Article: Sports and Skincare

Sports and Skincare

For Acne and Dermatitis prone skin

By LABRAINS in collaboration with Dr. Liāna Žarinova and MyFitness

Physical activities and skin health

A balanced fitness routine, combined with proper skin care, a balanced diet, and other healthy daily habits can be a significant factor in maintaining healthy facial skin over the long term. Physical activities not only improve overall body health but also make a significant contribution to keeping skin beautiful and healthy.

During physical activity, heart rate increases, which improves blood circulation throughout the body, including the skin. This boosts the supply of oxygen and nutrients, promoting skin cell renewal and a healthy appearance.
Regular physical activity helps reduce stress, which is important because stress often triggers various skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, rosacea, acne, and others. Prolonged stress increases the level of cortisol – a hormone that maintains inflammatory processes and accelerates the breakdown of elastin and collagen fibers. This can lead to skin aging and deterioration of skin condition.
Exercise improves sleep quality, which is crucial for skin regeneration processes. During sleep, active skin cell regeneration and synthesis occur. “Beauty sleep” is not just a phrase or a myth – it is a vital factor in maintaining healthy skin.
Biochemical processes in our body, hormone balance regulation, and the promotion of well-being are enhanced. After exercising, people often feel motivated to adopt other healthy daily habits such as eating a balanced diet or quitting harmful habits like smoking. Smoking narrows blood vessels, reducing blood flow and limiting the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the skin. This promotes a duller skin tone and accelerates aging processes.
During physical activities, the “happiness hormone” endorphin is released, bringing joy, uplifted mood, and an energy boost. This motivates engagement in additional activities that can positively impact the skin, such as:
- Visiting a cosmetologist or undergoing beauty treatments;
- Doing facial fitness exercises or massages at home;
- Attending seminars to gain new knowledge about skin care.

Set of Labrains CleanSea skincare products for skin cleansing on a wooden tray with a light marble background

Everyday Irritants and Simple Solutions

Redness from intense workouts → moderate physical activity + soothing creams

UV exposure during outdoor activities → SPF

Chlorine irritation → cleansing the skin before/after swimming + protective barrier

two labrains skincare products with blurred sports setting in the background for blog about skincare and sports

Exercising increases sweat production, which can mix with sebum, bacteria, and pollutants, potentially causing breakouts in acne-prone skin or irritation in dermatitis-prone skin.

The right pre- and post-workout skincare routine is essential to protect the skin barrier, balance hydration, and prevent flare-ups.

Why Is Gym Skincare Important for Acne & Dermatitis?

Sweat & oil buildup → Clogs pores, increases bacterial growth (C. acnes for acne, S. aureus for dermatitis).
Heat & friction → Weakens the lipid barrier, leading to dehydration & irritation.
Air pollutants → can penetrate deeper leading to increased inflamamtion
Gym equipment & towels → Transfer bacteria & irritants to the skin.
pH disruption → Sweating can cause a temporary increase in skin pH, making it more vulnerable to inflammation, dehydration, and breakouts.

To prevent this, LABRAINS recommends a tailored cleansing routine before and after workouts.

Goal: Protect the Skin Barrier & Prevent Bacteria Buildup

Pre-Workout Routine

Step 1

Cleanse

For Acne-Prone Skin → Pore Perfect Cleanser (removes excess oil without stripping the skin).
For Dry or Sensitive Skin → Micellar Water & Tonic (restores pH & microbiome balance).

Step 2

Hydrate & Balance

Apply a lightweight, non-comedogenic serum to prevent dehydration during workouts.

Acne-Prone Skin → Pore Perfect Serum (balances sebum & prevents sweat-induced breakouts).
Sensitive or Dry Skin → Renovation Sculptor Serum (prevents dehydration & reinforces the lipid barrier).

Step 3

Lock in Protection

Choose a breathable, non-heavy moisturizer:

Oily/Acne-Prone Skin → Rosa Cease & Pore Perfect Cream (light hydration without clogging pores).
Sensitive/Dry Skin → YoungDali Cream (barrier-supportive, lightweight hydration).

labrains micellar water & tonic with flower on green background

Woman’s hands holding LABRAINS micellar water & tonic during skincare routine

Micellar Water & Tonic 2in1 200ml

(5.0)

Gentle micellar water for dry and sensitive skin infused with probiotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory ingredients to cleanse, moisturize, tone, and protect the skin barrier. Removes impurities and makeup while deeply hydrating, balancing pH, and protecting against photoaging.

