MUSQ Skincare Director Emma Reid Talks Skincare And The Gym
13 Sep 2016
Emma Reid, Director of MUSQ cosmetics, Australia's award winning natural beauty range knows a thing or two about a healthy approach to skin care. Having created a range of chemical-free makeup and skincare products with the guiding philosophy of keeping it clean, kind & simple, Emma takes a wholesome approach to health and wellness that goes beyond succumbing to the latest beauty trends and fads. When it comes to skincare, Emma's philosophy is what you eat, put on your skin and how you live all work in harmony to ensure a lifelong approach to healthy skin care. It was only natural for SPORTITUDE to turn to Emma for some advice on keeping our skin in tip top shape during and after working out.
Should we be taking off our makeup before a gym session and if so why?Absolutely. During a workout, your body warms up and you sweat creating your pores to open. If the skin has a barrier of makeup those pores cannot allow the skin to breathe properly. This results in a build of up oil, dirt etc getting clogged in the pores and leading to a breakout ie. Blackheads.
What is a suitable alternative for those who refuse to go make up free?
If you can’t budge from wearing makeup to the gym apply something lightweight such as a tinted moisturiser or powder foundation. However, we always recommend no makeup to the gym, let that skin breath!
What is the best way to ensure we prevent a break out while working out?
Make sure your skin is clear prior to working out. Also, keep a clean towel on hand to pat skin of excess sweat during working out. To avoid inflammation we suggest applying antioxidants to the skin such as spritzing our Antioxidant toner before and after a workout.
How soon after a workout should we be washing our face?
Straight away! This is important to remove any impurities may have built up during your workout.
What does the ideal post-workout beauty regime look like?
Once you have finished your workout splash the face with cold water a pat dry with a clean towel. As soon as you get home clean your face with a cleanser then toner and moisturiser. If you can do this at the gym even better! If you have had a super sweaty workout you may want to exfoliate your face. Make sure not to over exfoliate however (we suggest once-twice a week).
Should men be concerned about their post-workout routine?
Yep, men aren’t let off the hook here. Just like us they should remove any bacteria built up on the skin during a workout and cleanse, toner and moisturiser.
What products do you suggest men use to ensure they maintain healthy skin?
A good quality cleanser, toner and moisturiser. Also a shower gel and a good exfoliant with grit.
What are some of the biggest beauty mistakes made at the gym?
Wearing makeup. We hate to say it but this is the quickest and easiest way to block the skin and trap toxins trying to leave the body.
Best advice for achieving a healthy glow that matches that dream body we all desire?
Look after your outside just like your inside. Make sure you stick to a good beauty regime morning & night and post workout. What we eat also plays a big role in the appearance of our skin. Eat organic foods, especially those rich in green colouring such as spinach, kale and parsley are packed with vitamin C and Vitamin K along with many other nutrients.
A gym bag should never be without (beauty product wise):
A natural sunscreen if working outdoors (make sure it's not oily as this can clog pores). Also don’t forget your cleanser, toner and a lightweight moisturizer to keep that skin fresh before & after a workout.
