Glow on the Go: Skincare for Your Active Lifestyle
Here’s how to keep your skin in the game—even as you sweat.
If you’re someone who hits the gym, the trails, or the yoga mat on the regular, your skin is probably working just as hard as you are. Whether you’re drenched in sweat after a tough HIIT class or catching some rays on a morning run, maintaining a healthy complexion is a must. But how do you keep your skin in check when your pores and oil glands are in overdrive? What you need: a skincare routine that’ll keep you glowing from warm-up to cool-down.
The Workout: Why Your Skin Needs Extra TLC
When you’re active, your skin becomes a playground for sweat, dirt, and oil. While sweating is your body’s natural way of cooling down and detoxing, it also opens up your pores, making it easier for bacteria and impurities to sneak in. If left unchecked, this can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, and irritation. This is why a strategic skincare routine is non-negotiable.
“Having an active lifestyle, especially doing sports activities, exposes skin to environmental pollutants,” says Dr. Maximin Navarro, resident dermatologist at Bella Pelle Skin Solutions and a Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) fellow. “Maintaining good hygiene is, thus, very important,” he stresses, adding that bacteria and other fungal organisms can easily lead to skin infections.
Pre-Workout Prep: Start with a clean slate
Think of your pre-workout skincare routine as stretching before a workout—it’s essential to avoid potential damage. That said, you can start by washing your face with a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt, oil, or makeup. This helps prevent your pores from getting clogged once you start sweating. For a proactive approach, you may want to use a blemish-controlling cleanser, like the Peak Beauty Gel Fix Anti-Acne Cleansing Gel, P800.
For those who prefer a little more protection, consider applying a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer. It creates a barrier between your skin and the environment, which can be especially helpful if you’re working out outdoors. Don’t forget a broad-spectrum sunscreen if you’re heading outside—even when it’s cloudy. A sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is ideal to shield your skin from harmful UV rays. (Read our sunscreen guide here.)
 Heliocare Ultra 90 Gel SPF 50, P2,800 |
 Mesoestetic Sun Protective Repairing Stick, P2,000 |
Try: Heliocare Ultra 90 Gel SPF 50, P2,800, a light gel formula that won’t turn greasy or sticky while you sweat it out. Another handy option is the Mesoestetic Sun Protective Repairing Stick, P2,000, an easy-to-apply sunscreen stick that’s also non-irritating for the eyes even as you sweat.
During Your Workout: Keep it simple and sweat smart
While you’re breaking a sweat, it’s tempting to wipe your face with your hands or the nearest towel. But pause for a second—your hands and those towels could be covered in bacteria and fungi, making your skin susceptible to breakouts. Instead, use a clean, soft towel or a sweatband to gently pat your face dry. And if you’re working out indoors, make sure the environment is well-ventilated to reduce the sweat accumulation on your skin.
Post-Workout Routine: Cleanse, soothe, and hydrate
Your post-workout skincare routine is where the magic happens—and therefore shouldn’t be skipped at all costs. The goal here is to prevent any post-sweat breakouts or irritation.
1. Cleanse ASAP: The first thing you should do after a workout, aside from chugging your water, is cleanse your skin. A full body shower is ideal but if you can’t bathe just yet, make sure to wash your face thoroughly to rid it of pimple-causing sweat, dirt, and bacteria. Opt for a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser that won’t strip your complexion of its natural oils.
 Kamedis AC-Clear Face Cleanser, P1,500 |
 Psorolin Medicated Bathing Bar, P450 |
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, go for an oil-free, pimple-fighting facial wash like the Kamedis AC-Clear Face Cleanser, P1,500, a botanical-based cleanser that deeply yet gently cleanses pores. Prefer a bar soap? Try the Psorolin Medicated Bathing Bar, P450, which also has antifungal properties.
For the body, use a mild body wash or soap and pay extra attention to sweat-prone areas, like the armpits, chest, and back. Try: Vanicream Cleansing Bar, P720, a gentle bar soap free of dyes, fragrances, and parabens, and is suitable for the face and body—even for those with sensitive skin.
