We
asked, you told us: the biggest complexion concerns you face daily
because of your sweatastic habits. Here are easy solutions from some of
the best derms in the country so you can have it all — gorgeous skin and
a healthy, sexy body.
Perfect Skin Secrets Revealed!
Skin Concern: Sunspots
"I run outside year-round and didn't use sunscreen when I was younger. I do now, but still, I have sunspots."
Why It Happens
When UV light hits skin, it triggers an increase in melanin, the
skin's pigment molecules that help shield cells from damage. Eventually,
after repeated sun exposure, melanin goes into overdrive, creating
discoloration.
Simple Solutions
Take cover:
Apply antioxidants at night to give them time to
penetrate. "They act like sponges and neutralize free radicals," says
Neal Schultz, MD, a dermatologist in New York City and the founder of
BeautyRx skin care. In the morning, use sunscreen, the number one
anti-ager, with broad-spectrum coverage, which protects against UVA and
UVB rays. Opt for one that has physical blockers such as zinc oxide and
titanium dioxide, because it's less likely to slip off skin as you
sweat. Try SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 (skinceuticals.com).
Get buff:
Remove dead skin cells daily with an exfoliating
treatment morning and night. One with lactic acid and a natural fruit
enzyme like pineapple tends to be the gentlest, and it won't interfere
with another anti-ager. Try Colbert MD Intensify Facial Discs (colbertmd.com).
Erase dark spots:
When you have distinct blotches, you've got
to pull out the big guns: concentrated erasers such as vitamin C,
niacinamide, kombucha extract, or SepiWhite, a patented brightening
blend. Try Olay Professional Pro-X Even Skin Tone Tone-Correcting
Protocol, which includes a cream, a sunscreen, and a spot treatment
(drugstores).
Protect from the inside out:
Pack your diet with brightly
colored water-rich fruits and vegetables like pomegranates, tomatoes,
and broccoli. They're full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories,
which help your skin heal.
Skin Concern: Acne from Workouts
"I get acne on my face, chest, and back while triathlon training."
Why It Happens
The culprit behind all breakouts: clogged pores. "When sweat becomes
trapped on skin — under tight-fitting workout clothes, for instance — it
creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria," explains Howard
Murad, MD, a dermatologist in El Segundo, California, and the founder of
Murad skin care.
Simple Solutions
Unplug:
Chemical exfoliators are your pores' BFFs. Salicylic,
glycolic, and alpha-hydroxy acids dissolve dead skin cells and sweat.
Apply a thin layer of a gel laced with them before you reapply your
makeup. If you work out at night, put the gel on before bed to make sure
skin is bacteria-free while you sleep, Dr. Murad says. Opt for Peter
Thomas Roth FirmX Peeling Gel, (peterthomasroth.com).
Bring sexy back:
Ever notice how the pimples that pop up on your chest and back are way
bigger than those on your cheeks? "These areas have larger oil glands
than the face has, plus they're usually covered by clothing, which can
push sweat and oil deeper into pores," Dr. Murad notes. Towel off
frequently during your workout to keep skin clean. When you shower
afterward, saturate a loofah with an exfoliating cleanser (look for the
same pore-clearing acids mentioned above) or an antibacterial formula
with benzoyl peroxide. Squeeze the suds over your shoulders and let them
drip down your back. We like BeautyRx High Potency Active Cleanser
($35, beautyrx.com). If you aren't rinsing ASAP, strip off your sweaty
clothes and wipe down with a towelette; use one that has an
antibacterial ingredient — witch hazel, for instance — such as Murad
Clarifying Wipes ($18, murad.com ). Or spritz a cotton pad with an
antiseptic spray, such as Control Corrective Skin Care Systems ExfoTonic
($24, controlcorrective.com), and use it to cleanse your chest and
back. Buh-bye, breakouts.
More Skin Secrets
Skin Concern: Post-Workout Redness
"I can't do a lunchtime workout because my face will stay red all afternoon."
