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

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 cardio class, it’s important to care of your skin. Why, you ask? That’s because when sweat mixes with the dirt, oils, or makeup on your complexion, this 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 below and you’ll be good to go!

Step 1: Cleanse and Remove Makeup with Micellar Water

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!) into your bag so that you can use it on the go instead of having to fight for space in front of one of the few mirrors in the locker room. 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.

The L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin purifies and mattifies, the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser for Normal to Dry Skin hydrates and soothes, and the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof – All Skin Types intensely purifies. Just saturate a cotton pad with your micellar water of choice and wipe the pad across your face. For eye makeup removal, just 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 on a refreshing facial mist. Editor’s tip: Look for one in a travel size 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 (hello water bottle and sneakers) to pack!

Step 3: Apply a Water-Based Moisturizer

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!). Opt for a lightweight water-based moisturizer formulated for your skin type. Moisturizing can help leave your skin feeling soft and hydrated, which is why it should be an essential part of any skin care routine. 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.

Bonus Step: Finish with a Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen

Are you more of an outdoor fitness enthusiast? Well, 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, as well. 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. Phew. With a few key products (micellar water, facial mist, water-based moisturizer—and broad-spectrum sunscreen if you’re exercising outside) in your arsenal, caring for your skin before a workout shouldn’t be too difficult—leave the challenge to your fitness routine!