2. Soothe and tone: After cleansing, use a toner to help balance your skin’s pH levels and tighten your pores. Look for one with soothing ingredients like witch hazel, rose water, or aloe vera to help calm any post-workout redness or irritation.
Try: Infracyte Cyto Balance, P2,950, a refreshing toner that quickly restores skin’s natural pH balance. It has a combination of unique botanical extracts, including aloe vera, to soften and soothe skin.
 Infracyte Cyto Balance, P2,950 |
 Peak Beauty Skin Refresh Anti-Acne Daily Toner, P400 |
Peak Beauty Skin Refresh Anti-Acne Daily Toner, P400, meanwhile, is a daily maintenance toner that contains active ingredients delivering antimicrobial, pore-cleaning, and oil-regulating benefits. (It’s safe even for teens!)
 Ivatherm Rosederm Anti-Redness Micellar Lotion, P1,900 |
 Ivatherm Rosederm Cream, P1,750 |
If you’re prone to redness, calm reactive skin by sweeping on the Ivatherm Rosederm Anti-Redness Micellar Lotion, P1,900, followed by the Ivatherm Rosederm Cream, P1,750.
3. Hydrate: In the same way that your body needs to replenish lost water after a sweat session, post-workout hydration for your skin is crucial. Apply a light, oil-free moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated without clogging your pores. If you’re prone to acne, opt for one with salicylic acid, like the Aknicare Cream, P1,650, to keep breakouts at bay.
 Ivatherm Eau Thermale Herculane, P780 |
 Mesoestetic Hydratonic Mist, P2,800 |
Prefer something more weightless? A hydrating mist like the Ivatherm Eau Thermale Herculane, P780, can also be helpful. Aside from delivering a splash of moisture, this nutrient-rich water also decongests and soothes skin. Another option is the Mesoestetic Hydratonic Mist, P2,800, which has skin-balancing and anti-pollution ingredients—perfect for city dwellers.
4. Sunscreen (again!): Your skin is more sensitive after exercise, making it even more important to protect it from UV damage. So whether or not you’re stepping out after your workout, don’t forget to re-apply your sunscreen. Remember: Gadgets like your phone and laptop emit harmful blue light or HEV light, too.
A unisex fave is the Heliocare 360 Gel Oil-free SPF 50, P1,800, a super lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen formula offering protection from four types of radiation, and is suited for normal, combination, and oily skin types.
 Frezyderm Sunscreen Color Velvet Face Cream SPF50, P2,600 |
 Peak Beauty Sundaze Mattifying Tinted Sunscreen |
For protection with cosmetic benefits, go for a tinted and mattifying formula, like the cult-favorite Frezyderm Sunscreen Color Velvet Face Cream SPF50, P2,600, or the Peak Beauty Sundaze Mattifying Tinted Sunscreen, P850, which goes on like a smooth, powder-finish cream. (No need for foundation!)
Extra Credit: Weekly Skin TLC
In addition to your daily routine, giving your skin some extra TLC a few times a week can make a world of difference. Consider incorporating a clay mask into your routine to draw out impurities and control oil production. (Try the Peak Beauty Detox Goals Anti-Acne Mud Mask, P350 .) Exfoliating twice a week can also help remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores, but be gentle—over-exfoliating can irritate your skin.
Final Lap: Listen to Your Skin
Your skin is unique, and so is your workout routine. Listen to what your skin needs, and don’t be afraid to tweak your skincare routine as you go. If you’re noticing more breakouts, try switching to extra gentle products or incorporating an acne treatment. If your skin feels dry or tight, up your hydration game.
Think you’re sweating too much? You may want to consult with a dermatologist to check if you’re suffering from hyperhidrosis, an abnormally excessive sweating condition that is not necessarily related to heat or exercise. (There’s Sweatox for that, FYI.)
For customized skincare recommendations, you can book a face-to-face or virtual dermatological consultation with Dr. Maximin Navarro, our resident dermatologist and a Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) fellow, here. You may also contact the Bella Pelle Skin Solutions Clinic at (+63) 999-887-1933. You may also view the full list of our facial services and treatments here.
Bella Pelle Skin Solutions is located 2/F L Building, #142 Katipunan, Brgy. Saint Ignatius, Quezon City. The center is open Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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