Skin Care for Athletes

Words by Katherine C. Eustaquio
Published in Action & Fitness Magazine August 2009 issue

Not all skin care tips are made equal. Athletes, for instance, are more exposed to the harsh elements compared to most people. They also train harder, run quicker, and lose fluids faster. That’s why they need a good skin regimen designed to match their rigorous activities and help keep them on top of their game. Here are some skin care tips designed for the athletic and the sports-minded:

Be wary of chlorine in shower water. Chlorine is a chemical substance abundant in city water. It can enter the skin through open pores from warm showers and can cause dryness and rashes. While this can’t be helped without consulting the local water station, divert your attention on how to effectively restore skin moisture after every bath.

Relax overworked muscles.When your muscles complain, listen. A variety of rub-on muscle relaxants in liquid, gel, and cream forms are available in the market. These on-the-go muscle therapies are helpful in relieving muscle pains fast.

Don’t forget your sunscreen.Sunscreen isn’t just for the fair-skinned. Even if you’re tan and you don’t care if you’ll end up five shades darker, putting on sunscreen will protect your skin from premature skin aging. Moreover, sun block isn’t just for outdoor activities. Waterproof types help keep your skin hydrated and protect it from the harmful effects of chlorine.

Keep clean and dry. Some sports require skin contact where bacteria can easily be passed from one person to another. Cleansing with antibacterial and antiviral products hinder the growth and accumulation of germs. Washing your feet thoroughly and changing socks after a game will help prevent athlete’s foot.

Keep hydrated. The body loses twice as much fluid and electrolytes when playing sports. For physically active people, eight to ten glasses of water might not suffice. Sports drinks help replenish lost electrolytes, energy, vitamins and minerals lost in sweat. While they help bring back lost nutrients, at the end of the day, the best thirst quencher is still H20.

Dress appropriately.  Certain types of activities call for particular types of clothing. The trick is to dress appropriately for each physical activity. Lightweight material, like cotton, is perfect for most sports activities as it absorbs sweat effectively. Loose-fitting clothes also allow the skin to breathe.

Go organic.  More and more athletes have raised concerns regarding the appearance of chemicals in drinking water and skin care products. These chemicals affect the performance of athletes in the long run. That’s why a number of organic skin care products have begun to appear on the market in the past years.

Here’s a list of several natural and organic ingredients and their benefits: (see table)