The importance of post-exercise skincare for teens

Exercise benefits both body and mind, but it also affects the skin. In South Africa’s warm climate, with strong sun exposure and high levels of environmental pollution, post-exercise skincare plays an especially important role in maintaining skin health.

Physical activity increases blood flow and causes sweating, which helps regulate body temperature. At the same time, heat, sweat, friction from clothing, and environmental exposure can temporarily disrupt the skin’s natural barrier. These changes may alter hydration, surface pH, and oil production, making skin more prone to irritation, redness, and breakouts if it is not cared for properly (Lambers et al., 2006; Rawlings and Harding, 2004).

What happens to your skin during exercise

During exercise, sweating and heat affect the skin’s surface environment. Moisture loss can occur, surface pH may increase, and sebum production can fluctuate. Together, these changes can weaken the skin barrier, which normally protects against bacteria, irritants, and pollution. When the barrier is compromised, the risk of inflammation and blemish formation rises (Elias, 2005; Rawlings and Harding, 2004). In South Africa, high UV exposure and urban pollution place additional stress on the skin, particularly during outdoor training and sport (Diffey, 2004; Krutmann et al., 2014).

A simple post-exercise skincare routine

Step 1: Cleanse

Sweat alone does not cause acne. When it mixes with oil, dirt, sunscreen, and dead skin cells, it can clog pores and contribute to breakouts (Zaenglein et al., 2016). An effective post-workout cleanse should remove impurities without stripping the skin. Upenya’s Exfoliating Cleanser uses gentle plant-based surfactants and natural fruit acids to lift away sweat, makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil in one step. The formula supports the skin’s natural balance while helping keep pores clear.

Step 2: Rehydrate and support the skin barrier

After cleansing, skin can feel tight or dehydrated. Restoring hydration and reinforcing the barrier are essential for recovery. The Upenya Moisturising Gel combines jojoba esters, marula oil, niacinamide, honeybush leaf extract, turmeric root extract, inulin, and probiotic aloe to hydrate, soothe, and support the skin.

Jojoba esters and marula oil resemble the skin’s natural lipids, helping reinforce the barrier and reduce moisture loss (Rawlings and Harding, 2004). Niacinamide supports barrier function, helps regulate the appearance of oil, and supports tone and texture (Bissett et al., 2005). Honeybush and turmeric extracts provide antioxidant support and help calm visible redness. Inulin and probiotic aloe are included to support the skin’s microbiome, which plays a role in barrier resilience. Together, these ingredients help maintain hydration and support the skin’s recovery after exercise.

Step 3: Use targeted treatments when needed

For blemish-prone skin, gentle exfoliation with salicylic acid helps keep pores clear (Zaenglein et al., 2016). Upenya Blemish Care combines salicylic acid with marula seed oil and hydrolysed jojoba esters to support the barrier while targeting breakouts. Salicylic acid provides targeted exfoliation, allantoin helps calm irritation, and vitamin E (tocopherol) offers antioxidant protection. This balanced approach helps manage blemishes while maintaining skin comfort.

Step 4: Protect your skin from the sun

South Africa has one of the highest UV indexes globally, making daily sun protection essential (Diffey, 2004). After exercise, apply a broad-spectrum, sweat-resistant sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher. Use a generous amount and reapply every two hours, or sooner after sweating or towel-drying. Sun protection supports long-term skin health and helps prevent post-inflammatory pigmentation following breakouts.

Conclusion

Post-exercise skincare is an important part of maintaining healthy, resilient skin, particularly in South Africa’s challenging climate. Cleansing away sweat and impurities, restoring hydration, supporting the skin barrier, treating blemishes gently, and protecting against UV exposure all contribute to balanced skin. Caring for your skin after a workout is as essential as caring for the rest of your body. With a consistent, evidence-based routine, skin can remain calm, clear, and better equipped to handle both environmental stress and physical activity.

Frequently asked questions

Does sweat cause acne?

Sweat on its own does not cause acne. The problem arises when sweat mixes with oil, dirt, sunscreen and dead skin cells and is left on the skin, which can clog pores. Cleansing gently after exercise removes this buildup before it contributes to breakouts.

Should teens shower and cleanse straight after sport?

Where possible, yes. Cleansing soon after exercise removes sweat, oil and impurities before they settle into pores. A gentle, non-stripping cleanser is best, as harsh washing can disrupt the skin barrier and make irritation worse.

Is moisturiser necessary after a workout?

Yes. Exercise and cleansing can leave skin feeling tight or dehydrated. A lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser restores hydration and supports the skin barrier, helping skin recover and stay balanced.

Do teens need sunscreen for outdoor sport in South Africa?

Very much so. South Africa has one of the highest UV indexes in the world, so daily, sweat-resistant sunscreen of SPF 50 or higher is important for outdoor training. Reapply every two hours, and sooner after heavy sweating or towel-drying.

How does exercise affect the skin barrier?

Sweating, heat and friction can temporarily alter the skin’s hydration, surface pH and oil levels, which may weaken the barrier. A simple post-exercise routine, cleanse, hydrate, protect, helps the barrier recover and reduces the risk of irritation and breakouts.

References

Bissett, D.L., Oblong, J.E. and Berge, C.A. (2005) ‘Niacinamide: a B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance’, Dermatologic Surgery, 31(7 Pt 2), pp. 860–865.

Diffey, B.L. (2004) ‘Climate change, ozone depletion and the impact on ultraviolet exposure of human skin’, Physics in Medicine and Biology, 49(1), pp. R1–R11. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1088/0031-9155/49/1/r01 (Accessed: 22 June 2026).

Elias, P.M. (2005) ‘Stratum corneum defensive functions: an integrated view’, Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 125(2), pp. 183–200. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0022-202X.2005.23668.x (Accessed: 22 June 2026).

Krutmann, J., Liu, W., Li, L., Pan, X., Crawford, M., Sore, G. and Seite, S. (2014) ‘Pollution and skin: from epidemiological and mechanistic studies to clinical implications’, Journal of Dermatological Science, 76(3), pp. 163–168. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdermsci.2014.08.008 (Accessed: 22 June 2026).

Lambers, H., Piessens, S., Bloem, A., Pronk, H. and 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), pp. 359–370. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-2494.2006.00344.x (Accessed: 22 June 2026).

Rawlings, A.V. and Harding, C.R. (2004) ‘Moisturization and skin barrier function’, Dermatologic Therapy, 17(Suppl 1), pp. 43–48.

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), pp. 945–973. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2015.12.037 (Accessed: 22 June 2026).