DEBORAH MITCHELL, founder of A-list beauty brand Heaven Skincare says: “Many of us make visiting the gym top of our New Year to-do list but if you’re going to throw yourself into more exercise you need to be aware that your complexion will need some additional TLC too.
“Building up a good sweat during a workout can actually be beneficial for your skin, after all, perspiration is your body’s built-in air conditioning system and its way of staying cool naturally. Because sweat is released through your pores it helps shift the dirt and nasties that sit just below the skin – think of those hot yoga sessions, saunas and steam rooms which leave you glowing from top to toe. However, if you don’t cleanse properly after perspiring you could be dealing with spots, rashes and blackheads. This is because if the grime that has come out of your pores isn’t removed it’ll resettle and can irritate the epidermis.
“So before you workout, ensure your face is fully cleansed and remove any leftover makeup so that your pores are grime-free and ready for Mother Nature to do her bit. To exfoliate, tone and cleanse in one, try my Cleanse & Foam Wash that’s packed with organic carrot oil and vitamins A and C to improve elasticity while balancing oil levels. When you’re cleansing your face either use your finger tips or cotton wool and massage the product in a circular motion for 60 seconds to properly penetrate dirt; this will clear out the pores and allow your skin to breathe.
“Keep that water bottle close to hand because while perspiration helps the skin detox, not replacing lost moisture during cardio can have a dehydrating affect. When skin lacks hydration it becomes itchy and starts to look dull; dark circles appear under the eyes and you’ll notice fine lines and wrinkles become more noticeable. By drinking water throughout exercise and continuing to keep topped up afterwards your complexion recovers quickly, and looks and feels healthier.
“Once you’ve finished your workout wash your face immediately. While it may be tempting to leave it until you get home you don’t want the oil, dirt and sweat on your skin because this will clog pores and affect the PH level. The pH level of the skin – measured on a scale of 1-14 – refers to how acidic or alkaline it is. Your complexion likes being slightly alkaline – 6.5 to 7.5 – as this is where it is at its healthiest. You need to return it to a state of equilibrium when it is at its most balanced and calm. My Peppermint Hydrogel minimises oil secretion, balances PH levels, refines pores and diminishes blemishes to keep skin fully hydrated; while my Chamomile Hydrogel acts as an anti-inflammatory to control sensitivity issues. Both are available in travel size so they won’t take up much room in your gym bag.
“If you’re not able to do a full cleanse straight away have a pack of wipes to hand so you can at least clean off some of the perspiration. Heaven’s Ella Jane Refresh Wipes contain organic peppermint that immediately refreshes skin, balances oils and closes pores. You can also apply my Clarifying Oil Serum which helps kill off bacteria to bring the skin back to equilibrium. Not only that, its soothing scent promotes relaxation and induces sleep.
“Finally, jump in the shower to ensure sweat is washed away all over – leaving it on your body can lead to the build-up of bacteria that not only smells but can also cause rashes and infection. Added to that, it’s the perfect way to relax after all that exercise. My specially designed Total Detox Body Wash is packed with organic patchouli, juniper and cypress oils, to help detox the body from the outside in leaving skin feeling refreshed, restored and toned.”
