Will running really cause saggy boobs? And does sweat lead to breakouts? We examine the common beauty misconceptions that might be putting you off hitting the gym.
1. Does working out cause spots?
‘Sweat isn’t really the enemy when it comes to breakouts,’ says clinical facialist Kate Kerr.
‘The negative effect comes from our oil glands going into overdrive due to the heat we experience during exertion – which can lead to inflammation. Add makeup or heavy moisturiser, and your sweat can’t effectively wash away impurities, which can cause clogged pores and post-workout pimples.’
The solution? After exercising, wait until you’ve stopped perspiring, then clean your face with a cleanser that contains a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA).
Working out is great for your body and mental health, but what about your face? Some people think athletes are prone to ‘runner’s face’ – saggy skin and elastic jowls due to the movement and bouncing.
However, research also shows that exercise can have a positive impact on your appearance. When you work out, your body’s oxygen levels increase, which helps improve your skin’s elasticity and flush out impurities that can clog pores.
Exercise has also been shown to have an anti-ageing effect by increasing the activity of telomerase – an enzyme that protects your DNA – leading to better cell growth and replication.
‘If you’ve already applied a fake tan and washed it off, just ensure you use an all-over body moisturiser before going to a class,’ says tanning expert Olivia Todd. ‘This will keep the skin hydrated and help avoid patchiness, or areas of tan flaking off or rubbing away.’
Olivia also recommends changing out of your gym clothes promptly, as active wear is often made from synthetic fabrics, which can create extra friction against a tan – especially if you’ve sweated a lot during your workout.
‘Choose a water-based tanning product, as these formulas are more durable, meaning the tan is less at risk of breaking down due to excess sweating,’ she adds.
4. What about body acne – is this caused by sweating?
It’s a firm ‘no’ from skin expert Charlotte Connoley. ‘Acne is caused by an excess of sebum and the slow shedding of dead skin cells,’ she explains.
‘This is why it’s extra important to wash your body after working out, as your skin can harbour bacteria. This ensures the dirt isn’t sitting on your skin, and spots are less likely to develop.’
The fix: DrSALTS+ Post Workout Therapy Shower Gel, £7.69 (200ml) is a great option for deep cleansing after exercise, with soothing magnesium Epsom salts and energising black pepper.
5. Does swimming dry out your skin?
‘Both salt water and chlorine are incredibly drying for the skin,’ says celebrity facialist Sharon Hilditch. But that doesn’t mean you should skip your dip.
‘To ensure that the pool doesn’t create problems, apply a little coconut oil to create a protective barrier on your skin.’
After a post-swim shower, we love Sharon’s other tip of applying a dry body oil while your skin is still damp, for superior hydration and to ease any irritation caused by chlorine.
High-impact exercise does cause repetitive movement in the breast area. But all boobs will begin to droop in time, thanks to gravity, pregnancy, ageing and genetics. It’s inevitable that the collagen that keeps them firm will eventually stretch out.
Personal trainer Lucy Gornall says the benefits of exercising outweigh the jiggle – but invest in a good sports bra.
‘Look for a high-impact, run-specific design with separate cups to support each breast and limit how much they move,’ she says. ‘If you have larger breasts, choose a bra that also has supportive seams and underwire.’
You could try upping your vitamin C intake, too, as your body needs this to make collagen.
Home » 6 fitness & beauty myths – busted!
6 fitness & beauty myths – busted!
Home » 6 fitness & beauty myths – busted!
Will running really cause saggy boobs? And does sweat lead to breakouts? We examine the common beauty misconceptions that might be putting you off hitting the gym.
1. Does working out cause spots?
‘Sweat isn’t really the enemy when it comes to breakouts,’ says clinical facialist Kate Kerr.
‘The negative effect comes from our oil glands going into overdrive due to the heat we experience during exertion – which can lead to inflammation. Add makeup or heavy moisturiser, and your sweat can’t effectively wash away impurities, which can cause clogged pores and post-workout pimples.’
The solution? After exercising, wait until you’ve stopped perspiring, then clean your face with a cleanser that contains a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA).
The fix: Minimalist Salicylic Acid + LHA 02% Cleanser, £6.99 (100ml) contains both a BHA and an LHA, for deep-cleansing and oil (sebum) reduction without drying skin.
2. Will exercise make me look older?
Working out is great for your body and mental health, but what about your face? Some people think athletes are prone to ‘runner’s face’ – saggy skin and elastic jowls due to the movement and bouncing.
However, research also shows that exercise can have a positive impact on your appearance. When you work out, your body’s oxygen levels increase, which helps improve your skin’s elasticity and flush out impurities that can clog pores.
Exercise has also been shown to have an anti-ageing effect by increasing the activity of telomerase – an enzyme that protects your DNA – leading to better cell growth and replication.
The fix: You could try using the Foreo Bear Mini Facial Toning Device, £172.13 to help keep skin looking fresh and glowing.
3. Will my fake tan streak after cardio?
‘If you’ve already applied a fake tan and washed it off, just ensure you use an all-over body moisturiser before going to a class,’ says tanning expert Olivia Todd. ‘This will keep the skin hydrated and help avoid patchiness, or areas of tan flaking off or rubbing away.’
Olivia also recommends changing out of your gym clothes promptly, as active wear is often made from synthetic fabrics, which can create extra friction against a tan – especially if you’ve sweated a lot during your workout.
‘Choose a water-based tanning product, as these formulas are more durable, meaning the tan is less at risk of breaking down due to excess sweating,’ she adds.
The fix: Superdrug Solait Self Tan Foaming Water, £4.99 (150ml) is ideal for gym-goers.
4. What about body acne – is this caused by sweating?
It’s a firm ‘no’ from skin expert Charlotte Connoley. ‘Acne is caused by an excess of sebum and the slow shedding of dead skin cells,’ she explains.
‘This is why it’s extra important to wash your body after working out, as your skin can harbour bacteria. This ensures the dirt isn’t sitting on your skin, and spots are less likely to develop.’
The fix: DrSALTS+ Post Workout Therapy Shower Gel, £7.69 (200ml) is a great option for deep cleansing after exercise, with soothing magnesium Epsom salts and energising black pepper.
5. Does swimming dry out your skin?
‘Both salt water and chlorine are incredibly drying for the skin,’ says celebrity facialist Sharon Hilditch. But that doesn’t mean you should skip your dip.
‘To ensure that the pool doesn’t create problems, apply a little coconut oil to create a protective barrier on your skin.’
After a post-swim shower, we love Sharon’s other tip of applying a dry body oil while your skin is still damp, for superior hydration and to ease any irritation caused by chlorine.
The fix: Weleda Skin Food Ultra-Light Dry Oil, £15.95 (100ml) is a cinch to apply, dries quickly and smells divine.
6. Will running make my boobs saggy?
High-impact exercise does cause repetitive movement in the breast area. But all boobs will begin to droop in time, thanks to gravity, pregnancy, ageing and genetics. It’s inevitable that the collagen that keeps them firm will eventually stretch out.
Personal trainer Lucy Gornall says the benefits of exercising outweigh the jiggle – but invest in a good sports bra.
‘Look for a high-impact, run-specific design with separate cups to support each breast and limit how much they move,’ she says. ‘If you have larger breasts, choose a bra that also has supportive seams and underwire.’
You could try upping your vitamin C intake, too, as your body needs this to make collagen.
The fix: Pop a Superdrug Effervescent Vitamin C 1000mg Orange, £3.99 (20 tablets) in your post-workout water.
Don’t Miss Our Latest Wellness Articles!
The importance of using mouthwash
8 top health trends for 2024
Understand cold symptoms and how to relieve them