Summer is here and it’s likely that if you are working out, you might find your face turns red if you are working out
to your capacity. It happens to me a lot, despite having a headband on and wristbands to wipe away the sweat. Some
have breakouts, or you might have some pre-workout habits to skip (like wearing makeup when working out)
you might need some skincare tips to prevent breakouts from occurring. I personally have had issues with my face
turning red.
Thanks to Chicago’s Dr. Michael Horn, he was willing to share some tips with you so that you can
get the most from your workout as well provide you with solutions to the most common problems when working
out whether at home or in a gym!
SKIN CARE TIPS FOR GYM RATS
By Dr. Michael Horn!
With Memorial Day come and gone, many are even more focused than usual on their bodies and getting them into tip-top shape at the gym. While exercise has multiple benefits, very often workouts and great-looking skin don’t go together.
We turned to Dr. Michael Horn, a Board-Certified Chicago plastic surgeon and anti-aging expert, to give tips on how you can get the six-pack and still have glowing, acne-free skin.
Sweat Itself Does Not Cause Acne
First, “It is important to know that sweat itself does not cause acne,” says Dr. Horn. He explains,
“Professional sportsmen are predisposed to accumulating dirt and bacteria in their pores during and after
workout periods. If left without proper cleansing this can cause worsening in skin conditions like acne and
dermatitis.”
Avoid Makeup
These days a gym visit almost doesn’t seem to “count” unless one posts it on Instagram. This often leads women
to wear makeup to the gym. Just don’t. Dr. Horn says, “Most makeup will clog pores by not allowing the
skin to breathe naturally during workouts. A better option is a tinted moisturizer if you are
self-conscious about your skin tone.”
SPF
If you’re going to be outdoors, apply a light moisturizer with SPF to keep your skin protected from UV rays.
Make sure to choose a lightweight product as not to clog up your pores. Look for words like “non-comedogenic”
or “oil-free” to know that your sunblock won’t cause acne.
Don’t Touch Your Face at the Gym!
Cardio machines, weight machines, and free weights, these all breed bacteria. Touching them and them wiping
beads of sweat off your face is a sure way to spread bacteria that can create new breakouts. Make sure to
bring a towel for this instead of using your hands.
A Flowing Mane of Hair is Not Your Friend During a Workout
When you are working out it is a good idea to keep hair out of your face by styling it into a bun or rocking
a dry and clean sweatband. Sweat and dirt can get transferred from your hair onto your face. If you haven’t
washed your hair and you use hairspray or other hair products, these can also splash onto your pores along
with perspiration. This can cause irritations and breakouts.
How to Choose the Right Gym Towel
An old rag won’t be effective at absorbing sweat. However, you don’t want a gym towel that is as absorbent as
a bath towel you would use to dry off your body after a shower at home. Dr. Horn says that “The gym towel
should be a happy medium — absorbent enough to keep your face dry during a workout, but not
so thick it clings to bacteria even after a wash.”
Image courtesy of MediaCorp
Wear Loose and Comfortable Gym Clothes
“Spandex is tight clothing that can lead to skin infections from bacteria and fungi,” warns Dr. Horn.
“Wear loose attire that will also help wick away the sweat preventing it from being absorbed
by your skin. Just google “sweat-wicking workout clothes.”
Reduce the Redness
Calm down a flushed face with your redness control remedy made up of a little bit of iced green tea and
a spray bottle. “You’ll cool down your skin and add in a few extra anti-oxidants in the process,”
says Dr. Horn.
After your workout
Dr. Horn stresses, “Wash your face immediately after your workout. You don’t want a mixture of
dirt, oil, and bacteria clinging to your skin, affecting its pH, and clogging your pores. If you are
exercising in a park where there is no sink, bring cleansing facial wipes with you.”
Moisturize Post Workout
No matter your type of skin, after cleansing you must moisturize. Dr. Horn says that “Skipping this essential
step can unknowingly dehydrate your skin causing your oil-producing glands to overcompensate
by producing an oversupply of oil. Use a moisturizer that’s been produced for your specific skin
type and condition immediately after cleansing for the best results.”
Skip the Hot Shower
Sure, your muscles are sore, and you’re in the mood for a hot shower after a workout. Dr. Horn points out that,
“Hot water strips skin of vital oils, leaving you with dry, itchy, dull skin.” Exfoliate more often to avoid “Bacne.”
Breakouts on your back or chest are particularly common for “gym rats.” To avoid this, use a gentle body scrub
three times a week. Dr. Horn says, “This will keep pores clear and skin functioning well.”
Save Your “Superhero” Products for Night
Save serious treatment products for bedtime. Dr. Horn points out, “Even seemingly normal skin can
experience much more sensitivity right after a workout. You may want to wait until redness decreases by
bedtime to use your super-active acne or anti-aging treatment products.”
