Pre-Gym Skincare: Dos and Don’ts to Protect Your Skin

Wondering if you should do skincare before or after the gym? Learn the science-backed dos and don’ts for glowy, healthy skin pre-workout.

June 4^th, 2025

From BIOTHERM

Should you do skincare before or after the gym?

You may be wondering: is it worth doing your skincare routine before going to the gym?

The short answer is yes. There are a few skincare steps you should complete pre-workout to protect and prep your skin. Strenuous activity, sweat, and bacteria can be hard on the skin, but using restorative, protective skincare products can reduce its impact.

For example, the Aquasource Hyalu Plump Gel is a lightweight, moisturizing gel that combats daily aggressions and provides 300 hours of hydration power.

If you’re exercising outdoors, applying sunscreen is crucial to protect your skin. Sun damage is not only dangerous to your health, but also causes premature aging, wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, and sagging. The Biotherm Waterlover Face Sunscreen SPF 50+ is excellent for outdoor workouts since it has high sun protection and a lightweight, non-greasy texture.

The best pre-gym skincare routine

Your pre-gym skincare routine can be quick and easy, with just a few simple steps. You’ll be out the door fast and ready to workout.

1. Start by cleansing with a gentle, skin barrier protecting cleanser, such as Aquasource Hydra Barrier Cleanser.
2. Apply a lightweight moisturizer with protective properties, such as the Aquasource Hyalu Plump Gel.
3. If you have normal to dry skin or are working out in a cold climate, add an extra dose of moisture with the Aquasource Hydra Barrier Cream or Aquasource Cica Nutri Cream.
4. Exercising outdoors? Don’t forget to apply a generous amount of sunscreen to your face and body.

That’s it! If you’ll be outside for more than 2 hours, reapply your sunscreen for the most protection.

Pre-gym skincare mistakes to avoid

It’s more important to know what not to do in your pre-gym skincare. Why? Because certain ingredients and textures can cause clogged pores, irritation, and sensitivity.

Keep these tips in mind when building your pre-gym skincare routine:

1. Don’t skip cleansing your face. Your face should be clean and fresh when you start exercising to avoid clogged pores.
2. Don’t wear makeup, since this can also clog pores. If you’re short on time, use a micellar water to remove makeup on-the-go since you don’t need to rinse it off.
3. Avoid using active ingredients, such as retinol or AHAs pre-workout. While these skincare ingredients are effective, save them for your evening skincare routine to avoid irritation and sensitivity.
4. Never forget to apply an SPF for outdoor workouts (and reapply it every 2 hours).

Skincare tips for after your workout

You’re all done with your workout! Congratulations. Now it’s time to take care of your skin:

1. Wash your face right away with a cleanser to remove sweat and bacteria — don’t give it a chance to clog your pores.
2. Apply a facial serum again to regenerate and soothe the skin.
3. Follow up with a moisturizer that’s suitable for your skin. The Aquasource Cica Nutri Cream is a great choice for most skin types, soothing stressed-out skin from an intense workout.
4. If you didn’t use a moisturizer-SPF combo, apply your facial sunscreen last.
5. Treat your skin a few times per week to exfoliation to remove dead skin cells, and a face mask to calm inflamed or irritated skin.
6. After showering and cleansing your skin, moisturize your body with the Collagen Fit Firming Body Milk.

And that’s it! You and your skin are ready for your next gym session. Follow this pre-workout skincare routine and you’ll keep your complexion healthy and hydrated while you exercise.