As a beauty editor who loves a heated workout, I’ll confess: Sometimes my zen is interrupted when I start worrying about the breakouts and frizz I might bring home from class. The detox and endorphin benefits from sweating it out in a 100-degree room? Amazing. The clogged pores and high-tension hair breakage? Less so.
“Heated workouts can trigger a range of flare-ups, especially in individuals who are already prone to certain conditions,” says Jenna Queller, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of DermWorks. “I commonly see worsening acne due to sweat, heat, and occlusion, which can trap oil and bacteria in the pores.”
Luckily, a few small tweaks to your routine can help you get the most out of your favorite workout while keeping your skin and hair happy. Ahead, experts share their best tips, from heat protection to rehydrating recovery.
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How can heated workouts affect your skin?
In most cases, the way that you care for your skin before and after a heated workout matter more than what actually happens in class. But certain skin conditions and concerns might be impacted by high temperatures more than others.
“Conditions like rosacea and eczema can also flare, as heat and sweating increase vasodilation and skin sensitivity,” Dr. Queller says. “Patients with melasma may notice worsening pigmentation, since heat itself, not just UV exposure, can stimulate melanocytes.” Additionally, Dr. Queller says that allowing sweat to sit on the skin for prolonged periods can trigger folliculitis and general irritation.
How to prep your skin for class
“The goal is to start with a clean, balanced canvas,” Dr. Queller says. “I recommend cleansing the skin beforehand to remove makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil, which can otherwise become occlusive when mixed with sweat.” The expert also recommends prioritizing light hydration over heavy creams or active-heavy products (like retinoids or exfoliating acids) before class, since heat can increase sensitivity and irritation.