Want to maintain that radiant-looking skin even post-workout? Here’s how.

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(Also read: 10 Best Facial Cleansers For Post-Workout That Won’t Dry Your Skin)

Your skin loves exercise

It’s no secret that staying active and regular exercise is good for you. It helps you maintain a healthy weight, boosts your energy levels and improves blood circulation for a brighter complexion with flushed cheeks for that post-workout glow. Sweat also gives your skin that glow by releasing toxins and opening up pores to clear any impurities. Plus, after a good sweat sesh, your body releases endorphins that leave you feeling refreshed, happier and less stressed – all these lead to a more radiant complexion as well. Here’s what you can do to make the glow last.

(Also read: 3 Ways Your Exercise & Diet Plan Is Ageing Your Skin)

Always start fresh

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Before your workout, hydrate to regulate your body temperature and prevent dehydration and cramps. When you work out and perspire, your pores open, letting in all the bacteria resting on your skin, clogging the pores and causing acne. To avoid any breakouts, ensure that your face is clean, your hair is up and out of your face, and your hands are washed.

(Also read: These Lightweight Concealers Won’t Clog Your Pores)

Wipe yourself down

Just like your gym equipment, your skin needs a wipe to get rid of the sweat too – but not with the same towel. Instead of rubbing harshly, gently pat the skin to absorb excess sweat and oil. And do it quickly. When left on the skin for too long, sweat tends to irritate the skin, causing reactions like pimples, bumps, acne, rashes, and even milia.

(Also read: 8 Ways to Stop Sweating Under Singapore’s Heat)

Wash up ASAP

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Wiping your sweat off is just the first step. You should try to wash your face (and hands) as soon as possible to prevent sweat and germs from sitting on your skin. Gently cleanse off the grime to reveal supple, glowing skin.

(Also read: This is Exactly How You Should Cleanse Your Face to Get Rid Of Dirt, Makeup & Dead Skin Cells)

Exfoliate your skin

Besides washing your face before and after your workout, it’s important to exfoliate. This helps to remove any oil or cell buildup to give you a brighter complexion. Dead skin cells and dirt might be what is hiding your workout glow.

(Also read: Too Lazy to Exfoliate? These Face Masks Will Smoothen Your Complexion)

Remember to cool down

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UV rays from the sun are bad for the skin, blue light from screens is bad for our skin, yes, even heat from the surroundings is bad for our skin. When your skin is hot after working out, its antioxidant levels decrease, while its proteins increase, causing a damaging decrease in collagen supply. All this increases the risk of sun (or now, heat) spots and premature ageing that eventually leads to dull and dry skin, not the radiant glow you want.

If you need help calming your flushed-red skin, try lowering its temperature with aloe vera.

(Also read: How to Cool Down on a Very Hot Day)