MAKEUP WHILE WORKING OUT - DO OR DON'T

When you go to the gym, you can spot two types of girls. The ones with clean natural faces and the ones with a full on makeup glam face. Usually the full makeup ones are also focused more on texting on their phones and talking to boys than on working out.. 

I ALWAYS go to the gym to work my ass off but I can be seen with or without my makeup. It depends upon the day. When I'm at home all day I won't put on makeup for my workout, but if I worked all day or went shopping I won't take off my makeup either. 

Besides dripping foundation and smudged out mascara, I wondered if there were any other unfavorable effects on working out with makeup on. 

Skin specialist Debbie Thomas says: 

"When we get hot, several things happen to the skin. The first is sweating and the second is a slight relaxing and enlarging of the pores. When you add a layer of even the best makeup on this, you will end up with streaky makeup, but you're also increasing the likelihood of a breakout. Your skin needs to breathe, during a good workout even more so. Mix in sweat, heat and open pores and over time the skin will become blocked. Not everyone will get spots, but most will get blackheads coupled with dulling and possible uneven skin texture." 

So how should we go work out? How can we prepare our skin in the best way possible?

"Ideally you should cleanse your skin first, then apply a light serum which is suitable for your skin type and penetrates quickly. A heavier product will probably sweat off anyway. We create free radicals when we exercise, that's why it is important to make sure there are enough antioxidants in the skin to counteract them.  

After your workout it is recommended to use a light cleanse and apply your normal day or night creams. 

But what if you have a spot, or are too insecure to exercise makeup free?

For example when you're trying to impress a guy.. Afterall, it is easier said than done to go barefaced... Then you should try to reduce your makeup to a minimum. Some examples:

Curl your lashes, but leave out the mascara (even if it's waterproof!). 

Ditch the foundation, and opt for a tinted moisturizer. 

Groom your eyebrows instead of filling them in. 

Opt for chapstick or tinted gloss instead of lipstick. 

And run harder, so you will get a rosy blush.

Also remember all the positive effects exercise will lead to. Exercise will get the blood flowing, more oxygen will be carried by the skin which leads to improved skin health. Your skin will begin to produce more of its' natural oils and will be left with a beautiful natural glow. 

So even if you're a bit sceptic to go natural in the beginning, think of all the positive effects in the long run! 

x x x

Sources: 

Debbie Thomas, Vogue.co.uk

Huffingtonpost.com

EverydayHealth.com