They say beauty is only skin deep. Those of us that have experienced a small shock at the sight of our red, disheveled faces in those unnecessarily bright gym mirrors will likely agree with this.
However, regular exercise, be it a round on the green, a daily walk or a dip in the pool, has benefits that extend beyond trimming and toning your midriff. Exercise literally breathes life into your body and skin- enriching your blood cells with oxygen, opening and clearing out your pores and facilitating the flow of nutrients to heal skin and tissue inflammation. Breaking a sweat even speeds up the skin’s collagen production, thwarting wrinkles and dull complexions.
Having said that, exercise very often also puts you at the whim of the elements, leaving your skin, body and hair exposed to UV rays, cold temperatures, hot, humid conditions and wind burn, all of which require a touch of TLC to combat. Likewise, if you’re in the gym or at the pool, sweaty conditions and chlorine can wreak havoc with your skin and hair, leaving you looking a little less Anna Kournikova than you might like (or imagine, in my case). Follow our quick guide to your sports beauty essentials and reap the benefits of good skin and a healthy body.
Shampoo & Co-Wash
If you swim on the regular you will know that your hair really takes a beating. The chlorine can leave hair dry and brittle, not to mention that it can wreak havoc with blonde dye (that pond weed colour is never a look to aspire to). To keep hair soft and nourished, use a clarifying shampoo every week combined with a good conditioning shampoo. Lavish co-wash by Beauty & Pin Ups is a non-lathering cleansing conditioner that moisturizes and helps to neutralize chlorine and trace minerals to stop oxidation in its tracks, protecting hair from breakage and color from fading- a perfect all rounder for the active beauty maven!
Invigorating shower wash
Whether it’s before or after exercise, sometimes you just need a lift. Opt for a body wash with citrus ingredients, such as lemon, orange, pomelo or grapefruit to achieve this. Grapefruit is thought have antiviral, antiseptic, astringent and antibacterial effects on the body and hair, clearing the skin and adding shine to the hair. Grapefruit oil also has a fresh, zesty fragrance which has an uplifting effect on the mind and can help alleviate stress.
Talcum Powder
Whether you’re on the course, in the gym or out for a run, few of us are immune to chafing, especially in humid whether. It’s painful and uncomfortable and could definitely put you off your game. Opt for a talc free non friction powder like Lush’s Silky Underwear dusting powder, it’s super gentle and natural, smells divine and keeps you soft and dry without blocking your pores.
Multi Purpose balm
Having a multi purpose skin salve to hand soothes a myriad of ailments- bramble scratches, chapped lips, sunburn, wind burn, blisters…I could go on. Designed as a ‘desert island’ one-pot skin savior, the Coconut Universal Skin Slave by Glossier is as useful on as well as off the course and boasts an incredible ten uses – cleanser, moisturizer, lip balm, mask, complexion enhancer, nail balm, after sun, healing balm and will probably sort that whole world peace issue as well.
SPF
Even though we’re not always blessed with the balmiest of temperatures, SPF should be a year-round staple in your golf or gym bag. According to Candice Gardner from the International Dermal Institute: UVA is responsible for most of the ageing process of the skin, as it causes damage to the integral proteins that give skin its strength, elasticity and plumpness. Regardless of time of day or season, UVA is present and can penetrate cloud cover- If you’re planning on spending a day on the course make sure to keep a SPF 20 with both UVA and UVB protection handy – P20 is the sunscreen of choice for many athletes; a clear liquid that lasts 10 hours and absorbs rapidly without streaks (£13.99, Boots). You can also combine SPF with your beauty routine – La Roche Posay’s Anthelios SPF 50, (£15, Boots) is specifically formulated for sensitive skin and will leave a healthy sheer tint on the skin.
Solid or Roll On Perfume
It might seem a bit frivolous, but you’ll smell lovely and feel super relaxed, ideal post workout or to help you unwind for your yoga class. L’Occitane are renowned for creating beautiful scents and this Roses et Reines (L’Occitane, £8) is convenient and portable- whether you’re off to the course or travelling, and as it’s balm based the fragrance will last longer than traditional liquid perfumes.
Oil based cleanser
If ever there was a reason not to wear makeup to the gym, this is it. During exercise your skin pores open and any dirt or impurities on the surface layers of the skin have a chance to exit. Sweating regularly, if followed by proper cleansing, will help you to achieve softer and smoother skin. To really take advantage of your open pores, opt for an oil based cleanser. Based on the premise that like dissolves like, vitamin infused oil cleansers offer a far deeper and more thorough clean than traditional soap and water cleansers. Sanctuary’s Youth Boosting Cleansing oil is packed with vitamin A and E boost skin cell renewal and improve collagen production.
Therapeutic Bath salts
Everyone from your personal trainer to your granny know the magical benefits of therapeutic salts. A wind-down salt bath after a long day on the green is not just the ultimate luxury, but by replenishing magnesium in the body also helps to eliminate toxins, relax and repair the muscles, prevents hardening of the arteries, reduces the risk of blood clots and relieves pain and tension. Up the spa factor and mix simple Epsom salts with Himalayan pink salt and dried rosemary or lavender.