You signed up for your favorite workout class and are committed to showing up (mainly on account of the late fee they will charge you ;) ). But regardless… you’re doing it! You know you’ll feel great once the workout is over, but ever wonder what happens to your skin after a sweat session? When sweat mixes with dead skin cells and debris, it can cause a breakout. We’re here to keep this from happening. Here’s what to do so you only have to worry about breaking a sweat, not breaking out.

Before You Workout

1. Sweat on clean skin!
   Sweat, oil and makeup create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and clogged pores. Highly recommend breaking a sweat without it.  
2. Use a lightweight moisturizer.
   Increased body temperatures and elevated humidity from sweat can tempt skin to produce more oil. Wearing heavy cream at the gym isn't the best idea, unless you're trying to clog your pores… (which is most likely not the case!) If you're going to put moisturizer on before you workout, go with a lightweight, non-greasy one that will retain moisture, like SLMD Skincare's Facial Moisturizer.
3. Apply SPF.
   This is a non-negotiable. Working out is how you maintain your body’s health, applying SPF is how you maintain your skin’s health. UVA and UVB rays can cause irreparable damage to your skin, so whether you’re exercising next to the gym window and especially if you’re spending a good chunk of time out in the sun, wear sunscreen. SLMD Dual Defender SPF 30 has built in protection that will also keep your skin moisturized.

After You Workout

1. Wash your face AND your body!
   The longer sweat sits on your skin, the greater the chance it will clog your pores trapping bacteria and dead skin cells. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser like SLMD’s Salicylic Acid Cleanser and upgrade your body wash to keep your skin fresh, clean, and acne-free. BP Body Wash will 

   help to not only calm and treat current body acne, but also will really help to prevent new pimples from forming.

2. Exfoliate your skin.
   Once you’re done cleansing, exfoliate that dead skin buildup off your face and body.. Resurfacing Acne Swipes and Salicylic Acid Body Spray are the perfect 1, 2, punch for skin all over. Keep these in your bag, so if you’re not able to shower immediately, you can still spritz and swipe sweat and bacteria away.
3. Replenish your skin!
   When you sweat, your body becomes dehydrated — that’s why it’s so important to drink water during and after your workout. You need to remember to give your skin the same deserved hydration. SLMD’s Hyaluronic Acid Serum is made with hyaluronic acid, an ingredient able to hold many times its weight in water and squalane, an oil-based ingredient that creates a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, making sure all of the moisture is delivered and locked into the skin. For your body, replenish and lock in moisture with ingredients like Glycolic Acid and Shea Butter, found in SLMD's Glycolic Acid Body Lotion.
4. Wear SPF
   We may sound like a broken record… but wearing SPF and reapplying it is key. Like we said before, use a moisturizer that’ll also protect you from UVA and UVB rays, like SLMD Dual Defender SPF 30. In addition, brush on a powdered sunscreen, which will keep your skin healthy, and less oily! 

Now go crush that workout with these tips in mind, so both your skin and body can thrive.