Fitness skincare

How to keep your skin fit while your body enjoys a workout, reports PRIYA NAIR

We don’t often realise that while working out to keep our bodies fit, we need to pay special attention to the needs of our skin. People who exercise are prone to skin problems caused by the nature of the fitness routine they follow. While exercising is a great way to stay healthy, whether you walk or swim, go to a gym or play an energetic game of squash, it is important to remember that vigorous physical activity comes with its own peril. Here are some skin issues that can come up with various kinds of exercises. So be sure to maintain a hygienic and protective routine for your skin, while exercising.

Swimming

You absolutely must use body lotion after a swim to combat dryness caused by the chlorine and as far as possible, use one with fewer chemicals and fragrances, as they add to the drying effect

Whether you swim in an indoor or outdoor pool, the chlorinated water in swimming pools makes the skin really dry and damages hair as well –especially if you colour it. The best way to deal with this is to shower immediately after a swim. When you shower, use a soap-free, foaming cleanser or a shower gel which lathers up to get rid of that pool chemical smell. And because shower gels don’t come off the skin as fast as soap, you can spend more time under fresh water, washing it off. You absolutely must use body lotion after a swim to combat dryness caused by the chlorine and as far as possible, use one with fewer chemicals and fragrances, as they add to the drying effect. Also use a colour protecting shampoo for your hair – preferably one that is mild and can be used often.

If you plan to swim in an outdoor pool for long, use a water-resistant sunscreen before you jump in.

Gym fitness

If you prefer to go to a gym to workout, be sure to drink lots of water. Hydration is vital, especially when exercising in a closed environment like a gym. Even without a vigorous workout, a person loses about 2 litres of water a day, and if your fitness routine has aerobic exercises included with weight training etc, you will lose much more water. You sweat much more and therefore it is important to rehydrate and compensate for the water loss. If you don’t drink enough water while exercising, blood flow to the skin reduces and over time it will affect the cell renewal process of the skin, making it look dry and wrinkles will make an early appearance. With an aerobic exercise routine, drink at least half a litre of water a couple of hours before exercising, about 300 ml just before you start and keep sipping water every 15 minutes during your workout. Make sure to drink enough water half an hour after you finish exercising. Use a rehydrating natural drink like coconut water or nimbu paani, or the branded rehydrating ones you see everywhere.

Outdoor exercises

A lot of people prefer to go for a walk, jog or a run depending on their level of fitness, as they prefer fresh air and an outdoor environment to the confines of a gym. It is a great way to give your skin some exercise as well, especially if walking in a park where fresh oxygen from the trees, coupled with crisp, cool air will add to your skin’s healthy glow. But given the polluted times we live in and the UV rays of the sun doing their bit to add to the damage, it is imperative that you wear sunscreen. If not, your body gets a workout but your skin starts to age. The factors to remember are that not just any sunscreen will suffice and the time of the day that you are out for a walk also makes a difference. Opt for a sunscreen with SPF 15-30 at the least, making sure it is light in texture so that it doesn’t clog the pores of your skin. Also, remember to wash the sunscreen off your face after exercising because sweat combines with sebum that clogs pores and attracts dirt. Wear a cap to protect your hair from sun damage and also to keep your face out of the sun.

Other tips to remember are: l Drink plenty of water no matter what kind of exercise you do. l Remember to spritz your face with a facial mist to keep the skin moist. l If you have had a couple of drinks the night before, avoid exercising the next day as you will sweat more and lose more moisture. l Never, ever wear make-up while exercising. The make-up will run when you sweat and will also clog your pores. l But a bit of lipstick is okay even while you exercise – be it at a gym or a park.

Your skin is the largest organ in the body and it protects other body parts that keep you active and healthy. Make sure you look after it well, so that you can continue staying fit.

If you don’t drink enough water while exercising, blood flow to the skin reduces and over time it will affect the cell renewal process of the skin, making it look dry and wrinkles will make an early appearance