Dermatologist Approved Face Products

Dermatologist Approved Face Products

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Expert advice on keeping your skin fresh and clean. There’s a lot of information out there about skincare. You know what products to use and what to avoid. You’ve seen your favorite YouTuber’s 10-step skincare regimen. With all the skincare tips and tricks available, you’d think that something as simple as washing your face after your workout class would be common sense. Alas, in the information age, sometimes there can be too much information. Are face wipes good enough? Should you be using something supercharged or something gentle?

The best face products to buy, according to dermatologists

When you want to get the honest truth, it’s best to ask the medical professionals. Dr. Janet Prystowsky, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Livad Skin Care, weighs in on this issue along with Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi, the founder of Capital Laser & Skin Care and associate clinical professor in the Department of Dermatology at George Washington University Medical Center. These professionals give the details on what you need to know about cleansing the skin after a workout. (Hint: It’s simpler than you think).

Wash your face before your workout

Dr. Prystowsky stresses the importance of washing your face prior to working out. “Makeup and dirt can occlude your pores while your face is trying to cool itself down,” she says. “To help prevent post-workout acne, it’s important to clean your face before working out.” She recommends using a small dime’s worth of a gentle cleanser and rinsing with water to help prevent a buildup of sweat, oil, dirt and makeup, which can all clog your pores before you’re even finished with your workout.
Buy it now: Pacifica Sea Foam Complete Face Wash, $10

Use cold water to reduce redness after a workout

Whether your skin is sensitive or not, you’ve probably encountered redness after a workout. Your skin is trying to cool itself and rid the body of toxins through your sweat, and this is one of the many benefits of working out. It’s all normal and can be dealt with easily with a post-workout splash. “Use cool water to reduce redness quickly,” Dr Tanzi recommends. “Make sure you wash your face before and after working out to help keep the pores clean and open.”

Dermatologist approved face wash

This step doesn’t have to be tricky, and it doesn’t have to be a multi-step process. “During the summer, you should use a small amount of gentle cleanser depending on how oily or dry your skin is,” Dr. Prystowsky explains. “Other products, like toners and exfoliators, can throw off your skin’s biochemistry, causing an irritation outbreak.” When skin is at its most sensitive and flushed after a workout, it seems that simple is the way to go.

Afraid a gentle cleanser is not enough? “If your face is still oily after rinsing off with water and a gentle cleanser, consider swapping your cleanser with a salicylic acid face wash,” Dr. Prystowsky says. She also recommends glycolic acid pads post-workout if your skin is not dry or sensitive.

Buy it now: Alba Deep Pore Wash, $7 

Dermatologist approved moisturizer

In the spirit of sticking with gentle products and avoiding harsh scrubs or peel products, stick to a moisturizer that is free of irritants, such as artificial fragrances. Even if your skin is on the oily side, and you’re using products with salicylic acid to prevent acne, there’s still no harm in sticking with a gentle moisturizer while your skin is still hot from your workout. It will help your skin breathe and continue to rid itself of toxins.  

Buy it now: Acure Seriously Soothing Day Cream, $18

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Alex Brown