If you exercise regularly, bad weather isn't an excuse to skip your planned workouts. Of course, instead of running outside, you can opt for a treadmill and a gym workout. There are also those who aren't bothered by sub-zero temperatures and definitely prefer outdoor activities. Frost, sweat, rubbing your face with a towel, or going to the gym with makeup on can seriously damage your skin. Learn how to help it and regenerate it before spring.

Choose the right discipline

The sport discipline can be selected according to the skin type, as follows:

- Skin with redness – choose sports that won't strain weak blood vessels. Gentle exercises like yoga or Pilates are an excellent solution. However, be careful with disciplines that require high exertion, such as CrossFit.

- Dry and sensitive skin – choose activities that won't further irritate and dry out your skin. Sensitive and dry skin isn't best served by frequent use of chlorinated pools. Gym and fitness classes are much better.

- Acne-prone skin – swimming may be unfavorable due to additional irritation. Sports that involve intense sweating may also be problematic.

Remember to thoroughly remove your makeup before starting your workout or opt for a subtle one, such as one made with mineral cosmetics. Otherwise, it may run off your face with sweat, which certainly won't look good. If you're exercising outdoors, always remember to use a sunscreen that's appropriate for your skin type and the season, containing UVA and UVB filters. This is essential! Apply sunscreen several minutes before your workout. If you know your activity will last longer than 1.5 hours, be sure to bring sunscreen with you to reapply – the cream protects for 1.5 to 2 hours after application. When applying sunscreen, remember to apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of your body (including your hands, décolletage, and arms), not just your face.

When finishing your workout, never forget to stretch. Stretching is excellent for regenerating muscles and allowing them to rest. It also calms down your body and helps your heart rate return to normal.

When bathing, make sure the water is lukewarm – not hot, but not cold either, unless you want to treat yourself to an alternating shower (pouring cold and almost hot water over yourself), which will improve your circulation. If the activity was very intense, exfoliate your skin and thoroughly remove sweat and any impurities. Remember to do this treatment no more than once or twice a week. If you don't feel like exfoliating, use any cosmetics you normally use in the shower.

Some gyms provide toiletries, which are already in the showers in appropriate dispensers. However, keep in mind that you don't know what these products are. You might be allergic to them or your skin might react negatively. It's always worth carrying small containers of your own tried-and-true toiletries.

Hydration is crucial after a workout. Skin requires special care.  Rubbing it with a towel or even contact with tight clothing can cause chafing or irritation. So, after bathing, rub in a moisturizing lotion or oil. Be mindful of sensitive areas prone to dryness, such as elbows and heels.

Post-workout body care is especially important, and fortunately, it's not much different from everyday care. Remember to moisturize your skin regularly and reward it for hours spent in the cold, wind, in full sun, or on a dusty gym mat. What's good for our well-being and appearance should go hand in hand with well-groomed skin.