- Research shows that you should remove your makeup before working out at the gym
- Experts warn that makeup can clog your pores and prevent your skin from breathing
For some women, it can be tempting to put on some foundation before heading to the gym.
But according to a study, you really need to keep your face fresh while exercising.
New research reveals the effects of wearing cosmetic foundation during aerobic exercise on the skin and pores.
The study included 43 healthy students – 20 men and 23 women.
Foundation cream was applied to one half of the face – on the forehead and upper cheek – while the other half of the face was left clean.
Experts recommend hitting the gym with a fresh face instead, as using foundation cream during aerobic exercise can reduce skin oil, causing dryness
The skin was carefully examined before and after a 20-minute treadmill run using a skin analyzer.
The researchers found that moisture increased after exercise in both the non-makeup and make-up areas.
However, there was a greater increase in moisture in the makeup areas – which may be a result of makeup preventing moisture from evaporating from the skin, the team said.
The pores are larger after exercise in skin without makeup, but not significantly in skin with makeup, which could indicate that wearing foundation can clog the pores.
Researchers have found that makeup prevents moisture from evaporating from the skin, which can clog pores
Meanwhile, oil levels increased in the non-makeup areas and decreased in the makeup areas, indicating that it can be difficult to maintain the right level of oil on the skin when wearing makeup.
The researchers wrote in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology: ‘There is a growing trend for people to wear cosmetics while participating in physical activities.
‘The findings suggest that using foundation cream during aerobic exercise may reduce skin oil, causing dryness.
‘Moreover, make-up can clog pores and increase sebum production.
‘This research provides important insights for the public and encourages them to consider the potential consequences of using make-up while exercising.’
Corresponding author Dongsun Park, from Korea National University of Education, said: “For skin health, it is best to exercise without makeup.”
When sebum, dead skin cells and other substances get stuck in a pore, it can lead to pimples.