Lifestyle & Skin
Exercise and skin – working out is skincare from within
A workout gives your skin more than an hour-long facial. Increased blood flow, reduced inflammation, better sleep. But do it wrong and sweat, friction, and bacteria can wreak havoc. Here's everything you need to know.
How does exercise affect the skin?
During physical activity, heart rate increases and blood vessels dilate. Blood flow to the skin can increase by up to 400 percent, delivering oxygen and nutrients to skin cells and carrying away waste products. It's like an internal facial that no cream can replicate. Regular exercise also stimulates fibroblasts to produce more collagen.
But exercise has a dark side for skin. Sweat mixed with bacteria, makeup, and friction from clothing and equipment can create a perfect breeding ground for breakouts. Exercise acne (acne mechanica) occurs where clothing rubs against the skin – under helmets, sports bras, and on the back. Humid environments like gyms and yoga studios can exacerbate fungal infections.
Overtraining is another problem. Extreme physical stress without adequate recovery chronically elevates cortisol levels, breaks down collagen, and suppresses the immune system. What should give skin radiance instead produces dullness, fatigue, and increased sensitivity. Balance is everything.
Train smart for better skin
Wash your face before working out
Never exercise with makeup, sunscreen, or day cream on. Sweat mixed with product residue clogs pores and causes breakouts. Cleanse with a mild cleanser or just water before you begin.
Change clothes immediately after
Sweaty clothes against your skin post-workout is a bacteria party. Change as soon as you can – especially sports bras, leggings, and anything that sat tight against the body.
Shower within 30 minutes
Sweat itself isn't dirty – it's mainly water and salt. But combined with bacteria and oil, it quickly becomes problematic. A quick shower after exercise makes a big difference.
Don't touch your face
Gym equipment carries more bacteria than you want to know about. Avoid touching your face during your session and keep a clean towel on hand instead.
Find your sweet spot
3–5 sessions per week with mixed intensity is optimal. Daily high-intensity training without rest increases cortisol and works against skin recovery. Include rest days and low-intensity movement.
Skincare for active people – with CBD
Exercise skin needs three things: thorough but gentle cleansing, anti-inflammatory support, and barrier repair. Au Naturel Makeup Remover with MCT oil dissolves sweat, oil, and product residue without disrupting the skin barrier. It's the perfect pre-workout cleanse and post-workout reset in one.
After exercise, when blood flow to the skin is still elevated and pores are open, it's the ideal time to apply active ingredients. Ta-Da Serum with 10% CBD calms the temporary inflammation exercise causes and supports the skin's recovery – just like protein supports muscle recovery.
The Duo-kit with The ONE and I LOVE gives the active lifestyle a complete skincare routine that balances oil production and strengthens the barrier. CBD's sebostatic effect is particularly valuable for those experiencing exercise-related breakouts.
Products we recommend
Save 399 SEKDUO kit
Two face oils: one for morning, one for evening. Complete care that works with your skin – not against it.
Au Naturel Makeup Remover
Cleansing oil with MCT and CBD. Removes everything – without disturbing your skin’s natural balance.
TA-DA Serum
CBG-powered serum that locks in moisture and adds glow. Your skin’s best friend in any season.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I break out after working out?
Most common causes: makeup during exercise, delayed cleansing after sweating, friction from clothing (acne mechanica), or bacteria from gym equipment. Wash your face before and shower right after.
Is it better to work out with or without makeup?
Always without. Makeup mixed with sweat clogs pores and creates an anaerobic environment where bacteria thrive. If you can't remove makeup in time, use Au Naturel as a quick cleanse.
Can exercise really improve skin?
Yes. Studies show that regular moderate exercise increases collagen production, improves blood circulation to the skin, and lowers systemic inflammation. Effects typically become visible after 4–6 weeks of consistent training.
How much exercise is too much for skin?
It varies, but signs of overtraining include increased acne, dark circles, dull complexion, and delayed wound healing. If you train intensely daily without rest days, consider scaling back and see if your skin improves.
Train hard, take care of your skin
You give your body everything in the gym. Give your skin the same attention afterward – it deserves an equally serious recovery.