How To Create A Post-Workout Skincare Routine

We’ve teamed up with our pals UpCircle Beauty to bring you all you need to know about post-workout skincare. UpCircle elevates leftover natural ingredients, bringing them back to life as beauty products your skin will love. Each of their products is natural, organic, vegan, cruelty-free, palm oil-free, sustainable, handmade in the UK and housed in 100% recyclable packaging.

First things first, if you’re motivating yourself to workout despite everything going on in the world, then give yourself a round of applause. Exercise and skincare are the ultimate forms of self-care right now, but the two need to go hand-in-hand to maintain that post-workout glow. 

So, why do you need a specific post-workout skincare routine? Well, a workout leaves you sweaty, and sweat clogs your pores, which can lead to skin issues like breakouts, eczema and irritation. For those of you with combo or oily skin, sweat can also lead to increased sebum production resulting in blackheads. However, UpCircle has got 5-easy steps to help your skin stay fresh and healthy.

Step 1 & 2) Double cleansing?!

Double cleansing has become the new norm across the beauty industry. Facialists, bloggers and dermatologists across the globe recommend double cleansing every evening to keep your skin in the best condition it can be. Double cleansing means that you remove the first layer of sweat, pollution, sunscreen and makeup, followed by a second cleanse of the deeper layers of pore bacteria and congestion. 

The first cleanse should be an oil-based cleanser, like the UpCircle Cleansing Balm.  Apply the balm to all areas of the face, including around the eye area, before removing thoroughly with a muslin cloth or flannel. This will ensure all built up sweat is removed.

Then go in with a water-based cleanser, like the UpCircle Soap Bar. A second cleanse penetrates into the pores to remove deeper set impurities, thus helping prevent breakouts, build-up and spots.

Step 3) You’ve toned your quads, now it’s time to tone your face.

Toners are designed to be used between cleansing and moisturising as extra protection and hydration aid. Toners help to close pores and protect and refresh skin. Your skin type will determine what type of toner to use, but as a general rule for post-workout routines, we recommend using a toner with salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is a gentle chemical exfoliant that works to remove debris in the pores, great for sweat and dirt present post-workout.

Top tip: if you really don’t have time for a full skincare routine, the UpCircle Face Toner is your true gym-bag hero. Just give it a quick spritz and the salicylic acid will keep the breakouts at bay, whilst the hyaluronic acid and glycerin keep skin hydrated.

Step 4) Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise!

You are nearly finished with your routine now but these last steps are crucial, first up is Moisturiser! Your body will have just lost a lot of water from the workout, so it’s hugely important to prevent any more loss from the skin’s moisture barrier.  As a general rule of thumb when moisturising, use the lightest, water-based products first if layering with other hydrating products.

Step 5) SPF or Night Creams/Oils

If you’re exercising during the day then it’s time to lather on the SPF, we recommend no less than SPF 30+ all year round to protect your skin. If you’ve exercised in the evening and bed is the only place you’re headed, then we recommend using an overnight Oil, Serum or Cream to lock in the moisture from step 4. Check out the UpCircle Face Serum, made with repurposed coffee oil, it’s packed with antioxidants and fatty acids that keep skin soft and supple- with over 900 5* reviews you really can’t go wrong!

We hope this is helpful and if you have any skincare specific questions just reach out to UpCircle on their Instagram @upcirclebeauty.