Heading to the gym (or the trail) to sweat your way into that summertime beach body? While staying active and healthy is beneficial for both your mind and your body, it does give your skin some special needs.

Studies have shown that rigorous exercise can cause oxidative stress. This can overcome the body’s natural antioxidant defenses, and as a result, the body pulls antioxidants from tissues stores, depleting the body’s reserve of antioxidants. Over time cell and tissue damage occur. Many athletes will naturally have more free radicals in their body as result of both high-intensity workouts and time spent outdoors exposed to UV rays

Athletes need a skin care regimen that will put as much back into the skin as is being taken out, if not more. The focus should be on infusing the skin with antioxidants, amino acids and essential fatty acids to reduce that free radical damage as much as possible.

At home, use a three step process:

Cleanse: With strenuous workouts or excessive heat the body naturally produces sweat and oil. Wash your face and get out of your sweaty clothes and into the shower as soon as possible. Sweat laden clothes can cause skin irritation and breakouts.

Rebuild: Antioxidants, peptides, and minerals will replenish depleted skin. And of course, hydrate, as every athlete knows!

Protect: Use sunscreen with natural mineral blockers like zinc and titanium dioxide, which provide minerals and good protection to help keep your skin at optimal health.

And of course, facials and skin treatments are great for rejuvenating and infusing the skin with antioxidants, minerals and vitamins. Don’t let all your hard work be overshadowed by poor skin.  Call or schedule your appointment today!

www.privyskincare.com 702.496.2066