The importance of post-exercise skincare for teens

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Exercise benefits both body and mind, but it can also affect your skin. In South Africa’s warm climate, with strong sun exposure and environmental pollutants, proper post-exercise skincare is especially important.

Physical activity increases blood flow and causes sweating, which cools the body. However, sweat, heat, friction from clothing, and environmental exposure can temporarily disrupt the skin’s natural barrier. This disruption can alter skin hydration, pH balance, and oil production, making skin more vulnerable to irritation, redness, and breakouts if not properly cared for [1,2].

What happens to your skin during exercise

During exercise, increased sweating and heat lead to changes on the skin’s surface. The outer layer loses moisture, surface pH rises, and oil production can fluctuate. These factors weaken the skin’s protective barrier, which normally keeps irritants and bacteria out. A compromised barrier increases the risk of inflammation and blemishes [3,4].

In South Africa, high UV radiation and urban pollution add further stress, particularly for outdoor exercisers [5].

Step 1: Cleanse

Sweat alone does not cause acne, but when mixed with oils, dirt, and dead skin cells, it can clog pores and contribute to breakouts [6]. Our Exfoliating Cleanser, formulated with gentle plant-based surfactants and natural fruit acids, effectively removes makeup, sunscreen, sweat, and impurities in one step. This maintains the skin’s natural oils and balance while clearing pores.

Step 2: Rehydrate and support the skin barrier

After cleansing, skin can feel dehydrated. Our Moisturising Gel blends jojoba esters, marula oil, niacinamide, honeybush leaf extract, turmeric root extract, inulin, and probiotic aloe to restore hydration, support the skin barrier, and soothe irritation.

Jojoba esters and marula oil mimic the skin’s natural lipids, reinforcing the barrier and locking in moisture. Niacinamide reduces inflammation, regulates oil production, and improves skin tone and texture [10]. Honeybush leaf and turmeric extracts are rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, helping to calm redness and protect against environmental damage.

Inulin and probiotic aloe act as prebiotics, nourishing beneficial skin microbiota essential for a balanced skin ecosystem and enhanced barrier function [1]. Together, these ingredients strengthen the skin’s defenses, improve resilience, and maintain hydration [2,8].

Step 3: Use targeted treatments

For blemish-prone skin, gentle exfoliation with salicylic acid promotes the natural shedding of dead skin cells and unclogs pores, reducing breakouts [9]. Our Blemish Care combines salicylic acid with natural oils such as Marula Seed Oil and Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters to nourish and strengthen the skin barrier. Salicylic Acid provides effective exfoliation, while Allantoin calms irritation. Tocopherol (Vitamin E) protects against environmental damage. This approach helps clear blemishes while supporting healthy, resilient skin.

Step 4: Protect your skin from the sun

South Africa has one of the highest UV indexes worldwide, making daily sun protection essential [11]. Use a broad-spectrum, sweat-resistant, hydrating sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher. Apply liberally and reapply every two hours or after sweating or towel-drying.

Conclusion

Proper post-exercise skincare is essential for maintaining healthy skin, especially in South Africa's challenging climate. By following these steps and incorporating effective products into your routine, you can support your skin's health and resilience. Remember, your skin deserves just as much care as the rest of your body after a workout.

References

1. Lambers, H., Piessens, S., Bloem, A., Pronk, H., Finkel, P. (2006). Natural skin surface pH is on average below 5, which is beneficial for its resident flora. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 28(5):359-370.

2. Draelos, Z.D. (2018). The Science Behind Skin Hydration. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. 11(5):23-27.

3. Pinnell, S.R. (2003). Cutaneous photodamage, oxidative stress, and topical antioxidant protection. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 48(1):1-19.

4. Rawlings, A.V., Harding, C.R. (2004). Moisturization and skin barrier function. Dermatologic Therapy. 17 (Suppl 1):43-48.

5. Liu, W., Wang, C., Lu, Z., Maibach, H.I. (2018). Pollution and skin: From epidemiological and clinical evidence to molecular mechanisms. Dermatologic Therapy. 31(4):e12677.

6. Zaenglein, A.L., Pathy, A.L., Schlosser, B.J., et al. (2016). Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 74(5):945-973.e33.

7. Elias, P.M. (2005). Stratum corneum defensive functions: an integrated view. Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 23(6):1178-1186.

8. Taylor, S.C., Cook-Bolden, F., Rahman, Z., et al. (2019). Addressing the Challenges of Treating Acne in Skin of Color. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. 12(4):37-44.

9. Fabbrocini, G., Annunziata, M.C., D’Arco, V., et al. (2010). Acne scars: pathogenesis, classification and treatment. Dermatology Research and Practice. 2010:893080.

10. Bissett, D.L., Oblong, J.E., Berge, C.A. (2005). Niacinamide: a B vitamin that improves

aging facial skin appearance. Dermatologic Surgery. 31(7 Pt 2):860-865.

11. Diffey, B.L. (2004). Climate change, ozone depletion and the impact on ultraviolet exposure of human skin. Physiological Measurement. 25(2): R115-R123.

12. Wang, S.Q., Balagula, Y., Osterwalder, U. (2017). Photoprotection: a review of the current and future technologies. Dermatologic Therapy. 30(1):5-17.