One of the major perks of a rigorous workout routine, other than being in shape, is that dewy post-workout glow. The sense of accomplishment gained after a long run or intense cardio session will have you feeling ready to take on the world—until a breakout strikes. Sweat and bacteria buildup can lead to stubborn blemishes that make your skin feel less than squeaky clean. Use this guide to build your pre- and post-workout skincare regimen.

Cleansing Your Skin Is a Must

While some studies suggest that the act of sweating isn’t directly connected to breakouts, your skin is still susceptible to toxins if your sweat mixes with bacteria and dirt. The potential buildup from this mixture can clog your pores and lead to the absorption of unwanted oils. Before every round of exercise, remove all makeup so that you can start your workout with fresh skin. Following your workout, cleanse your face and then use a replenishing moisturizer.

Take Precautions

If you plan on running outdoors, be sure to use SPF protection to help shield your skin from sun damage. You should also wash your gym clothes and towels after each session and wipe down any gym equipment before use to prevent cross-contamination. Wearing a sweatband can also prevent hair products from mixing with sweat and dripping down your face, which can alter your skin’s pH. Try to limit the use of hair gel, leave-in conditioner, mousse, or hairspray before hitting the gym. You’ll be better off washing and styling your hair afterward instead.

Opt for Loose-Fitting Workout Apparel

For those prone to breakouts on their back, chest, or shoulders, avoiding tight clothing during your exercise routine can curb dirt buildup. The rubbing of close-fitting material on your skin can cause irritation and aggravate acne-prone areas of your body. Lightweight tops and sports bras can help reduce the friction experienced during workouts.

Help defend your skin against difficult breakouts after working out by following a consistent routine. Discover a treatment plan tailored to your skin’s needs by consulting the licensed professionals at About Face Medical Aesthetics, PLLC. For years, we’ve helped Stratham, NH residents optimize their beauty and confidence with innovative skincare techniques and products. Request a consultation today to learn more about our aesthetic services.

Anyone looking for youthful, glowing skin can benefit from a facial or skin renewal treatment. Whether the problem is acne or early signs of aging, a med spa facial can leave patients feeling and looking their best. And unlike more dramatic procedures, facials require no downtime. Here are a few things patients should keep in mind when undergoing the treatment. 

Within the First 24 Hours Following the Procedure 

Patients can return to their normal day after a facial, including returning to work. But, heavy makeup and facial products should be avoided, even if the skin is red after the treatment. Skin renewal treatments already open pores more than normal, making skin more susceptible to bacteria. Normal makeup routines can resume the next day, but this is a great opportunity to thoroughly clean those makeup brushes! 

Any activity that can cause sweat should also be put off for 24 hours. This includes going to the gym and anything that gets the heart rate up, as increased heat and sweat can be irritating to the skin. Even the sauna should be avoided, as the steam can cause skin sensitivity and broken capillaries. 

Within a Few Days 

Even after resuming normal makeup routines, patients should avoid exfoliating for a few more days. Skin is exfoliated during the facial, and over-exfoliating can lead to inflammation, irritation, and irreversible damage. Other harsh products, like retinols, at-home peels, and salicylic acid-based cleansers or toners should also be avoided for a few days, as they turn that radiant glow into red, irritated skin. Finally, it’s best to put off pool days and vacations, but if they’ve already been scheduled, wearing sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat are absolute musts. Check out more great sun protection tips.

 Within a Week 

Any kind of skin treatment—such as waxing or laser hair removal—needs to be spaced out at least a week after the facial. The exact amount of time will depend on which products were used and the intensity of exfoliation, but most med spas will require patients to wait a minimum of one week before receiving waxing and laser treatments. These treatments exfoliate the skin, and that over-exfoliation can actually lift and burn the skin, causing nasty, painful scabs. 

When you visit About Face Medical Aesthetics, PLLC for your skin renewal treatment, your medical team will provide you with exact instructions for beautiful, glowing skin and a successful recovery. Call us today at 603-580-5296 or request a consultation with our med spa team today!

Riding the waves, collecting seashells, catching some rays—everyone loves a summertime beach trip! That is, until that painful sunburn sets in from too many hours baking in the sun. According to Cancer Research UK, getting a sunburn just once every two years triples the odds of developing melanoma, and overexposure to the sun changes the skin’s texture, losing elasticity and leading to visible signs of aging. Thankfully, a beach vacation doesn’t have to mean painful sunburns and increased risks of skin cancer when these sun protection tips are followed. 

SPF: Bigger Isn’t Always Better 

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen (which protects against both UVA and UVB rays) with an SPF of 30 or higher, reapplied every two hours and after swimming. While some brands charge big bucks for sunscreens with higher SPF ratings, there’s no evidence that SPF ratings higher than 50 offer significantly more protection from the sun. 

The Three-year Rule 

While sunscreen should be worn every single day, many people still don’t buy it regularly and stick with one bottle for years. But sunscreen loses effectiveness after three years, so using an old bottle can be ineffective against the sun’s rays. It’s important to check the bottle’s expiration date, or if one isn’t listed, it’s better to be safe and buy a new one. It’s good to write down the date it was purchased on the bottle for future reference.

 Dress for the Occasion 

While it would seem a bathing suit is the only attire needed for the beach, extra clothing helps protect against the sun’s rays. In fact, clothing is the most effective form of sun protection. Rash guards are great for those who plan to ride the waves or play in the pool, and light-colored clothing made from polyester or Lycra offers more protection than cotton or linen. 

Even when the rest of the body is covered, the scalp should never be forgotten! A broad-brimmed hat protects the head and face, neck, and ears, and spray-on sunscreens designed specifically for the scalp are available for those who don’t want to wear a hat. Sunglasses are also necessary on a hot beach day; not only do they make it easier to see in the bright sun, but they also filter out the sun’s UV rays to protect against cataracts and eye damage. Many cheap sunglasses don’t offer the best sun protection, so it’s important to get a pair that offers 100 percent UV protection. 

If you catch a bad sunburn on your trip, About Face Medical Aesthetics, PLLC can help rejuvenate your skin when you return to town. We’ll create a customized skin renewal plan based on your lifestyle and environmental factors, like sun exposure, to keep your skin looking youthful and hydrated. Call us at 603-580-5296 or request a consultation with our team of licensed medical professionals.

If you have any further questions about additional information regarding our skin services and the expert level of care that we can provide for you, then please refer to our services on our website.