Why It Happens
When you get hot from Zumba-ing, your body kick-starts its natural
cooling system, causing the heat to move up to the skin's surface so
your face becomes flushed, Dr. Schultz says. The good news: Turning red
from your sweat session is normal, and it will subside as you cool down.
If your redness lingers, try the tricks below.
Simple Solutions
Cool off:
Soak a washcloth in cold water and hold it against
your skin for a minute. "This helps to dissipate heat fast and to shrink
blood vessels, reducing redness," Dr. Schultz says. Drink ice-cold
water to cool down from the inside out.
Keep calm and carry on:
In the shower, use a creamy cleanser
that has antioxidants like goji berry or licorice root extract to
minimize inflammation stat. Try Eucerin Redness Relief Soothing Cleanser
(drugstores). Skip your go-to face cream for a hydrating serum; the
light formula tends to contain higher amounts of skin soothers, such as
aloe vera and katafray. Try Bliss Firm, Baby, Firm (blissworld.com) or Clarins Double Serum (clarinsusa.com).
Skin Concern: Dull Complexion
"Between work and workouts, my schedule is packed. I wake up every day with dull-looking skin."
Why It Happens
You really do need your beauty sleep. "Exhaustion shows up on your
face in the form of dehydrated-looking and sallow skin," Dr. Murad says.
"At night, your body reverses free-radical damage incurred during the
day from pollution, ultraviolet radiation, and stress, and it stimulates
skin repair." Aim for seven to eight hours. Not happening? Try these
skin brightening strategies.
Simple Solutions
Drink up:
"As soon as you get up, have two large glasses of
water," suggests David Colbert, MD, the founder of the New York
Dermatology Group and Colbert MD skin care. "By the time you shower,
your skin will look more supple." Pile your breakfast plate with fruits,
like raspberries, watermelon, cantaloupe, plums, pineapple, and
oranges, that are naturally rich in H2O. Greek yogurt, berries (which
contain potassium, a mineral and electrolyte that increases the balance
of fluids in the body) and almonds (which have tons of
skin-strengthening minerals and good fats to help keep your complexion
hydrated) make the perfect prettifying morning meal.
Rev radiance:
Instead of an exfoliating regimen in the p.m.,
switch it to the morning. While you sleep, your skin releases natural
oils that hold on to dead skin cells, Dr. Colbert says. That means your
complexion looks blah when you wake up. Use a glycolic or lactic
acid-based serum, such as Kinara Lactic Acid Hydrating Serum ($75,
dermstore.com), in the a.m. to clear away buildup. Then apply an oil
like Rodin Olio Lusso Luxury Face Oil ($150, oliolusso.com) to
moisturize and get a glow before you put on your makeup.
Skin Concern: Fine Lines
"I'm a half-marathon runner, and I'm starting to see fine lines and wrinkles."
Why It Happens
It could be the result of weight loss
from all your cardio. Our faces naturally contain fat, which keeps our
complexions plump and smooth. Lose too much and skin can sag. Another
possible culprit: the outdoors. Over time, extensive exposure to UV rays
can cause premature aging, including collagen loss, and battling the
elements, like wind, can result in major dryness and exacerbate lines,
says Neil Sadick, MD, a dermatologist in New York City and the founder
of Sadick Dermatology.
Simple Solutions
Boost moisture:
Use a face cream that has water listed as the
first ingredient and also contains water-binding humectants like
glycerin and hyaluronic acid as well as megahydrators like dimethicone
and ceramides, Dr. Schultz says. The result will be long-lasting, deep
moisture. Try Garnier Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream for Dry Skin
(drugstores) or Estée Lauder Advanced Time Zone Hydrating Gel Oil
Free (esteelauder.com).
Fight fine lines:
OTC retinol and prescription-strength
retinoid are the mothers of all wrinkle reducers because they stimulate
the production of new collagen. They can, however, irritate sensitive
skin and actually cause more dryness. Just as you have to work up to
13.1 miles, you must pace yourself with retinol and use only a drop for
your entire face every other night. To help build elastin, which also
keeps skin supple, look for formulas with copper and calcium.
Courtesy Fitness
