Post-workout skin care is just as important as stretching muscles - explains Dr. Edyta Engländer, Dermatologist and expert in true™ men skin care.

Sport can both positively affect skin condition and lead to the emergence of skin problems. In male skincare, dermatologist Edyta Engländer discusses with Maciej Adamaszek, the creator of the True™ men skin care brand and a multiple Ironman competitor.

For almost my entire life, I have been physically active – now, after fifty, I feel that not only do I feel, but I also look younger than my peers who have been reluctant to engage in sports. How does movement affect the condition of the skin and its aging?
Exercise stimulates blood circulation, which allows oxygen and nutrients to be transported more efficiently to the cells, improving their oxygenation and functioning. Sport has a cleansing effect in a certain sense – along with sweat and sebum, toxins and excess free radicals are also removed from the body, allowing the skin to maintain a youthful appearance for a longer time.However, often intense effort leads not only to injuries and traumas but also affects the condition of the skin.

During three years of preparation for the full Ironman distance, I experienced the negative effects of sports on my own skin. In fact, its chronic dryness and irritation prompted me to take an interest in the world of men's grooming and create true™. Why does the skin sometimes react poorly to physical activity?
During sports, the glands expand and release sweat and sebum, and enlarged pores create an ideal environment for the formation of blackheads or acne. In the case of individuals training too intensely, there may be an increase in cortisol levels. High levels of this hormone adversely affect the skin – they reduce collagen production and weaken the hydro-lipid barrier responsible for its protection.As a result, the skin loses moisture and is prone to damage – similar symptoms are reported by individuals who regularly swim in chlorinated pools. When we add to this training in various weather conditions, it turns out that proper skin care is just as important as body recovery after exertion.

So how should we properly prepare the skin for outdoor activities?
The foundation is to use a protective cream with a filter regardless of the season. People who engage in outdoor sports are particularly exposed to the effects of sunlight, which dries out the skin, accelerates aging processes, and leads to the formation of discolorations. Therefore, it is beneficial if the cosmetic not only has SPF but also contains caring and moisturizing ingredients.It is worth opting for a cream with a light, quickly absorbing formula that does not leave a greasy film on the skin – this will certainly improve comfort during exercise.

A cream that runs while cycling is anything but pleasant – it causes stinging in the eyes and skin, and dust or dirt sticks even more to the face. That is why, while creating cream formulas and testing them on myself, I paid special attention to this aspect. After a workout, all you dream of is washing off all those impurities…

A bath is the first action that should be taken after exercising – removing sweat and dirt from the facial skin minimizes the risk of inflammation. Since the skin after a workout is often warm and red, it is best to choose a gentle cleansing product with soothing panthenol or niacinamide. The gel with micro-particles will remove impurities without causing irritation. It is advisable to finish washing your face with a cold stream, which will slightly tighten the pores.

After training and bathing, it is time for rest and body regeneration. How can we support these processes in the case of facial skin?
The best choice is a multifunctional cream that not only deeply moisturizes the epidermis but also regenerates it. A cosmetic with active substances, such as matrixyl or hyaluronic acid, accelerates the repair processes in the upper layers of the skin and provides adequate hydration. Men are particularly sensitive to the feeling of stickiness after applying a product, which is why, just like with products containing filters, quickly absorbing preparations work great.A good conclusion to such care is the application of an eye cream – the skin in this area is extremely thin and delicate, which is why it is worth providing it with additional support.

Edyta Engländer
Dermatologist