Hey Lykkers! Let's talk skin and makeup during workouts. If you're someone who can’t leave the house without a full face of makeup—even for a workout—then you might want to reconsider your gym beauty routine.
A recent study has raised some eye-opening points about how wearing makeup while exercising might actually be harming your skin. So, before you reach for that foundation, let's dive into the details!
The Study That Raised Eyebrows
In a study conducted with 43 college students, researchers asked participants to apply foundation on one half of their face and leave the other half makeup-free. After a 20-minute treadmill session, they observed the skin’s moisture levels, oil production, and the condition of the pores.
Guess what? The areas with makeup showed more moisture, but interestingly, oil levels and pore sizes were more balanced on the makeup-free side. This suggests that makeup might be messing with your skin’s natural ability to handle oil levels during exercise.
What Happens to Your Skin When You Wear Makeup?
When you work out, your skin’s pores open up and sweat begins to flow. This is your body’s way of cooling off. Now, if you're wearing foundation or any type of makeup, that process gets interrupted. Instead of your skin functioning as it should—keeping your oil levels in check—it’s forced to work harder, potentially leading to clogged pores, acne, and dry skin.
Senior study author Dongsun Park, Ph.D., from the Korea National University of Education, even pointed out that wearing makeup while exercising could lead to breakouts. That’s because makeup traps sweat, oil, and bacteria, which can lead to the dreaded blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples.
Is Foundation the Only Culprit?
While the study focused on cream foundation, it’s safe to say that other types of makeup, like powdered products, aren’t off the hook. Dermatologist Shari Lipner, MD, Ph.D., explains that even powder can have similar effects. It might not clog pores the way cream does, but it can still dry out the natural oils your skin needs to stay hydrated and healthy during a workout.
What about eye makeup? Mascara and eyeliner might seem harmless, but they can cause skin irritation, rashes, and even infections if you’re not careful. So, while your lipstick is probably fine, it’s the rest of the makeup that you should be wary of.
Can You Still Wear Makeup at the Gym?
We get it—makeup can make you feel more confident, even during a sweaty workout. So, does that mean you have to go makeup-free every time you hit the gym? Not necessarily.
If you can’t part with your makeup routine, try a few things to minimize the risks. First, opt for noncomedogenic products, which are formulated to reduce the chance of clogged pores. Also, keep the makeup light—fewer layers are better. And after you finish your workout, make sure to wipe your face with a makeup wipe, followed by a gentle cleanser to remove any leftover product, sweat, or grime.
Less Is More
While it’s tempting to look your best at all times—even during exercise—wearing makeup while working out could lead to skin issues like acne and clogged pores. For your skin’s health, it’s best to embrace a makeup-free workout routine, but if makeup helps boost your confidence, be sure to use the right products and remove them thoroughly afterward. Just remember—your health and your skin come first!
