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Why you shouldn’t wear makeup to the gym

26 November 2019 | By Lynette Botha

Yes, we know we should be fresh-faced and dewy at the gym, but sometimes a girl’s gotta cover a blemish, you know? Here’s the lowdown on what wearing makeup while working out can do to your skin.

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Yip, I’m guilty of this. I may not work out with a full face of makeup on, but I definitely dab on a tinted moisturiser, use a little concealer under my eyes and add a coat of mascara before hitting the gym. But the experts agree that this is not ideal. 

Why it’s a no-no

“Makeup clogs your pores”, says dermatologist Dilshaad Asmal. “If possible, you should be makeup-free when working out or doing any form of strenuous activity”.

More than just clogging your pores, makeup can act as a binding agent for bacteria, giving it something to cling on to. The gym is a breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria – think of all the clammy hands that have held the dumbbells or clung on to the treadmill handles before you. And your hands will naturally touch your face at some point during your exercise routine, whether to move a stray hair or dab some sweat. 

If you can’t go without it...

The best advice is to train bare-faced but if you just can’t bear to, use a non-comedogenic tinted moisturiser or BB cream – something that is lightweight and less likely to clog your pores or cause breakouts.  

If you’re ready to let go...

If you hit the gym straight after work where you will have been made up for the day, remember to carry cleansing makeup remover wipes in your gym bag so that you can remove the majority of your cosmetics before you start working out. Most gyms have sanitising wipes or sprays so that you can wipe down equipment before using it too, to get rid of pesky germs. Also, remember to bring along a clean gym towel that you can use to dab your sweaty brow and avoid touching your face with your hands as much as possible. 

Listen, wearing makeup to the gym may cause the odd breakout or blackhead, but this may also be the place where you find the love of your life. Pat yourself on the back for making it to the gym – and if you need a little coverage now and then, it’s not going to kill you. You do you. 
 

 

IMAGE CREDIT: shutterstock.com

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