Working out during winter is all things bravery and willpower! You may maintain a healthy weight and boost overall health by exercising, but do you spare time to think about your skin? Well, sweaty, irritated skin while exercising is prone to redness or other issues. You must, therefore, work much harder to ensure the good health of your skin.

How to protect your skin while exercising during winter?

Health Shots got in touch with Dr Ruben Bhasin, Consultant, Dermatology, Sanar International Hospitals, to find out ways to save skin if you exercise in winter.

Dr Bhasin says, “So many people typically complain about having dry skin throughout the winter. Therefore, those who often engage in physical activity should pay closer attention to their skin’s health.”

1. Keep yourself hydrated

Winter is a time when people prefer to drink less water. But remember that you sweat a lot in the gym or on the playground, which means you need to drink more water. Proper hydration gives a glow to your skin.

2. Don’t forget to cleanse

After a tough day at work or the gym, never forget to remove dirt deeply set in your skin. Also, cleanse your face at night as well before bed, and use medicated cleaners.

3. Use a good coverage sunscreen

If your fitness regimen involves outdoor exercises like running, sunscreen can help your skin in several ways. Sunscreen is necessary to protect your skin from UV rays because UV damage can occur even on cloudy days.

4. Don’t forget the moisturizer

Sweating causes both internal and external dehydration. That’s why you need to moisturize your skin. Apply moisturizer followed by sunscreen.

5. Take a day off for a massage

Building muscle is just as vital as maintaining good skin. So, set a schedule of weekly or fortnightly massage that can assist in soothing your tense muscles and hydrating your dry skin.

6. Better skincare products and creams

Many people complain of having uneven or itchy skin after shedding sweat or exposure to sunlight. So, it’s highly recommended to use either medicated or non-fragrant skincare products. Check your type and then buy the products.

7. Increase omega-3 intake

Although people regularly with fitness routines generally take equal care of their diet as well, increasing omega-3 intake will help to maintain the elasticity of their skin. Moreover, it regulates oil production and reduces the chances of breakouts due to sweat.

Also read: Love sweating it out at the gym? Then this dermat-approved post-workout skincare guide is for you

8. Keep separate and fresh towels

Always have two towels on hand when working out in the gym or on the field. Use one to wipe off sweat and the other to dry your face after washing. Never combine the two, as doing so can lead to a skin infection.

9. Avoid touching your face

Touching your face when sweating is perfectly normal, but refrain from doing so when working out or participating in any sport. Instead, keep a little tower nearby and utilize it for the same purpose. It is not advisable to expose our skin to dirt and bacteria that may be on our hands from the gym or when participating in any sport.

10. Take a shower

After your workout, take a shower as soon as your body cools down. Delaying this may cause the cocktail of perspiration and grime to remain on your skin for a longer period of time, increasing the likelihood of rashes and acne.