What are some positive adjectives one might use to describe skin? The words "soft" and "youthful" come to mind. Now, how would you describe nice hair? You might describe it as sleek, shiny, and vibrant. Here's the thing: you can have the soft, youthful skin and sleek hair you've always dreamed of. It all comes down to how you care for your hair. That means letting salon professionals do more complex treatments like coloring, and it also means using good-quality products on your hair and skin. Learn more about the secrets to healthy skin and hair as you dive into our articles on the topic.
5 Ways To Take Great Care Of Your Skin As An Athlete
As an athlete, your skin goes through a lot and requires a little extra attention. As an athlete, you have to be aware of the risk of skin infections that can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact and through contaminated objects.
As an athlete, you also have to be are of the skin challenges you face due to perspiration, being outside, and the equipment you use and clothing you wear. There are lots of steps you can take to keep your skin in great condition as an athlete.
Way #1: Always Wear Sunscreen
Many athletes spend a lot of time outside, depending on the sport you participate in. If your sport requires you to spend time exercising outside, you need to make sure you always put on sunscreen before you go outside.
You need to wear sunscreen all year round, not just in the spring and summertime when it is warm and sunny. All that sun exposure can be really damaging to your skin if you don't protect it. Wear UVA/UVB sunscreen and reapply it if you work out for more than two hours.
Way #2: Clean All Exercise Equipment
You should always clean your exercise equipment before and after you use it. That means when you are doing weight work in the gym, you clean the equipment off before you use it and after you use it.
The same thing goes for outdoor equipment; clean everything off before starting practice and at the end of practice. Cleaning the equipment can help prevent the transmission of skin infections and germs.
Way #3: Wear Clean Clothing
When you work out, don't reuse the clothing you used during your last workout. You should wear clean clothing for each workout.
That means changing your underwear, socks, shirts, and bottoms as well. Changing into clean, dry clothing will help protect your skin from damage.
Way #4: Make Sure Your Shoes Fit
You need to make sure your shoes fit properly. When working out, it is important to wear supportive footwear and to get new shoes before your shoes wear out. Improper shoes can easily lead to damaged skin on your feet, which can impact your ability to perform.
You should also only work out in dry shoes; if your shoes get wet in between workouts, leave them out to dry. It is a good idea to have two pairs of workout shoes, so you have a backup pair.
Way #5: Always Shower After a Workout
Finally, shower as quickly as you can after a workout. If you shower in the locker room, be sure to wear flipflops to protect your feet from skin disease you can pick up in a communal shower area.
Don't shower in steaming hot water; that can dry out your skin. Wash with lukewarm water, gently dry your skin, and apply moisturizer after each shower.
As an athlete, your skin is put in a lot of risky situations, which is why you need to make sure you protect your skin. Always wear sunscreens, exercise in clean clothing, make sure your shoes fit properly, shower after a workout, and clean your equipment before and after using it.
For more information, check out some dermatology blogs online.