File this under “no duh”: Working out is good for you. Research shows that it can help to extend your lifespan, improve your memory, help you sleep better and more. There are nearly no downsides to regularly breaking a sweat, except if you’re not diligent about your post-workout skin care routine, all that sweat can lead to bacteria buildup, irritation and acne.

The good news is that skin issues caused by working out are easily preventable. The key is to develop a solid skin care routine for anytime you exercise. To help identify exactly what your skin needs after a sweat session, I asked board-certified dermatologists to weigh in on the best post-workout skin care routine to avoid breakouts. Check out what they had to say below.

The best skin care products to use post-workout

Your go-to face wash, moisturizer and sunscreen are totally fine to use after a workout, but if you’re looking for some new recs, check out some options below that experts recommend as particularly great for use after exercising.

“A dermatologist-recommended formula, this cleanser combines gentle exfoliation with hydration, removing post-workout impurities without causing irritation,” says Dr. Pooja Rambhia, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City This face wash contains salicylic acid and mandelic acid to fight and prevent acne, and it is gentle enough for everyday use. Also nice: The consistency is a foaming gel, which feels calming on skin after a tough workout.

This moisturizer from Cerave ranked number eight on our list of 100 best moisturizers. Our testers appreciated that it has a fast-absorbing, thick consistency and is free of common irritants. “It features a time-release formula with three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid to provide 24-hour hydration without a greasy feel,” says Rambhia.

“This is a micronized, tinted physical and chemical sunscreen that is cosmetically elegant, provides light coverage, blends into a broad range of skin tones seamlessly, and contains DNA repair enzymes that can help mitigate against early signs of skin aging,” says Rambhia.

The fact that it has a slight tint is particularly beneficial for those heading to work or have other plans after working out, as it can double as a tinted moisturizer. The formula is also oil- and fragrance-free.

Rambhia likes this Tower 28 hypochlorus spray because it “calms irritation and redness with a formula that mimics the body’s natural immune system, making it ideal for post-exercise inflammation.” Spritz it on your face after cleansing but before you apply your moisturizer.

Experts have previously recommended this hyaluronic acid serum to us, saying it’s good for sensitive or irritated skin because it’s fragrance-, alcohol- and oil-free. NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin uses it regularly and says that it is lightweight, absorbs quickly and helps prevent her skin from drying out.

What should your post-workout skin care routine look like?

According to experts, the best way to prevent a post-workout breakout is to adhere to a simple, but effective skin care routine that will wash away bacteria caused by sweat and will also nourish skin. Here are the steps they suggest:

• Cleanse: Once you’ve taken off your workout clothes, reach for a bottle of your favorite face wash. “You want to cleanse your skin from any debris, dirt, sweat, dead skin cells and oils, which can all lead to breaking out and other skin concerns,” says Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami.
• Moisturize: “Next, replenish hydration lost during exercise,” says Rambhia. “Even oily skin needs moisturizing after cleansing to prevent rebound oil production.”
• Protect: Post-workout skin can be more sensitive to UV damage, says Rambhia. This is, in part, because sweat can wash away SPF you may have put on earlier in the day. The final stage of your post-workout skincare routine should always be to apply a SPF 30 or greater sunscreen to your face.

Rambhia also suggests considering an extra step, especially if you don’t have time for a full shower and deep facial cleansing after working out. “Spraying skin with hypochlorous acid spray can help,” she says. “It provides antimicrobial benefits, reduces inflammation, and helps neutralize odor-causing bacteria. It’s especially useful for quick disinfection.”

Another addition to consider is a serum, says Chacon. Choose something super hydrating and illuminating to keep that post-workout glow going all day.

How can working out impact your skin?

Sweating is good for you, but sweat sitting on your skin for an extended period of time is not. “Sweating on your face helps toxins come to the surface,” says Chacon. “When they are left to sit and not cleansed, they will absorb back into the skin, causing a range of skin concerns.”

Not only does sweat introduce toxins, but you may be adding to that by touching your face after a workout. “Think of all surfaces you touch at the gym — chances are you also touch your face,” adds Chacon. The dirt and sweat mixture creates the perfect cocktail for a breakout, especially if you already have acne-prone skin.

None of this is a reason to skip your workout. Instead, it’s all about taking care of your skin afterwards. “If you don’t tend to your skin after working out, the combination of sweat, oil, and bacteria can clog your pores, potentially causing acne breakouts and skin irritation,” says Rambhia. “Additionally, those with existing skin conditions like eczema or rosacea might experience flare-ups due to the irritating effects of prolonged sweat exposure on the skin’s surface.”

Meet our experts

At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

• Dr. Anna Chacon is a board-certified dermatologist in Miami, Florida.
• Dr. Pooja Rambhia is a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City, with specialized fellowship training in cosmetic dermatology and laser surgery.

Why trust NBC Select?

I’m a commerce editor at NBC Select who covers various topics, including beauty, home and lifestyle. I’ve covered sales and major shopping events like Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday for more than a decade.For this story, I interviewed dermatologists on what one needs for a post-workout skin care routine.