Unlock Radiant Skin After Every Sweat Session: 4 Dermatologist-Approved Shower Secrets You’ve Been Missing
Let’s be real—working out can feel like a grind from another planet sometimes. You’ve pushed through the last rep, powered through the miles, and maybe even smashed that Pilates session, only to realize your body’s about as enthusiastic as a cat at bath time. But here’s a curveball: after you’ve drained yourself, there’s one more thing you really owe your body—a shower. Yeah, I get it. The couch looks ridiculously inviting, and the idea of adding “shower” to your to-do list right after sweating buckets? Not exactly the dream. Yet, skipping that post-workout rinse isn’t just a missed step; it’s flirting with a whole range of skin troubles and stank that you definitely wanna dodge. Trust me, the benefits of showering soon after training go way beyond just smelling good—they’re about protecting your skin, fighting acne, and dodging irritation. So, before you collapse into that post-gym haze, let’s dive into why that shower should be priority numero uno. LEARN MORE
WORKING OUT SUCKS sometimes, and I say this as the Grooming editor for the world’s premier fitness magazine. Whether you’re jogging, lifting weights, or doing pilates, it takes a level of exertion our bodies and minds barely possess after dealing with the larger, equally demanding responsibilities of existence.
Of course, regular exercise is also immensely physically and mentally rewarding and the best habit to improve your quality of life and longevity. Still, it’s exhausting, and the last thing you’d want after a long session is another immediate item on the to-do list. Well, apologies in advance.
You need to be showering after every workout—as soon as possible. Similar to the exercise, the benefits of a shower afterwards are bountiful, and the risks of surpassing it are extensive. Look, I know, you don’t need me to tell you how to shower. Except, you really do. It’s not enough to do a cold plunge or use a quick face wash and then collapse into the couch. The benefits extend beyond your face to your entire body, as do the risks.
The Benefits of a Post-Workout Shower
According to dermatologist, Dr. Knox Beasley, MD, the sooner the better when it comes to showering after a workout. Ideally, aim to wash yourself within 30 minutes of completing the exercise, he says. After a workout, your skin becomes a mix of sweat, bacteria, and oil, and clearing that away ASAP has four key benefits.
1. Prevent Odor
Skip a post-workout shower, and you’ll stink almost immediately. As we exercise, our glands release sweat to cool us down, but that moisture feeds odor-causing microbes. When all that sweat sits on the skin, it mixes with bacteria, creating dreaded BO.
Showering soon after exercise will quickly wash this away, keeping you from smelling fresh and stench at bay. This is especially true for those with beards or body hair, as sweat gets trapped in these strands, creating a warm, moist environment where bacteria and yeast thrive, Dr. Beasley says.
2. Reduce Acne
That same cocktail of sweat, bacteria, and oil can clog your pores when it sits on the skin for too long, says Dr. Beasley. This can cause acne in the short and long term, commonly on the back, chest, and shoulders, where you’re less likely to properly clean. But the longer sweat lingers, Dr. Beasley says, the more it disrupts your skin’s natural barrier, which allows bacteria to thrive and further exacerbate the issue.
3. Minimize Risk of Irritation
Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD, says that this buildup of sweat, bacteria, and oil can also lead to redness and skin irritation. This trio traps itself in your pores along with heat, which inflames the skin and leads to skin distress and flare-ups. If you’re already prone to acne, have oily skin, have sensitive skin, or have a preexisting skin condition like eczema or psoriasis, you’re especially at risk, Dr. Charon says.
4. Prevent Dermatitis and Infection
In addition to acne and irritation, leaving sweat on the skin for prolonged periods can lead to folliculitis (a condition in which hair follicles become inflamed, causing pimple-like bumps), dermatitis (a condition where your skin becomes inflamed, itchy, or dry), or even infection, according to dermatologist Dr. Jeremy Brauer, MD.
What Products to Use
Showering as soon as you can after exercise is most important in preventing odor, acne, irritation, or dermatitis, but what products you use while doing so can also go a long way in boosting the benefits. Skin is extra sensitive following exercise due to increased blood flow, sweat momentarily altering the skin’s pH balance, and friction.
As a result, you’ll want to look for options that are gentle, even if you don’t typically have sensitive skin. Similarly, while Dr. Beasley says exfoliating once or twice a week is useful to prevent buildup, he doesn’t recommend you do it after a workout, as your skin can be too sensitive.
Every dermatologist I spoke to pointed to the same type of product first, a skin-soothing cleanser or face wash. Dr. Brauer recommends those who have dry or sensitive skin look for hypoallergenic formulas and avoid any heavy fragrances. If you’re acne-prone, grab a product containing salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or niacinamide, as these will help smooth skin and minimize breakouts. T
he number one cleanser he recommends is NEOVA’s Herbal Wash, a foaming gel wash that’s safe for all skin types, even the most sensitive. Dr. Brauer says it lathers well, cleans gently, and preserves the skin’s pH balance.
A couple of other options to consider include the Geologie Acne Control Face Wash, an acne-fighting gel boosted by 2 percent salicylic acid, or Freaks of Nature Barrier Balancing Cleanser. The latter of which is a go-to of mine post-run thanks to its gentle, gel-like formula packed with natural, skin-soothing ingredients like squalane, vitamin E, and glycerin.
You’ll then want to move on to cleansing the body with a non-irritating body wash. Nivea Men’s 3-in-1 Sensitive Body Wash, our best overall body wash, is hard to beat here. It’s formulated with 92 percent natural ingredients, and features a subtle scent without compromising on its sensitive skin safety. Though technically usable on face and hair, it’s best suited for the body.
Outside of that, the Bevel Moisturizing Body Wash lives up to its name as the most moisturizing body wash I’ve tried. It relies on coconut oil, shea butter, and vitamin B3 to lock in moisture and boost hydration. Best part? It’s only $10.
For bar soap devotees, Baxter of California’s Cleansing Bar actively hydrates and softens your skin with sunflower oil and glycerin. Its refreshing citrus and musk scent also makes it one of the best-smelling soaps I’ve tested. Plus, each bar also lasts for several weeks—justifying its higher price point.
Now, if you’re in a jam (traffic or otherwise) after leaving the gym and can’t make it into a shower within the 30-minute window, Dr. Beasley recommends at least using cleansing wipes to hold your skin over. To be clear, this is a band-aid strategy and not something you should make a habit out of. Oars + Alps Cooling Wipes are ideal here. They’re designed with Arctic Blue Ice Crystals to wipe dirt and sweat, and caffeine to then awaken skin. Follow these steps and watch your skin glow up match your fitness gains.
Neova Herbal Wash
Freaks of Nature Barrier Balancing Cleanser
Oars + Alps Cooling Face and Body Wipes
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Sean Zucker is the Grooming and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health. He brings over half a decade of experience covering health, wellness, and lifestyle. When Sean’s not writing about hair products, you can find him running for exercise, or toward the nearest food truck.
Christian is the deputy commerce editor at Men’s Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.
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