An Easy, 3-Step Pre-Gym Skin Care Routine

We get it, life gets busy! With all you have on your plate, making it to the gym is definitely an accomplishment. But before you hop onto your favorite exercise machine or head to your favorite boxing class, it’s important to take care of your skin—whether you’ve got dry skin, oily skin, or anything in between. Why, you ask? Because when sweat mixes with dirt, oils, or makeup on your complexion, it can lead to clogged pores, which can lead to breakouts. Yikes—that’s no fun! Prepping your skin before a workout doesn’t have to be a hassle, though—just follow our easy pre-gym skin care routine and you’ll be good to go! That’s right, in addition to using a makeup remover before hitting the gym, there are a couple of other important steps. We’ll walk you through everything, below.

STEP 1: CLEANSE AND REMOVE MAKEUP WITH MICELLAR WATER

As we mentioned, when it comes to working out, it’s a good idea to remove your makeup beforehand. So, stash a no-rinse cleansing option like micellar water (along with some cotton rounds!) in your gym bag. Micellar water is powered by tiny micelles—oil molecules—that act as a magnet to lift dirt, oil, and makeup up and away from the skin. It’s a super gentle, easy way to remove your makeup ASAP. We love micellar water for your pre-gym skin care routine because unlike your typical facial cleanser, it doesn’t have to be washed off, making it a convenient option for the locker room. Trust us, you’ll be glad next time you don’t have to fight for a spot at one of the sinks.

Choose from the following three micellar water options: The L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin purifies and mattifies skin, making it a great choice if you’re prone to oily pores. On the other hand, if you’ve got skin that tends to be on the dry side, try the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser for Normal to Dry Skin, which hydrates and soothes the skin. If you’re wearing stubborn waterproof makeup, use the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof – All Skin Types. Just saturate a cotton pad with your micellar water of choice and wipe the pad across your face. For eye makeup removal, hold the pad over closed eyes for a few seconds, then wipe.

STEP 2: REFRESH WITH A FACIAL MIST

Give your skin a little boost before getting your fitness on by spritzing your complexion with a refreshing facial mist.

Editor’s tip: Look for one in a travel size bottle so that you can easily fit it in your gym bag without taking up much space. We know you have a lot of other gear (like your water bottle and sneakers) to pack!

STEP 3: APPLY A WATER-BASED MOISTURIZER

Facial moisturizer should be the last step in your pre-gym skin care routine (unless you’re exercising outdoors—in that case, you’re going to want to follow our bonus step below!). Moisturizing can help leave your skin feeling soft and hydrated, which is why it should be an essential part of any skin care routine, even when you’re about to work up a sweat.

Opt for a lightweight, water-based moisturizer formulated for your skin type. The L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Normal/Oily Skin, L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Normal/Dry Skin, and L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Extra Dry Skin are formulated with hyaluronic acid and aloe water to help provide long-lasting hydration. These oil-free, non-greasy moisturizers glide on easily for quick absorption so you can be in and out of the locker room in no time.

BONUS STEP: FINISH WITH A BROAD-SPECTRUM SUNSCREEN

Are you more of an outdoor fitness enthusiast? In that case, you should follow up your moisturizer with a broad-spectrum sunscreen formulated with an SPF of 30 or higher—and make sure to take other sun protection measures, too. In addition to using broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear long sleeves, UV-blocking sunglasses, and a hat, and seek shade as much as possible to help limit your sun exposure. Protect your pucker, too, with a lip balm formulated with SPF, as this is one area a lot of us tend to overlook when it comes to sun care. And yes—you do need to wear sunscreen (and take other protective measures) year-round, as you can get burned even on cloudy days!

There you go—an easy pre-gym skin care routine that won’t take up too much of your time. Next, it’s time to learn about The Super Simple Post-Gym Beauty Routine.