Many women wear makeup on a regular basis, even while working out. While you believe that there are many reasons to do so (e.g. feeling more confident or wanting to look your best), there is not a single dermatologist that would agree with you, no matter what your reasons are.
Let’s pause for a second and discuss the reasons why you should (not) wear makeup while breaking a sweat.
No Doubt: Makeup Makes Us Feel More Confident
You know the feeling: you’ve had a long night and have to get up for an early meeting. Your face looks worn out, puffy and exhausted. So, throw on just a dash of concealer, foundation, mascara and blush and you’ll look more fresh and ready to seize the day.
Studies have shown that women use cosmetic products as quick solutions for achieving a better look. Makeup is a non-permanent way of improving one’s confidence and appearance. No matter what you do, you want to look your best – and that includes the time you spend working out, too. But, what does that imply? Do you feel naked without makeup?
Many women are pressured into looking flawless all the time and so they sometimes misuse the makeup. The main purpose of makeup is to underline your natural beauty, not to serve as your hiding mask. It’s ok to go natural from time to time – that’s what true confidence is about! Just look at Alicia Keys!
But How Bad Is It, Really?
All dermatologists agree on one thing: give your skin a break during exercise. Heavy makeup products tend to clog your pores as they mix with your skin’s natural oils and excessive sweat. As the filth accumulates, your skin can no longer breathe properly, which can result in blackheads, whiteheads or further skin complications (e.g. breakouts and acne).
Be cautious, as you may fall into a vicious circle here: you put on makeup before you hit the gym because your skin looks dull and ashy; your skin looks dull and ashy because you don’t treat it right (i.e. you wear makeup to the gym).
I’m Confused: Should I Wear Makeup While Exercising or Not?
Wearing makeup while exercising is not advisable, but the choice is yours. Some people swear by light, oil-free makeup products that won’t cause any problems to your skin after your training. If wearing makeup 24/7 is non-negotiable for you, light structured formulas with vitamins and useful nutrients (such as BB creams) are the way to go. They will provide you with a nice, healthy glow and reduce the chances of breakouts.
Make sure you take good care of your skin before and after exercising. Remove all of your makeup right after the training, as soon as you can. However, you shouldn’t wear makeup while exercising if it’s only because you’re scared that you might bump into someone you know (oh, the horror!). Give yourself, and your skin, a break – you deserve better. Focus on proper cleansing and nourish it well, and it will look healthy and natural without a single drop of foundation. Plus, when you really exercise hard, your cheeks will get fiery red and your skin will look dewy, and there is nothing sexier than that.
Sometimes, we all need a bit of help on our low self-confidence days, and then, wearing makeup at the gym is ok. Just don’t let makeup make you feel worthless when it should boost your spirits and do quite the opposite. Next time you get ready for your workout, stand in front of the mirror and think for a minute or two about whether or not you really need to put the makeup on. Whatever decision you make, be sure you think about yourself, not others.
