance of blocked pores and bacteria accumulation, which reduces pimples, breakouts and skin irritations.

2. Hydrate

When we’re physically active outdoors, our skin can not only get dehydrated as we sweat, but it is also exposed to the elements.

The wind, rain and sun can all hit hard – from drying skin out to causing redness, windburn and more.

A key way to avoid these skin mishaps when exercising outside is to make sure you’ve had plenty to drink before you go, because hydrated skin is better able to manage these impacts.

3. Cover up

Protecting your skin from damage when you’re exercising in the sun may mean adding a hat when going for a run and wearing exercise tights and a light, longsleeve top.

And for those parts of the body that can’t be covered, make sure you embrace sunscreen.

4. Apply sunscreen

With shade usually at a minimum, exercising outside typically means applying a broad-spectrum SPF50+ mineral sunscreen that can protect you from UVA and UVB rays is a must.

UVA and UVB radiation from the sun is potentially harmful to the skin, causing skin cancer and increasing wrinkling, sagging and other skin ageing issues.

Ensure you also choose a natural, reef-friendly sunscreen that will stay where put it and also moisturises your skin.

Don’t forget to apply it at least 20 minutes before you head outside and be sure to re-apply during longer exercises sessions, especially if you’re sweating a lot or using a towel to wipe yourself down.

5. After care

When you’re done exercising outdoors, rehydrate!

After that, cleanse your skin again and follow up with a moisturiser to keep skin soft, soothed and well-nourished. Use a natural ointment that won’t irritate and choose one packed with antioxidants to promote healthy skin.

If you develop a rash or blisters, use an ointment that creates a thick protective barrier to help your skin heal faster.