Dr. Michael Horn,
Board-Certified Chicago, Illinois Plastic Surgeon
www.lakeshoreplasticsurgery.com
About Dr. Horn:
With more than 10,000 breast augmentation surgeries performed during his career of more than 23 years,
Dr. Horn is known in the Chicago land area as the authority on breast augmentation. His artistic eye, mastery
and surgical skill in performing various face and body procedures, his dedication to patients’ safety, combined
with his focus on unparalleled care and attention, make him one of the most sought-after surgeons in the Midwest.
Dr. Horn earned his medical degree at Loyola University in Chicago. He completed a general surgery residency
with the Medical College of Wisconsin, as well as a sub-specialty training in plastic surgery with a second residency
at Loyola University. Dr. Michael Horn is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member
of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the Chicago Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Dr. Horn is a frequent lecturer on the subject of plastic surgery and his work has been featured in several professional publications. He frequently attends national meetings to continue developing innovative plastic surgery techniques
. His ongoing commitment to patient safety and satisfaction is evident in the personal attention and care he provides
to each of his plastic surgery clients. From the initial consultation to the final follow-up exam, Dr. Horn provides compassionate treatment tailored to the specific needs and goals of each individual.
LA-Story.com would like to thank Dr. Michael Horn for his tips and tricks on how to deal with body’s reaction
to active workouts and how to deal with bad reactions on your skin!
Dr. Horn, you solved a couple of my problems that I have been having after I finished my workouts!
Stevie Wilson,
LA-Story.com
If you have a question, you can email me at stevie.wilson@LA-Story.com
________________________DEALS and STEALS(Affiliate Links)
I curate deals that offer bonuses, bargains, and great products –and some are very specifically for this site to feature to my audience because I want my audience to get amazing products from great brands!
Disclosure: some of the links on this post might have affiliate links! It costs you nothing. If you buy something, the brand pays me a small percentage.
Sunscreens Are Essential in Summer ! Try Hampton Sun Products!!
Hampton Sun has an amazing array of products that include sunscreens that are from SPF 4- 70. Some of the latest additions to the Hampton Sun family are mineral-based sunscreens. These sunscreens include the Age-Defying SPF 50 Mineral Crème as well as the newest product, Mineral Anti-Aging SPF 30 Lotion. These products are perfect for everyday use because they cover a lot of bases!
Key Benefits:
The best part about mineral sunscreens is that they don’t leave a chalky residue or a white cast on your skin. They vanish into your skin without being gooey or greasy!
–SPF 30 Mineral: 100% Vegan Moisturizing Mineral-Based Formula, Coral Reef-Safe, Chemical-Free, No White Residue, Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection, Water-Resistant (80 minutes), Preservative-Free & Fragrance-Free, Non-Nano
–SPF 50 Mineral: 100% Mineral Formula, Chemical-free, Coral Reef -Safe & Biodegradable, Broad-Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection, Water -Resistant (80 minutes), Sheer & Lightweight, Preservative-Free, Gluten-Free, Paba-Free
–Sunless Tanning Mist! For those who want to have a beautiful tan but don’t want to be subjected to UVA/UVB rays, there is another option for you from Hampton Sun: SUNLESS Tanning Mist!
–This crystal clear, ultra-fine mist goes on evenly, and works at any angle.
No-rub application is for the face & body and dries in a flash! All organic Erythrulose, a naturally occurring sugar in red raspberries, ensures a longer-lasting non-streaking tan.
–Infused with our signature Privet Bloom scent. We recommend you layer it on with several applications.
–The most flawless color – We call it magic in a bottle!
–Featured Ingredients: Aloe Vera, Witch Hazel, Erythrulose, Sodium PCA So you can have your “cake and eat it too” by using the Hampton Sun SUNLESS Tanning Mist and the Mineral SunscreenSPF 50 or 30 over the beautiful golden tan!!
What’s not to love!
You can find Hampton Sun Products at these online and brick and mortar stores:
Hampton Sun: https://hamptonsuncare.com/
Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/Luxury-Beauty-Hampton-Sun/b?node=8757878011
Beautylish: https://www.beautylish.com/b/hampton-sunHSN:
Net-a-Porter: https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-us/shop/designer/hampton-sun
HSN: https://www.hsn.com/shop/hampton-sun/1230
Neiman Marcus.com + Neiman Marcus Stores:
https://www.neimanmarcus.com/c/designers-hampton-sun-cat48080738
About LA-Story.com
If you are going to feature content from LA-Story.com including images, podcasts, or videos including the accompanying text, please respect copyright provisions. We require a notation of content origination (meaning credit tag), a link- back to the specific page & please email the link to stevie.wilson@la-story.com before the piece goes live.
Subscribe to RSS headline updates from: http://feeds.feedburner.com/la-story/Bpyd Powered by FeedBurner
If you are going to feature content from LA-Story.com including images, podcasts, or videos including the accompanying text, please respect copyright provisions. We require a notation of content origination (meaning credit tag), a link- back to the specific page & please email the link to stevie.wilson@la-story.com before the piece goes live.
LA-Story.com, LA-Story Recessionista, Celebrity Stylescope, Celebrity Style Slam Trademark 2020-2025
>
