Most skincare routines assume you’ll cleanse morning and night and leave it at that. But throw a morning run, lunchtime HIIT class, or an after-work Pilates session into the mix, and suddenly you’re wondering whether you’re supposed to wash your face three times, reapply every product you own, or just hope for the best.
Do you need to do two full routines if you work out in the morning? Do you really need to wash up right away after exercising? And is it ever okay to exercise at night with the day’s makeup still on?
We asked Alexandra Bowles, DO, a board-certified dermatologist at MONA Dermatology in Cincinnati, Ohio, for these answers and more. Ahead, discover how to (finally) build a solid skincare routine that works with your exercise schedule and serves your skin.
For Morning Workouts
Do you rise and shine early to fit in a workout before heading to the office? If so, Dr. Bowles suggests keeping your pre-workout routine minimal. “A light rinse or gentle cleanse is fine, but there’s no need to apply your full routine before heading into a sweat session,” she says. “Applying serums, moisturizers, or actives right before working out means they’ll likely be washed away with sweat anyway, so it’s not the most effective use of your products.” There’s one caveat: If you’re working out outdoors, be sure to apply SPF 30 or more before heading out.
Whether you head back home to get ready for the day or lug your products with you to the gym, save your full morning routine—a cleanse, any toners or serums, a moisturizer, and a final layer of SPF—for after your workout.
According to Dr. Bowles, you’ll want to sufficiently cleanse any sweat away as soon as possible. “Sweat mixes with oil, bacteria, and any residue from products or the environment. That combination can clog pores and contribute to breakouts, especially for those who are already acne-prone,” she says. Waiting until after your workout also gives you the chance to remove everything in one go—sweat, oil, and any sunscreen or residue that’s built up during exercise.
And in case you get extra sweaty or apply a hefty amount of sunscreen, consider double cleansing—that is, kicking things off with an oil cleanser or balm. “This can be a great first step to break down buildup before following with a gentle water-based cleanser,” Dr. Bowles says.
Tip: If post-workout breakouts are an ongoing issue, supporting your skin from the inside out may also help. One solution? HUM’s Daily Cleanse, which is formulated with detoxifying herbs and minerals that promote clear skin.
For Midday Workouts
Things can get a bit more complicated if you work out during your lunch break. If you only break a minor sweat, you can probably get away with spritzing on some hypochlorous acid. “Hypochlorous acid sprays have become one of my go-to recommendations for active patients,” says Dr. Bowles. “They’re gentle enough to use right after a workout to help calm the skin, reduce bacteria, and minimize post-sweat breakouts without disrupting the skin barrier.” However, if you sweat more heavily, you’ll have to straddle the line between cleansing well without stripping your skin.
“Cleansing three times a day can be too much for most skin types, especially if you’re using a traditional foaming or gel cleanser each time,” says Dr. Bowles. “Over-cleansing strips the skin of its natural oils, disrupts the skin barrier, and can actually lead to more oil production as the skin tries to compensate.” So what’s the best move? She recommends saving your full cleanse and routine for morning and night, and using a gentle rinse with water (or micellar water) after your midday workout. “This removes sweat and surface buildup without compromising the skin barrier,” she says. Afterwards, just follow up with a lightweight moisturizer and SPF.
For Evening Workouts
If you head to the gym or a class after work, Dr. Bowles says that removing your makeup beforehand is one of the best things you can do for your skin—especially if you’re acne-prone. “Working out with a full face of makeup can trap sweat, oil, and bacteria against the skin, which increases the risk of clogged pores and breakouts,” she warns. To make things easy, she suggests keeping micellar water or gentle cleansing wipes in your gym bag. “You don’t need a full sink routine—just enough to clear the skin so it can breathe during your workout,” she says. Follow up with a thorough cleanse once you get home.
If there’s a decent amount of time between your workout and your nighttime shower, consider using hypochlorous acid spray to tide you over. And again, if you get extra sweaty, a double cleanse will work in your favor to sufficiently wash that—plus any leftover makeup or pollution from the day—away.
The Takeaway
Don’t let the pursuit of great skin get in the way of moving your body. You don’t need to overhaul your routine every time you break a sweat. Instead, think of your skincare as something that works around your workouts—not against them. A few thoughtful tweaks to when and how you cleanse, moisturize, and apply SPF can help protect your skin without making things more complicated than they need to be.
