Gym Bag Essentials, a post work-out recovery kit

Gym Bag Essentials, a post work-out “Self Care Recovery” kit

Expert Advice from Lauren, Lead Esthetician at Cooper Spa at Craig Ranch

It’s 6 am and you are on your way to Zumba class and you are pumped and ready for your morning work out.  On your way to the gym you go through your mental check list:

a. Gym check in key – Check!
b. Gym bag – Check!
c. Water bottle – Check!
d. Towel – Check!
e. Post workout snack or shake – Check!

You are so proud of your self because (A) you got up this morning to work out and (B) you remembered to bring everything!  You arrive to class and realize you are on time and actually get to choose the best spot in the class!

Class was amazing!  You were a professional Shakira and almost thought for a second you could try out for So You think You Can Dance!  You feel on top of the world and nothing in the day is going to bring you down.

Back at the locker room and you’re ready to cool off and hit the road, but you realize your skin just feels so grimy and dirty.  That work-out was so powerful, all your toxins sweated out all over you!  You had enough time before work to go home and get ready so you didn’t bother to bring any face wash or any hygiene products.

Then you start to think, “What products are even ideal for the gym after a great work-out?”

I’m going to help you put together a simple gym bag essentials and post work-out “self care recovery” kit.

When the skin perspires, it opens up all your pores and allows them to unclog and release all the toxins by increasing blood flow.  When we create blood flow and heat to the body, this produces oxygen.  Bacteria cannot survive in an oxygenated state, which makes it crucial to wash your face as soon as you are done with your work-out or any intensive movement that allows the body to sweat.  This lingering sweat will promote the bad bacteria while causing future break outs and congestion in the skin.

Try packing facial wipes or a mild cleanser such as Skin Ceuticals Simply Clean Cleanser, this cleanser is a gel based cleanser for normal to combination skin types.  A perfect cleanser for a post work-out.

Facial wipes are also a great product to just throw in your bag or purse while running out the door.  Just remember facial wipes are just to help aid in cleansing and cannot stand on their own as a face cleanser.  Try simple cleansing wipes to help remove dirt and debris and follow up with your cleanser.

Now that we are clean, it is time to re hydrate!  We just worked out and witnessed major water loss!  We need to add the water back into the skin to re hydrate and plump the skin.  Drinking 8 oz of water right after a work-out is a great way to re hydrate the body and skin.  Try Eminence Stone Crop Hydrating Mist or Lime Toner Mist if you have oily to acne prone skin. These fabulous toner mists are so fresh and are all about the convenience!  Easy for travel and on the go.  They come in a mist spray bottle instead of a pump so its perfect for the purse or gym bag.

The Stone Crop plant is a sister plant to the Aloe Vera which promotes healing and hydration. This revitalizing mist also aids in brightening the skin and triggering unwanted pigmentation.

Lime Refresh Tonique consists of Lime Juice, Green Tea, and Lavender which is used as a natural antiseptic and rejuvenator. Leaving the skin toned and balanced.

Now let’s seal the deal with a moisturizer.  Clear Skin Probiotic Moisturizer is perfect option to help heal and prevent blemishes. With cucumber juice to help shrink pores and tea tree oil for an anti-inflammatory.

Skin Ceuticals Daily Moisture is a light weight pore-minimizing moisturizer for normal to oily skin with high levels of pure vitamin E to help heal and protect while Brazilian sea algae deliver proteins, amino acids, and essential minerals to the skin.

Let’s wrap it all up with the most important product and that is our sun protection.  We have the technology now and have heard it loud and clear over and over again, “Protect the skin you’re in and wear your SPF”!  Even if you are inside, there is a good chance UV rays are headed your way.  After a good work out and cleansing you will need to reapply your sun screen.

I love the Skin Ceuticals Tinted Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 sunscreen.  This groundbreaking, weightless, 100% physical sunscreen provides water-resistant broad spectrum protection with transparent titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (Z-Cote®*).  Enhanced with artemia salina, a plankton extract, this lightweight sunscreen increases skin defenses and resistance to UV and heat stress.  Color-infused technology enhances natural skin tone and boosts daily radiance.

For people with active lifestyles, Skin Ceuticals Sport UV Defense SPF 50 is a true broad-spectrum sunscreen is water- resistant and sweat-resistant to deliver maximum protection during high energy activities.  This UVA/UVB sunscreen is tested under the most extreme athletic conditions and won’t interfere with your workout.  Marathon-runner tested and suitable for rigorous sport activities, this oxybenzone-free broad spectrum sunscreen provides photo stable UVA/UVB protection and is proven to feel comfortable on skin. Enhanced with artemia salina, a plankton extract, this sunscreen increases skin’s resistance to UV and heat stress* and protects collagen from UV damage.

• Water resistant (80 minutes)
• Resists wear off from water, wiping, and rubbing
• Oxybenzone-free broad spectrum protection
• Provides short-term hydration
• Alcohol free, paraben free, and non-comedogenic

Pack these essential products into your own skin Self Care recovery kit and you will be good to go for summertime fun!

And if you have any questions, thoughts, or are looking for more skin care advice, please give me a call at (214) 383-1010.  I look forward to seeing you!

Warmest,

Lauren

Lead Esthetician, Cooper Spa at Craig Ranch