- Study suggests you should remove makeup before working out at the gym
- Experts warn that makeup could block pores and prevent skin from breathing
For some women, it can be tempting to put on a little foundation before hitting the gym.
But what you really need to do is keep your face fresh when you exercise, according to a study.
New research reveals the effects of using cosmetic foundation during aerobic exercise on the skin and its pores.
The study included 43 healthy college students: 20 men and 23 women.
The foundation cream was applied on half of the face (forehead and upper cheek), while the other half of the face was left clean.
Experts suggest going to the gym with a fresh face, as using foundation during aerobic exercise can reduce skin oil and cause dryness.
A skin analysis device was used to take a close look at the skin before and after a 20-minute treadmill run.
The researchers found that humidity increased after exercise in both the no-makeup area and the area with makeup.
However, there was a greater increase in moisture in the makeup areas, which may be because makeup prevents moisture from evaporating from the skin, the team said.
Pore size increased in skin without makeup after exercise, but not significantly in skin with makeup, which could indicate that wearing foundation can block pores.
Researchers found that makeup prevents moisture from evaporating from the skin, which could block pores.
Meanwhile, the oil level increased in the areas without makeup and decreased in the areas with makeup, suggesting that it may be difficult to maintain adequate oil levels in the skin when wearing makeup.
The researchers wrote in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology: “There is a growing trend of people using cosmetics while engaging in physical activities.”
‘The findings suggest that using a foundation during aerobic exercise can reduce skin oil and cause dryness.
‘In addition, makeup can clog pores and increase sebum production.
“This research provides important information to the public, encouraging them to consider the possible consequences of wearing makeup during exercise.”
Corresponding author Dongsun Park of Korea National University of Education said: “For skin health, it is better to exercise without makeup.”
When sebum, dead skin cells, and other substances become trapped inside a pore, this can cause blemishes.