Goal: Remove Sweat, Prevent Bacterial Growth & Restore Hydration

Post-Workout Routine

Step 1

Double Cleanse

For Acne-Prone Skin

Step 1: Nordic Mud Cleanser (detoxifies & deeply cleanses without disrupting the lipid barrier).

Step 2: Micellar Water & Tonic (removes sweat & surface impurities).

For Sensitive/Dry Skin or Dermatitis-Prone Skin

Step 1: Micellar Water & Tonic (removes sweat while protecting the microbiome).

Step 2: Oil-to-Milk Cleanser - apply as protective layer before the shower (nourishes while cleansing).

Step 2

Restore Skin Hydration & Reduce Inflammation

Acne-Prone Skin → Pore Perfect Serum (reduces post-gym breakouts & balances oil).
Sensitive/Dry Skin → Rosa Cease Care Serum (calms redness & irritation after sweating).

For extra hydration (both skin types): Renovation Sculptor Serum (prevents dehydration & strengthens the skin barrier).

Step 3

Lock in Moisture & Barrier Repair

Use a moisturizer to restore lipid balance & prevent water loss.

Acne-Prone Skin → ABC de Intense Creme (hydration + microbiome support).
Sensitive/Dry Skin → ABC Deep Nourishing Cream (deep lipid replenishment).

For Redness/Irritation: DermaTreat Cream (barrier repair & anti-inflammatory).

Extra Gym Skincare Tips for Acne & Dermatitis-Prone Skin

Avoid touching your face during workouts → Gym equipment, towels, and hands can transfer bacteria to the skin.
Use a clean towel → Blot sweat instead of rubbing (rubbing increases irritation & barrier damage).
Stay hydrated → Dehydration affects skin elasticity & oil balance.
Shower after exercise → Sweat buildup on the body can cause back acne & irritation. Use Oil-to-Milk Cleanser or Nordic Mud Cleanser on areas prone to breakouts.
Don’t skip moisturizer post-gym → Even acne-prone skin needs moisture to prevent dehydration-induced oil production.

Person holding a labrains skincare pore perfect serum bottle on shoulder with a blurred background

Why Can Acne and Dermatitis Sometimes Be Treated with the Same Products?

Understanding the Core Issue: Disorganized Lipids in the Skin Barrier

Although acne and dermatitis appear to be opposite conditions, they often share a common root cause — disorganized skin lipids leading to barrier dysfunction, dehydration, and inflammation.

Whether someone is prone to acne or dermatitis, if their skin lacks properly structured lipids, it will struggle to function normally, leading to chronic issues such as inflammation, dehydration, and breakouts.

Instead of only treating acne breakouts or eczema symptoms, the first step should be to repair the skin barrier by restructuring lipids, balancing hydration, and supporting the microbiome.

Acne vs. Dermatitis: Different Symptoms, Same Core Issue

Acne-Prone Skin

People with acne-prone genetics experience breakouts, clogged pores, and excessive sebum production.
Many mistakenly believe their skin is too oily, but in reality, excess oil is often a defense mechanism against dehydration.
Stripped, dehydrated skin signals the sebaceous glands to produce even more oil, creating a cycle of dehydration, oiliness, and breakouts.

Dermatitis-Prone Skin (Eczema, Atopic Skin)

People with dermatitis-prone genetics experience dryness, irritation, flaking, and red skin.
Their skin is highly reactive to environmental triggers due to a weakened lipid barrier that allows moisture to escape.

Without proper lipid restructuring, the skin remains chronically dry, irritated, and prone to eczema flare-ups.

The Solution: Rebuilding the Skin’s Lipid Organization

To repair disorganized lipids, we need moisturizers with ceramides, squalane, plant-based oils, and a lamellar structure that mimics the skin’s natural lipid barrier.

Hydration is Key for Both Acne and Dermatitis

Many acne-prone individuals avoid oils, thinking they will make their skin more oily. But without proper hydration, the skin overproduces sebum, leading to more breakouts. Similarly, dermatitis-prone skin lacks essential moisture and becomes irritated.