Working Out Has Completely Changed My Beauty Routine—14 Finds I'm Obsessing Over

Now that I have reached my 40s, I wholeheartedly believe that exercise is truly the key to my mental and physical health. The rumors are true! Ever since I started working out more regularly, I found myself sleeping better, having more energy, and in an overall better mood. However, I’ve also experienced some other changes that unfortunately aren’t as cool—namely body acne. Ugh! It’s worth it obviously, but I also want to learn how to get it under control so my fitness routine can be less stressful. That being said, my regular beauty routine has also changed tremendously. Aside from more frequent breakouts, I’ve had to incorporate other new products into my regimen to help with additional concerns and quandaries, like whether or not to wash my processed hair more often. While I’ve curated a pretty solid workout beauty routine, I still wanted to get advice from experts as well as learn just WTF is going on with my body/skin when I exercise.

I figure asking a fitness pro what they do when it comes to their beauty routines was a good start. “When you start working out your body chemistry changes, so it would make sense that your skin would change or break out,” says Jessica Rose, personal trainer and owner of Rose Gold Fitness in La Canada, CA. Rose says it’s important to try not touching your face while you work out, especially since you’re also touching gym equipment and machines. When it comes to her own gym beauty regimen, Rose keeps it super simple. “I always try to wash my face immediately afterward, otherwise salt sticks on my face all day long,” she says, adding, “I don't usually wear makeup when I'm working out because it can cause breakouts, especially if we're wearing masks.”

My hair is Pamela Anderson-blonde now, so I’m mindful not to overwash it. Honestly, I can’t believe washing my hair daily was a thing I actually did back in the day. But considering how sweaty my hair gets when I’m pumping iron, I’m tempted to reach for the shampoo bottle. “Nobody should be using shampoo and conditioner every day, that is a given at this point,” says celebrity hairstylist Clayton Hawkins, whose clients include Olivia Rodrigo, Maddie Ziegler, and Elizabeth Olsen. “Obviously, dry shampoos are a great way to absorb oil post-workout, but if you’re not trying to preserve a blowout, I suggest actually getting your hair wet in the shower and massaging your scalp without any shampoo. Just the act of massaging your scalp with the running water will clean it more than you think.”

I’ve been using scalp scrubs more and more, which is a great move, according to Hawkins. “Anyone who works out definitely has oil build-up on their scalps that needs to be addressed. A scalp scrub once a week followed by a good conditioner or mask is a great way to keep your scalp—and ultimately, your hair— healthy. I’m OBSESSED with Sun Bum's Detox Scalp Scrub ($14).”

Aside from all the zits, I have noticed a less-than-dead look to my complexion. Surely fitness has got something to do with it, right? “All of our skin health, cellular vitality, and tissue function is largely contingent upon our cutaneous circulation and a steady supply of oxygenated blood and nutrients running through,” explains Ava Shamban, a board-certified dermatologist based in Beverly Hills. “This supports pores working and our natural moisture network conditioning.” She goes on to say that when we exercise, our heart pumps more blood, and results in improved oxygenation and circulation to all of our skin cells for vitality and repair. She calls our bloodstream a “fast-track highway system” for our cell’s essential nutrients and its waste removal. Basically, when we exercise, we eliminate more efficiently and clear out impurities. Other benefits? It supports our immune system, and, of course, results in that post-workout glow, as well as our anti-aging processes. “A workout is a great part of our overall rejuvenation,” she says. 

When it comes to the downsides, Shamban says that sweat creates bacteria, which can contribute to acne or folliculitis, chafing, rash, or seborrheic/atopic dermatitis. This is why, she says, wearing clothing with wicking fabrics is very important, as well as showering immediately afterward (something, I grossly admit, I don’t always do when I don’t think I’ve “sweat as much.” No wonder I’m breaking out! NASTY). “The irritation and increased perspiration with bacteria trapped by tight-fitting workout clothes may lead to a form of acne aptly called acne mechanica,” adds Dr. Shamban. She says that it’s best to not use much skin care before a workout. “A gentle cleanser [if you have makeup on] and sunscreen is best, even just tepid water and sunscreen for the early morning.” 

Keep scrolling to see what products I use for my workout beauty routine, from anti-chafing products to no-rinse body wash.

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