If you’re a man, you’d probably be wondering why would anybody want to look good at a place where one goes to sweat. And that too wearing makeup?
But then are not “Men from Mars & Women from Venus”?
Its quite common for women to come dolled up at most Mumbai Gyms, especially for glam workouts such as Zumba and Barre. After all, women do want to look good. But for most other women who head to the gym straight after work, removing the makeup means wasting precious minutes, especially when you’re short of time.
But what about the health implications of wearing make-up when exercising, and its impact on the skin?
Dermatologists do have a word of advice here.
Word of Advice
Here’s why makeup may not be a good idea.
Get Ready for Acne
Its common knowledge that when you exercise, the blood vessels dilate, which gives your skin the healthy & flushed look. But when you exercise with make-up, when the skin sweats and the pores get enlarged, it allows the chemicals in the cosmetics to enter your bloodstream. And that could end up with a bout of acne on your face, even if you are using a premium quality make-up.
Make-up traps sweat and toxins inside, and the skin reacts to it by causing allergies and patches. The hair follicle openings on the skin’s surface get clogged by makeup, increasing the risk of bacterial infection and boils. Another common problem is milia – tiny white nodular cysts on the skin – that is caused by blockage of sweat gland ducts.
Interferes with Anti-Ageing Benefits
We all exercise to look young. Don’t we? But experts feel that the clogged pores interferes with the anti-ageing benefits of exercise. If you don’t allow the skin to breathe, the pores will enlarge further, and when toxins enter them, they damage the collagen and elastin in your skin, quickening the ageing process.
Be careful With Your Eyes
If runny mascara gets into your eyes, it could cause irritation, infection, and even conjunctivitis. If you must use eye make-up, avoid metallic liners. Go for chemical-free, waterproof products.
Avoid Makeup Altogether?
So are makeups a strict no-no when going to gyms?
Well, if you can avoid, its the best solution, but most personal trainers are fine with a light make-up if it helps build the client’s confidence. Instead of the powder, its recommended that you use a light, oil-free moisturizer.
Post-workout, you HAVE to clean your face (take a shower) immediately. Wash your face with cleansers and splash on some cool water to close the pores. Once dry, apply a moisturizer since all that sweating has dehydrated your skin.
If you have to apply make-up again, wait another 15-30 minutes, allowing for blood vessels to constrict and pores to close, before applying fresh make-up.
Ask The Tennis Stars?
Tennis star Serena Williams’ goth eyeliner and pencil-filled eyebrows grabbed as much attention as her aggressive moves on the court recently during the US open.
So who are the other tennis stars who wear makeup on court? Does Maria Sharapova do it? Read more here…
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