Personalized skincare is essential to athletic performance and recovery, and should be treated with the same importance as nutrition and physical training.

Considering that the athlete's skin is subjected to constant environmental and physical challenges, it needs a specific skincare regimen that protects and promotes recovery, such as the following:

Preparation of the skin before running

Thoroughly preparing the skin before running is an essential step for athletes seeking to optimize their performance and protect their well-being.

This routine prepares the skin to cope with the physical and environmental demands of exercise and plays a valuable role in preventing skin irritation and injury.

• Skin cleansing

Cleansing the skin to remove impurities, dead skin cells, and excess oil is essential to prevent clogged pores and acne breakouts, which can be aggravated by sweat and dirt accumulated during physical activity.

For runners, it is advisable to choose an effective facial cleanser appropriate for your skin type and needs, whether it is sensitive skin, dry skin, combination, or oily skin.

For example, a face wash for athletes, is designed to meet the demands of active people's skin, as it effectively removes dirt while preserving the skin's essential oils, preventing excessive dryness.

 

• Sun protection 

Running outdoors inevitably exposes the skin to solar radiation, making the use of sun protection essential to avoid skin damage.

Prolonged and repeated exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause premature aging, such as wrinkles and spots, and significantly increase the risk of developing skin cancer.

It is essential to select a sunscreen that is both water and sweat-resistant and offers broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays, which can penetrate the skin and cause damage at the cellular level. Lips are another part of the body that should not be neglected, using a balm to shield lips with SPF 30 helps keep lips soft and moisturized, while protecting them from the sun.

It is recommended to apply sunscreen generously for about 15 minutes before going for a run to ensure that it is fully absorbed by the skin and begins to offer protection.

In addition, it is important to reapply the sunscreen every two hours, and more frequently if the physical activity is intense and there is a lot of sweating, as this can diminish the effectiveness of the product.

 

 

• Choose the right clothing

Choosing the right clothing before running is essential to maintain comfort and performance. It is recommended to opt for breathable and moisture-wicking materials, such as polyester and nylon, which keep the skin dry and are comfortable for the activity.

It is essential that clothing have a comfortable fit, which is neither too tight so as not to restrict movement, nor too loose to avoid chafing. UV protection should also be considered in clothing if running during the day to protect the skin from sun damage.

In addition, clothing should be adapted to weather conditions: wear light, light-colored clothing in warm weather, and thermal clothing in the winter months to keep warm without overheating.

On days of possible rain, a waterproof jacket is essential. Remember accessories such as seamless socks to avoid blisters, as well as caps, visors, and sunglasses to protect the eyes and head from the sun.

 

• Use of specialized anti-friction products

Before running, it is advisable to apply specialized products to prevent friction. Constant movement and friction between the skin and clothing or footwear can cause irritation, blisters, and even serious injury. To prevent friction from damaging the skin and affecting performance, it is crucial to protect vulnerable areas.

The use of a body block to fight friction is an effective way to care for the skin. This product creates a protective layer that reduces friction, efficiently protecting the skin from irritation without being heavy or restrictive. By using this sunscreen before running, athletes can keep their skin protected and free from discomfort, allowing them to fully concentrate on their training or competition.

 

 

Skin care after running

After running, it is important to take proper care of the skin to promote its recovery and maintain its health. During physical activity, the accumulation of sweat and dirt can lead to problems such as acne, irritation, and dryness. Therefore, it is important to follow the recommendations below:

• Deep cleaning

Deep cleansing is an essential step in post-run skin care. During exercise, sweat, sebum, and impurities accumulate on the surface of the skin, clogging pores and creating the perfect environment for the development of acne and other skin blemishes.

In addition, it can worsen the symptoms of a skin condition called keratosis pilaris popping, where pores become clogged, it can feel rough and form small bumps on the skin, often on the upper arms and thighs,

Therefore, a cleansing method that effectively addresses these issues should be used.

A product such as an after workout body wash for acne is specially formulated to meet these challenges. Thanks to its ingredients such as salicylic acid and menthol, this cleanser ax deep into the skin to remove sweat, oil, sunscreen residues and environmental pollutants that adhere to the skin during physical activity.

 

 

• Skin hydration

Moisturizing the skin after running is essential for its recovery and maintenance of health. Intense exercise, especially in outdoor environments, can dehydrate the skin by losing fluids through sweat, which affects its ability to function as a protective barrier against external aggressions.

In addition, sweat can leave salt residues on the skin that contribute to skin drying. Therefore, rehydrating the skin immediately after running is crucial to restore its elasticity and prevent dryness, which can lead to irritation and cracking or flaking.

To effectively hydrate the skin after a running session, it is important to use products designed to replenish moisture and nourish the skin. Creams and lotions containing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides are particularly effective, as these components help attract and retain moisture on the skin's surface.

Applying a generous layer of a good moisturizer relieves the feeling of tightness and dryness, and forms a barrier that protects the skin from future aggressions, keeping it soft and healthy.

• Proper foot care

Athletes' feet bear a considerable load during physical activities, which often leads to dryness and cracking due to moisture loss.

This situation, in addition to causing discomfort, can also affect athletic performance. It is, therefore, necessary to adopt a specific care regimen for feet after running, a cream for rough feet is formulated with active ingredients and addresses extreme dryness by restoring the hydration necessary for skin health.

In addition, it provides refreshing relief that is felt immediately upon application, offering comfort that lasts for several hours.

Regular use of a cream designed for rough feet helps keep feet in optimal condition for future activities.

 

• Review and adjustment of care routine

Regularly evaluating and adjusting your skincare routine is key to maintaining the effectiveness of your routine and adapting to your skin's changing needs. Some recommendations for doing so are:

• Product review

Make sure the products you are using are still appropriate for your skin type and the weather conditions you are facing.

• Frequency of care

Adjust the frequency of specific care such as moisturizing or deep cleansing based on your activity level. For example, if you are more active and frequently exposed to sun or sweat, you may need to moisturize your skin more frequently.

• Skin feedback

Pay attention to how your skin reacts to your current routine. If you experience dryness, irritation, or changes in skin texture, it may be an indication that you need to make adjustments to the products you're using or how you're using them.

 

Proper skin care is more than a matter of aesthetics for runners; it is an integral part of a holistic approach to physical wellness that can improve performance and recovery.

We encourage you to integrate these habits into your routine and experience the benefits for yourself. At Avanza Skin, you can find skin care products designed to support the specific needs of athletes and maximize your potential.