4 facialist-approved beauty products to try now
Many athletes leave the gym red-faced and flushed because “working out heats up the body, and creates increased blood flow and inflammation,” explains Jessica Clark, lead esthetician at Equinox in New York City. “I typically tell clients to go into the locker room and splash cold water on their face as soon as they’re done with their workout,” says Clark. This helps you feel cooler faster and removes some of the sweat residue, so that whatever you put on your face afterwards is actually absorbed. Next, choose one (or more) of the products below to stop redness in its tracks.
Rodial vit c brightening pads
The main reason these single-use pads are so wonderful post-workout is that they contain salicylic acid, which will help to kill any bacteria on the surface of your skin, says Kate Weinberg, regional spa manager for Equinox New York City's East Side. These also have vitamin C, which helps combat redness by evening skin tone. Keep them in your gym bag to cleanse post- (or even pre-) workout.
Kypris cerulean soothing hydration recovery mask
If you can spare five minutes before you hop in the shower, slather on this mask. (For the full effect, you can leave it on for up to 20 minutes.) “This brand-new product contains tulsi, which has healing properties for the skin,” says Sarah Garland, New York City-based senior manager of planning for The Spa at Equinox. It’s also acid-free, making it a perfect pick for those who have sensitive skin. It's also made with turmeric, peptides, and encapsulated superoxide dismutase—a potent antioxidant. “It’s a lovely gel mask that’s great after any any kind of activity that could cause redness to the skin, including after a facial.”
Skinceuticals phyto corrective gel
“I really love this product for someone who’s heavily irritated and inflamed,” says Ashlyn Morris, area spa manager at Equinox Sports Club Orange County in California. “It’s great for people with rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis, or anyone who suffers from extreme redness post-workout.” Dipeptides and hyaluronic acid help skin retain moisture, while cucumber, thyme, and mulberry extracts improve discoloration. Use it after washing your face.
Caudalie organic grape water
“This mist contains just one ingredient, grape water, known for its soothing and moisturizing properties,” says Morris. “It’s perfect as a toner after cleansings, and you can spray it on after applying makeup as well.” For men who are shaving in the locker room, it’s a great product to use to smooth the skin afterwards, she adds.