With the Paris Olympic Games 2024 in full swing, we have resigned ourselves to the realisation that it might be a little too late in our careers to take up the 200m backstroke, BMX, gymnastics and archery as professional athletes any time soon. From the vault routines of the likes of Simone Biles to the sprints of ELLE UK’s digital cover star Keely Hodgkinson, it’s fair to say that our athletic ship has well and truly sailed.
While their athletic routines might be off the cards, that’s not to say their beauty rituals can’t be mimicked by us mere mortals. Since the Games began earlier this month, we’ve become fixated with how the athletes are using beauty as a form of expression and embracing performance make-up and accessories to help them feel confident in their respective sporting fields.
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From Biles using Carmex Lip Balm for her mat routines and Sha’Carri Richardson’s ultra-long square acrylics with American flag patterns and red, white, and blue motifs at the opening ceremony, to Chase Jackson wearing red and blue eyeshadow on the track, we’re awarding gold medals across the board for the inventive, patriotic, and expert ways the Olympians are nourishing their skin and making their pride for their countries known on the global stage.
However, one thing we can’t help but wonder is just how the athletes maintain a full face of make-up – lash sets, perfectly-slicked mascara, blemish-covered skin and more – while competing in gruelling, and often hot and sweaty, environments. For years we’ve worried about clogging up our pores with layers of moisturiser, SPF and make-up while simply sunbathing in the park, yet here are professional athletes baking in the high 20-degree celsius heat, sweating for hours on end, and competing at
history-making levels. Way to make us feel inferior, right?
We spoke to Dr Anjali Mahto, Consultant Dermatologist and Founder of Self London, to find out their advice on wearing make-up when exercising and their top working make-up tips:
ELLE: What happens to our skin when we work out?
Dr. M: When we work out, increased blood flow gives the skin a healthy glow – which is why some people look really well post-workout. Sweating while working out also helps to regulate temperature too. However, sweat, oil, and bacteria can accumulate, potentially clogging pores and causing breakouts, explains Dr Mahto.
ELLE: What are the biggest issues to consider if you want to wear make-up and work out?
Dr. M: When wearing make-up while working out, the biggest concerns tend to be skin irritation, clogged pores and breakouts. Sweat can mix with make-up, leading to a build-up of oil and bacteria, which can exacerbate acne and other skin conditions, says Dr Mahto. Wearing make-up while exercising doesn’t cause issues for everyone though – some people don’t experience any issues with it at all. It’s completely individual.
ELLE: Are there any ‘healthier’ make-up alternatives you can choose to provide coverage?
Dr. M: Opting for lighter options can be a good idea – i.e. tinted moisturisers or BB creams with non-comedogenic properties. Look for products with added skincare benefits, such as sunscreen protection or antioxidants, which can help protect the skin as well as provide coverage. The most important thing with wearing make-up while exercising is how you look after your skin post-exercise, which I’ll go into in one of the other questions below.
ELLE: Is it best to use water proof make-up when working out, in terms of how it impacts skin?
Dr. M: Using waterproof base make-up while working out can help prevent smudging but waterproof products are often more difficult to remove, requiring harsher cleansers or rubbing, which can irritate the skin, says Dr Mahto. They may also contain ingredients that can clog pores if not thoroughly cleansed off. If you choose to wear waterproof make-up, ensure you use a gentle yet effective cleanser to remove all residues, and follow up with a suitable moisturiser to maintain skin hydration and health. I see no problem with using waterproof mascara however – this is something I do personally.
ELLE: What’s the best way to prep and cleanse your skin before and after working out with make-up on?
Dr. M: Before working out, cleanse your skin with a gentle cleanser to remove any existing make-up, oil and impurities, advises Dr Mahto. Apply a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser to keep the skin hydrated without clogging pores. If you’re exercising outside, please use a broad spectrum sunscreen too. After your workout, cleanse your face thoroughly to remove sweat, oil, and make-up residues. Use a gentle cleanser and finish with a hydrating moisturiser to replenish your skin.
ELLE: What best practices should we employ when working out and wearing make-up?
Dr. M: Avoid touching your face to prevent transferring bacteria and oils from gym equipment, says Dr Mahto. Keep your hands clean by washing them or using hand sanitiser before touching your face, and avoid rubbing your eyes or face to reduce the risk of irritation and spreading bacteria.
ELLE: How soon after working out should you clean your face?
Dr. M: Ideally as soon as possible, but I appreciate that’s not always possible, notes Dr Mahto. You could try taking some micellar water and cotton wool pads with you to give everything a quick wipe post-exercise.
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Read the original article in ELLE UK.
