Will Working Out Affect My Skin?

By Kirsti Shuba

As skincare Experts with over 65 years’ experience in the professional beauty industry, we are always asked our advice, we love to share our knowledge and experience with you all.

We all know that fitness is ‘in’ and it is particularly unavoidable this time of year as the country becomes fanatical about getting back into shape after all the Christmas over-indulgence. Yet, as we hit the gym it is easy to concentrate on our physique but not necessarily contemplate how it is still important to look after our skin.

When we workout our circulation increases meaning that more blood is pumped around our body and works to carry away waste products such as dirt, toxins and oil. However, if you do not clean your skin after your workout it is likely that bacteria and oils contained in sweat will accumulate and be left to linger on the skin, meaning it is likely that breakouts will occur. Hence why our in-house skincare expert and founder of Katherine Daniels, Kirsti Shuba, explains that “whilst it is fine to workout in your makeup it is important you properly cleanse your skin and hydrate after exercising – this should never be skipped.”

Many gym goers or runners also firmly believe that they have an oily t-zone because of what happens to their skin when they work out. However, Kirsti clarifies that this mindset is often incorrect and that in fact people’s skin tends to be dehydrated rather than oily, “usually harsh products are used to strip the skin, but this causes the skin to fight back and produce additional oil and in the first instance destroys the skins protective barrier. This then turns into a vicious cycle as people use further aggressive products to treat a man-made problem skin, when in fact all that is missing is hydration.” She also explains that “congested skin is a result of toxins in the skin which need to be flushed away but, yet again, this can only happen when you remain hydrated.” So, whether you’re an obsessed gym bunny or part-time Zumba lover always strive to hydrate your skin after you break a sweat (because you are losing hydration) by using an appropriate skin cream and drinking plenty of water both before and after your workout. It is simple but effective!

In order to make these small changes and look after your skin properly it is crucial that you get organised. To be able to stick to a post-workout skin regime you need to have things to hand. Therefore, to help you on your way we have pulled together a list of our products that are essentials for your gym bag:

Essential Cleansing Gel – This is perfect for a post workout in-shower cleanse after a long workout. We would recommend you use this with a micro cloth to efficiently lift away make-up, bacteria and gym grime. Your skin will be left feeling clean and refreshed.
Essential Deep Cleansing & Skin Rejuvenating System – Take this tool into the shower with you and use with your Cleansing Gel to get a professional level cleanse. It works to stimulate blood circulation, meaning the skin becomes oxygenated and able to flush away toxins.
Rehydrating Cream – Apply to your clean skin to give it a well needed hydration boost.
Daily DNA Defence SPF 30 – If you are heading out after the gym, make sure you apply this light-weight SPF to your freshly cleansed face to protect from the damaging effects of UV rays, pollution and blue light.

As the cold months roll in it's easy to think SPF can take a backseat in your skincare routine. But Daily DNA Defence SPF30 is much more than just a sunscreen, it’s your final coat of skin armour, it’s weather protection for your skin.

Our award-winning, broad-spectrum SPF protects your skin from more than just UV rays. It guards against environmental pollutants and blue light
emitted from your screens. Meanwhile, winter’s cold air, winds and rain can damage your skin barrier.

During and after exposure to the elements, Daily DNA Defence protects and repairs your cells DNA.

And more than this, it’s the best make-up primer. Talk about a multi-tasking product! Its lightweight formula sits comfortably under your foundation, ensuring your make-up stays fresh and stays ‘put’ all day.

Keep reading as we deep dive into the benefits of Daily DNA Defence SPF30 and why it’s an essential part of your winter skincare regime.

Broad-spectrum, photostable protection with Daily DNA Defence SPF30

Not all SPF products are created equal, Daily DNA Defence SPF30 offers broad-spectrum protection. This means that it shields your skin from both UVA rays (the ones that age your skin) and UVB rays (the ones that burn your skin). If your moisturiser or foundation contains an SPF it’s worth checking, make sure you’re covered for both UVA and UVB. Many of those products only protect against UVB, leaving your skin vulnerable to the long-term damage caused by UVA rays.

I’m guessing that you follow your daily skincare regime to promote skin health and to keep your skin looking great for your age? Using Daily DNA Defence SPF30 will help you avoid undoing all that effort by providing the UVA protection your skin truly needs.

And here's the bonus: our SPF is photostable, meaning it won’t break down or lose effectiveness in the sun. However, if you're by the pool make sure to reapply every two hours as water, sweat and towel drying can remove it, leaving your skin vulnerable.

Blue light and pollution protection

In today’s world, your skin is up against more than just the sun. Daily DNA Defence SPF30 also shields your skin from two often overlooked threats: blue light and pollution.

Blue light, mainly from our smart devices and pollution in the atmosphere. Blue light and pollution trigger changes in your skin cells, even leading to cell death. Unprotected exposure to these will lead to hyperpigmentation and can damage your skin’s health. Most blue light comes from smart technology, which is used daily by most of us. Pollution is all around; levels are higher in towns and cities all year.

DNA Defence and Repair: protecting your skin at the cellular level

When your skin is exposed to radiation it faces more than just surface damage, your cells DNA is at risk. Daily DNA Defence SPF30 acts like a "virtual parasol," shielding your cells during exposure to harmful rays. But the protection doesn’t stop there. After exposure, your body naturally works to repair DNA damage. Your cells naturally produce an enzyme which kickstarts the repair process of your DNA. Thanks to the powerful repairing ingredients in our formula this process is accelerated up to 100 times, meaning your skin recovers faster, stays healthier and sustains less long term damage.

In summary, wear Daily DNA Defence SPF30 as your final coat of skin armour each day in all seasons and you can rest assured you’re doing your best to protect your skin.

Magical make-up priming

We know that finding the perfect daily SPF texture is a challenge. We’ve been there too. Most SPFs feel like a layer too many, leaving skin feeling greasy, heavy or cause foundation to slide off by midday. This is why we made our product for you. A super light veil, which is suitable for even the most sensitive skin. With no oily or white residue, it’s non-pore blocking and
dries over your moisturiser to become the best make-up primer you’ll ever use, keeping your foundation perfectly in place all day or all night long.

No make-up, no problem

For our men and/or non make-up wearers, our handy pocket size product gives you the same invisible veil and matt skin finish. Skiers, golfers and cyclists will love that it slips easily into a pocket, bag or pouch.

Where else should you be applying your SPF?

Your SPF isn’t just for your face, use all the way down to your décollete and up to your hairline. Not forgetting areas like the tops of your lips, ears, nose and the backs of your hands. These are often overlooked spots that are equally exposed to the sun, whether you’re lounging by the pool or simply driving. The backs of your hands are quick to show signs of ageing, so it’s vital to keep them protected. And if you’re grabbing some winter sun make sure to apply it to the tops of your feet.

How much SPF should you use?

Aim for about the size of a 5 pence piece for each application. However, this should come after Step 2 – Skin Boost and Step 3 – Skin Defence Cream in your skincare routine. If you're planning to sunbathe, apply Daily DNA Defence SPF30 at least 15 minutes before heading outside. Once you're in the sun reapply after 15 minutes for the ultimate protection, then continue every two hours.

And remember, swimming, sweating or towel drying can remove your SPF, so be sure to reapply regularly to keep your skin fully protected.