Best Skincare Products For Working Out: What To Use Before and After You Break a Sweat

Cleansing your face prior to working out is always the best practice. Makeup, heavy moisturizers and serums can all cause irritation and breakouts, so bare skin is the way to go. A gentle cleanser, such as a micellar cleanser, is the best way to get rid of makeup, excess oil and other residue before sweating. I tried the multi-tasking Micellar Antioxidant Cleanser from The Outset, the fuss-free and simplistic skin care line designed with Scarlett Johnasson at the helm. Now, I have used many micellar cleansers in my day and have yet to find one that holds up to this one's standards. It’s hard to find a cleanser that genuinely leaves your skin feeling soft after washing, but The Outset does just that. Plus, it’s formulated with botanical extracts, as opposed to harsh chemicals, so it’s suitable for all skin types and guaranteed not to cause a pre-workout breakout.

Whether you're working out or not, SPF is a crucial step in skincare. With that said, it’s especially important if you’re going to be outdoors. I always use an SPF with vetted ingredients that won’t react to sweat, which is why I love the HABIT N39 Sunscreen Mist. This “ultra fine” spray is super functional, and what makes it especially great pre-workout is its lightweight feel. Unlike most sunscreens, it doesn’t leave a thick residue or feel sticky on the skin. In fact, I hardly know it's on when I wear it, but can take comfort in knowing it's  an SPF 39 that definitely protects against UV rays. Plus, you can’t beat the White Peach and Neroli scent!

Since applying an SPF is critical, it’s worth mentioning the importance of using a mineral-based sunscreen for the entire body. I love the Vacation Mineral Lotion — it’s dermatologist-tested and approved, and its clean formula is safe for working out. I love the smell of all Vacation sunscreens, but appreciate that the Mineral Lotion is fragrance-free, which I personally prefer when I am exercising.

Because sweating cleanses and opens up the pores, the post-workout period is the perfect time to get a facial — but unfortunately, that’s not always in the cards. In lieu of treating myself to an expensive spa trip, I opt to clear things out with the Squalane Cleanser from The Ordinary. I love this product because it is strong enough to remove any buildup and residue, but uses squalane as an active ingredient, which is gentle and hydrating on the skin barrier. It’s soap-free and non-comedogenic, so it’s a reliable everyday product that is great to use post-workout and pre-moisturizing.

Alo has been a leader in the fitness industry since it first came out with its athleisure line, so it’s no surprise that their skincare line is just as popular. The company uses cutting-edge science to formulate products that are synthetic fragrance, sulfate and paraben-free (and the list goes on!) Basically they are as “clean” as clean beauty products get. After cleansing post-workout, I use the Radiance Serum and absolutely love it. The serum is highly concentrated and absorbs easily into the skin, so it is best paired with a moisturizer after. I found that it really helps to maintain that “post-workout glow” and keeps my skin looking even more hydrated than when I simply use moisturizer.  

Exercise increases blood flow and can quite literally improve skin health on a cellular level (i.e., it can reverse the signs of aging!), but applying a thick moisturizer as a final step is key for sealing in those benefits. When it comes to heavy moisturizers, Futurewise does it right. Futurewise boasts a 3-Step Slugging System, which is basically a serious moisturizing routine that prevents water loss and leads to a healthy, hydrated glow. Although the three products are designed to be used together, you can definitely use them individually. Since I don't need the heaviness of the PM Slug Balm, I use the Slug Cream. Just as promised, it is literally like a “big hug for your skin barrier.” And even better? Futurewise is completely non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, which is perfect since you want to avoid any products that can cause sensitivity or clogged pores after cleansing.