Brought to you by: MindBody ENSO + DermChoice Published March 2, 2020

It’s no secret that a great workout is good for your health. It’s also no secret that workouts can sometimes contribute to unwanted breakouts, dry skin, and the appearance of fine lines. While seemingly unavoidable, there are skincare routines you can practice after your workout to keep you hydrated and luminescent. We asked Dermatologist’s Choice founder and award-winning dermatologist, Dr. B, for recommendations for avoiding post-workout acne, preventing wrinkles, and maintaining glowing skin. Here’s everything you need to know. 

On eliminating post-workout acne and breakouts: 

According to Dr. B, “Leaving excess sweat on the skin can lead to infections and clogged 
pores which cause stubborn acne.” So after that hardcore cycling class, the last thing you should do is go straight to lunch without cleansing. “Immediately after exercise, when the face is sweaty and oily, use Glycolic Peel Cleansing Pads to cleanse your pores of sweat and oil to prevent and treat acne breakouts and fine lines.” What’s a glycolic peel cleansing pad, you ask? These powerful pads cleanse and remove sweat, oil, and debris that collects on your skin during a workout. The result is almost immediate, and the application is easy. Just store a pack in your gym bag so you can cleanse your face quickly and go get that post-workout smoothie bowl! 

What exactly is glycolic acid? Is it safe?

Let’s break this down: Glycolic acid is a non-toxic, all-natural, safe-for-all-skin-types alpha hydroxy acid,  naturally derived from sugar cane. Dr. B shares, “Glycolic acid penetrates into the dermis (the second layer of skin) where the collagen is (and where the wrinkles are)... Once you get to the second layer, you force the body to rejuvenate the collagen we lose as we age. It takes off a dead layer of skin as well and cleans out the pores. It’s also gentle enough to be used daily and even on sensitive skin. It is the natural, over the counter competitor to Retin-A.” Once applied to the skin, it enters the pores and activates a cell renewal process, breaking down the “glue” holding the top layer of skin together, so that the fresh layer can emerge. When the top layer of skin falls and flakes off, it removes unwanted acne, fine lines, and skin pigmentation. Essentially, you make way for a “new” layer of clearer, brighter skin! That’s pretty amazing. 

It should be noted, though, that not all glycolic acid is made equal. “A non-neutralized glycolic does tingle and may cause redness, but it also works,” Dr. B says. “The stinging is because it is an acid. It goes into the pores and takes off a layer of skin…getting the dead layer of skin off looks better. It’s working better if you see mild irritation and/or some redness.” Many products on the market today advertise “pure” glycolic, but in reality, these products are neutralized (made ineffective) because the manufacturers think that the tingling effects of strong glycolic will scare off consumers. The reality is glycolic can’t hurt or burn the skin—it’s completely safe. These neutralized products sound flashy but won’t do anything for your skin. But, when you feel the tingle (like you will with DermChoice products), you’re only hours away from clearer, brighter, and healthier skin. 

Working out every day means showering every day. What can we do about super dry, post-shower skin?

Showering frequently or after every workout dries out your skin by stripping it of the natural oils and moisture. We are not saying you should walk around with a post-workout sweat smell by skipping the shower post that intense cycling or bootcamp class. But there are preventative measures you can take to make sure your skin stays moist, your body stays clean, and your friends and coworkers stay happy to be around you. Meet Pre-Bath Oil. “I developed the Pre-Bath Oil after a patient with eczema (clinically irritated and dry skin) could not find relief from over-the-counter lotions and prescriptions,” Dr. B said. “The patient told me he applied the oil before entering the shower and experienced relief right away. That’s when I knew we had a winning formula, and I have been recommending the Pre-Bath Oil to all my patients with dry skin ever since.” This easy-to-use product is far more effective than lotion for those who shower daily. Just apply it all over your face and body before entering the bath or shower. This will create a protective barrier on your skin’s surface. Plus, oil penetrates deeper than lotion, so the Pre-Bath Oil will thoroughly moisturize the deeper layers of your skin, soothing dryness and irritation.

Bonus: DermChoice has no parabens and no fragrance. Their products are certified cruelty-free and formulated with natural and organic ingredients—and they actually work. Talk about a win-win!

The time is NOW! Achieve the brighter, clearer skin you want and deserve, Shop Glycolic Peel Pads HERE.