If you practice hot yoga, you know and love it for all the wonderful benefits. But you also might notice some unfortunate negative side effects, like inflamed skin and breakouts. The increased temperature, combined with an intense physical practice and getting your sweat on, can lead to a buildup of oil in your pores–which are ripe and open to take that oil in from the heat and humidity of the room.
Breakouts are caused by oil and dirt settling into your pores and causing an inflammatory response. You can start protecting your skin before class even starts as well as rejuvenate your skin after a hot yoga session with these four quick beauty tips.
Pre-Hot Yoga
1. Cleanse your face before class.
Come to class with a clean makeup-free face. We already know that our pores are opening up in a hot room, and with the added humidity, sweat pouring, and oil building up, a layer of makeup on top of all that can’t be good. This can be hard when you’re on the go, so keep a cleanser handy for a quick swipe before heading into class.
Specifically, try a no-rinse cleanser like micellar water to gently wipe away dirt and even waterproof makeup. Made with minerals and plant extracts, micellar water won’t strip the skin of natural oils necessary for hydration.
2. Keep your hair pulled back.
Oil from your hair can transfer to your face and back, leading to breakouts. Keep your hair pulled back to prevent it from sticking to your skin and causing acne. Try a bun, like a top knot, to fully protect from any hair-to-skin contact.
Remember to protect your hair too! Opting for metal-free hair ties will help prevent snagging and protect from breakage. Instead stock up on fabric hair ties for a looser but still stable hold.
Post-Hot Yoga
3. Wipe off with cool infused water.
Cleansing with a cool towel immediately after class will help to wash oil out of your pores before they close back up and seal that grime in. Your skin will already be sensitive and may be inflamed after class, so try to avoid harsh face wipes.
If you don’t have an infused towel, just wipe off with cool water and follow up with a re-hydrating face spritz. Specifically, we recommend an infusion with tea tree oil, which is known for its anti-acne and anti-fungal properties. Cucumber or rose are also great options to soothe skin delicately and naturally.
4. Change your clothes and shower asap.
When your clothes are soaking wet with sweat, your skin has no room or air to evaporate and cool off–leaving you with prolonged inflammation and leaving your pores exposed to sweat and oil. Showering with warm water as soon as possible is key to keeping your skin healthy.
If you don’t have access to shower right away, then remember to bring a change of clothes. Swapping for a fresh pair of clothes (sports-bra and underwear included) will prevent the skin from lingering in any bacteria accumulated in the sweaty workout clothes. Ladies, this is especially important for the undercarriage areas (if you know what I mean) to help prevent infections.
Keep your skin glowing by following these four quick beauty tips to prevent oil buildup and reduce inflammation on your skin. Making a few small habit changes to your yoga skin care regimen will help you look like you’re glowing in hot yoga, and not sweating!
