Getting to the gym surely must rank top of the New Years Resolutions poll every single year. The number of people who resolve to get back into shape on January 1st is probably unquantifiable. Over two months on and how many of those people are still there? I wonder...
Now anyone who knows me will tell you that I don't do gyms - or running for that matter. Never have and more as likely never will (my preferred methods of staying in shape are dancing, boxing and more lately, yoga), so including a post on the subject on my blog is somewhat of a surprise - for me as well as them!
A recent New Year timage on Instagram is what brought this post to mind. A selfie in the gym. A Make-up Artist in full make-up taking a selfie in the gym more to the point. I was flummoxed. Why? (that person shall remain nameless of course)
Each to their own but personally I can't understand why people feel the need to wear full make-up to the gym or any other exercise class. From a skincare perspective it is bad news. To cut a long story short, when your body heats up during exercise your pores open and this combined with drying sweat and make-up can clog your pores and can cause irritation. Not only that but when your pores are open your skin absorbs more toxins, sweating helps release some toxins but if you have covered your skin in make-up then it won't necessarily be able to release them as successfully.
The bottom line is that exercise as a whole and make-up don't mix. It's that simple. Lookingbeyond the science, who wants to get into the changing room after a workout only to find smudged mascara or sweat tracks in your foundation when you take a peek in the mirror? Let alone the complexion akin to that of an Oompa Loompa thanks to the combination of pre-gym bronzer application and post-exerction redness... Very few I imagine.
Whether you are a regular gym bunny or have managed to make your new years resolution last into this month, take a look at what you are wearing on your face when you are stepping out on the treadmill, not just what you are wearing on the rest of you.
If you must wear make-up when you exercise, steer clear of anything on your face and stick to just waterproof mascara and nothing else. Boring I know but your skin will love you for it.
My Top Five non-toxic make-up and skin and bodycare products to stuff in my bag for those (hypothetical) trips to the gym...
Beauty Without Cruelty Waterproof Mascara
If you really want or feel that you need a little something on your eyes to make you feel human, then waterproof mascara is the answer. Sadly organic waterproof mascara doesn't exist but there are a few that successfully combine being pretty natural with reducing the risk of panda eyes and this is one of them. The clump-free formulation is contact lens friendly, has great staying power, is available in two shades (Cocoa and Black) and is suitable for vegans.
£11.99 from BWC - www.BWCShop.com
In my mind sanitising spray would be a must; I carry it everywhere. Whenever I venture anywhere where other people have been handling things I am likely to touch (public transport, card machines, tam's etc) I am itching to get spraying! Dr B's lavender spray is fabulous. Not only does it smell beautifully calming, you feel clean after using it. A must after every piece of gym equipment in my mind :)
£2.99 from Lucy Rose - www.drbronner.co.uk
Rawganic Facial Cleansing Wipes
We all know that wipes are not the way to go on the whole however on occasion needs must and I for one would rather remove my make-up with a wipe than leave it on for the duration of my (hypothetical) gym visit. I've picked Rawganic wipes to add to my gym bag over others I have mentioned in past due for two reasons; their price poi
nt (a positive bargain for organic wipes) and their ethical credentials. Rawganic are certified organic by the Soil Association and Vegetarian Society, GM free, 100% organic cotton, contain 95% organic ingredients and if all that wasn't enough, they are just darn nice.
nt (a positive bargain for organic wipes) and their ethical credentials. Rawganic are certified organic by the Soil Association and Vegetarian Society, GM free, 100% organic cotton, contain 95% organic ingredients and if all that wasn't enough, they are just darn nice.
Soapwalla Deodorant Cream
£14.00 from Content - www.soapwallakitchen.com
Badger Balm Muscle Rub
Ok, Ok, this isn't a skincare product in the usual sense and it certainly isn't make-up, however I am sure you would agree that it is a pretty big gym essential. In the natural deodorant stakes, this stuff is hardcore. Superfine vegetable powders and clay combined with lavender, peppermint and tea tree essential oils make for a long lasting deodorant that is near impenetrable to odours. I love this stuff and apply it before exercise and on work days (it does need reapplication later in the day). Give it a go!
Badger Balm Muscle Rub
Post exercise sore muscles are par for the course but are a bit of a double edged sword; on the one hand you appreciate your body for letting you know you have worked hard, but on the other the two or three days of DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) make you wish you'd never bothered! Muscle Rub (or Sore Muscle Rub if you are in the US) from Badger Balm is a great way to put pay to those aches and pains and ensure you don't look at another muscle rub again - it smells great! Simply rub into your overworked muscles and let the warming blend of ginger and cayenne soothe whilst the beeswax and olive oil soften your skin - it's available in a cooling blend too!
£3.99 from CutECOsmetics - www.badgerbalm.com
Top Tip: sample and travel sizes are fab for the gym! When purchasing, check to see if your favoured product is available in a smaller size.
Who'd have thought I'd have so much to say on the subject..! ;)
Main Image: Courtesy of Rennett Stowe via Flickr
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