The steps you take to protect your skin during exercise may vary depending on whether you are doing so indoors or outdoors, but here are some valuable tips to get you started:
Indoor Exercising and Skin Care
Keeping your skin in good health while exercising indoors involves being aware of the indoor environment and what may cause skin damage. During indoor exercise, consider:
- Infections and diseases
- Using your own skin care products
- Using fitness equipment correctly
When in a place of exercise where others also attend, there is raised risk of experiencing an infection. Common skin ailments that may develop from exercising indoors are Athletes Foot, Veroukas, Ring Worm, the Common Cold, and Influenza. Just like any public place, viral and bacterial infections may be present that may spread from one person to another.
Being aware of hygienic practice, such as washing hands, using gloves or wiping equipment before use, and not walking barefoot in the bathroom or shower are all ways to minimise risk of infection that may lead to disease. Similarly, you can reduce likelihood of experiencing a skin allergy by not using any skin care products present within an exercise facility. Take your own along for your usual skin care routine.
Incorrect use of fitness equipment may lead to soft tissue injuries on the hands, limbs, feet or face. Ask for help from one of the trainers present to lower potential of injury. Stay aware of where others are in proximity to you during exercise so that you are not accidently injured by the equipment another person may be using.
Outdoor Exercising and Skin Care
When exercising outdoors, there are a few factors to consider for protecting the skin:
- Protection from the elements
- Avoiding bites, stings
- Hives and allergies
- Accidents and injuries
- Hydration and moisturising
The main concern when exercising outdoor is protection from sun, rain, hail and snow. Making sure you cover your skin from sun with light exercise wear and a sun-block will help to protect skin from sun damage. Use light rain gear and the right shoes during colder months for skin protection.
Using an insect repellent may prevent insect bites or stings. Those with allergies to bees may need to carry an Epi Pen. Some people develop allergies from outdoor pollens and elements. Using anti-allergy medication may keep allergies at bay.
Accidents and injuries may occur on any terrain, and especially where other car users or cyclists are present. By keeping alert of surroundings, including hills, stones, rocks, water and steep pathways may allow you to prevent a potential accident before injury occurs.
Staying hydrated prevents physical, mental and skin dehydration. Always take along fluids, whether water or an isotonic drink to keep the body hydrated. During exercise, we lose bodily fluids as we perspire. Drinking fluids during exercise helps to replenish our hydration reserves. Applying a moisturiser to the skin before and after exercising also keeps the skin well hydrated.
To learn more about skin conditions and treatment visit the dermatologist site.