Olympic Athletes Follow Skincare Routines While Abroad
As our eyes are glued to the television or device, watching in disbelief as American athletes like Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky make the impossible seem easy, we certainly get an up-close view of their skin. What has been interesting is thinking about how traveling can complicate skincare routines when many opt out entirely due to limitations on travel-size liquids. However, being an athlete adds a layer, with sweat and dirt just part of the job. Many athletes are open about their appearance and how feeling confident about their skin looks can boost confidence during performance.
Olympians at Their Peak
Looking at the physique of any Olympic athlete and the level at which they perform any sport, these athletes are at their peak in their respective sport. It is indisputable that this Olympics showcases the absolute best, so athletes would also be caring for their skin as part of their overall health. The skin’s health is directly correlated to the body’s health, and those bodies are in good health!
Standing Out in a Good Way
Many sports in the Olympics are not conducive to a style per se. However, you can’t miss some of the impressive manicures on those with little opportunity to stand out otherwise. Across the board, from swimmers to gymnasts, Olympic athletes specifically think about eyebrows. Swimmers share that chlorine can dull and make eyebrow hair more fragile, so the time spent is not wasted when they stand on the podium for their closeup, and the eyebrows look perfectly in place. Even men take skincare seriously while on the road, and swimmers like Michael Phelps were open about how shaving can improve performance in the water. So, the relationships between skincare and performance may be more closely related!
Skincare Tips for Athletes
Fighting against breakouts and keeping skin clean and clear during athletic performances, whether at home or on the stage at the Olympics, can be a challenge. The pores of an athlete’s skin work overtime. Skin is prone to breakouts and distress because of the continual sweat and exposure to the toxins in the air while the pores are open. Winter athletes are also faced with drying and chapping, which summer athletes must manage, but it is less of an issue.
The first skincare tip for athletes is to take a few minutes first thing and right before bed. Dermatologists confirm that skincare does not have to be expensive, complicated, or take much time. Finding skincare steps that fit the athlete so it can be sustained while traveling is critical. Athletes who want to maintain their skin’s health and appearance likely wash their face in the morning and apply sunscreen at a minimum. Others have more elaborate routines and products, but the midday sweat and dirt that most athletes experience is when breakouts occur and the most issues appear. Dermatologists recommend skincare for different times of the day:
Daytime: Cleanse, Sunscreen and Go
Athletes benefit from starting the day with a mild cleanser. This gives skin a fresh start and a clean canvas for moisturizer and sunscreen. Avoid drying cleansers, especially when washing multiple times during the day. Olympic athletes are likely showering after their performance and then may shower again before bed, so a drying cleanser will dehydrate any skin! When traveling, stick with a moisturizer with SPF so two steps become one, and there’s less to worry about carrying around.
Midday: Short, mild temperature showers and air-dry time for skin
Athletes experience heart rate changes during their practices and performances. These body temperature changes can affect the skin because of the heating and cooling that occurs throughout the day. One way to mitigate these temperature changes is to allow the body to naturally cool down and follow up with a mild temperature and short shower. Wash the face so dirt doesn’t settle in pores and follow up with a moisturizer containing sunscreen.
Evening: Shave, Exfoliate, and Rest
In the evening, athletes are advised to shave and exfoliate because these steps are harsher on the skin. A good night’s rest can do wonders for the skin! Skin heals while we rest, so sending it off to sleep with nice, clean pores and some targeted moisturizer or after-shave products can make these skincare steps less stressful for the skin.
The Olympics is a special time to watch the best athletes in the world compete on one stage. Although these athletes sometimes seem inhuman with their talent, they are. Athletes care about their skin and appearance, and everyone can take notes from them. If you have any skin concerns or questions about the best skincare routine for you, contact Buckhead Dermatology. Dr. Sherrie Straughn is the best in the business and serves the Atlanta area. Contact her offices today for an appointment.