Skin Care Essentials For the Fit Girl Who's Always on the Go

By Dominique Michelle Astorino

Updated on 2/25/2016 at 6:15 AM

POPSUGAR Photography | Benjamin Stone
POPSUGAR Photography | Benjamin Stone
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When you head to the gym or the studio, you typically have one thing on your mind: taking care of your body. Okay, that and did you pack an extra pair of underwear? But we're here with another friendly reminder: while you're taking care of your body, remember your skin! The excess oils and sweat from your fitness routine can build up on your face, which can lead to breakouts, rashes, and a slew of icky problems.

But sometimes you're squeezing in a quick workout on your lunch break, and you don't even have a spare minute to wash your face — don't worry, we've got a solution. And if you have a little extra time, we also have some pointers for a luxe post-workout mini facial.

Related: Gym-Bag Beauty Products

When You Have 0 Minutes: Face Wipes
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When You Have 0 Minutes: Face Wipes

When you're so busy you have to skip savasana (PS, don't do that!) and head back to the office, make sure you have a pack of cleansing facial cloths to wipe up the sweat, oils, and any residual makeup — all of which could be the culprits behind your next breakout or skin irritation. Here are some that I love:

When You Have 5 Minutes (or Less): Cleanse and Moisturize
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When You Have 5 Minutes (or Less): Cleanse and Moisturize

If you can give yourself two to five minutes to take care of your skin, make sure you keep a small bottle of your favorite cleanser and moisturizer in your gym bag. It'll make a world of difference. You can bring your face wash into the shower and dab a little moisturizer on your face on the go.

I carry a tiny travel-sized bottle of Cetaphil ($12) — I refill it with my big bottle at home — in my gym bag, as well as a small bottle of Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel ($36).

After you cleanse, you'll have eliminated most of the oils on your face, so make sure you replenish with your favorite moisturizer. Since my skin is on the drier side, I've been a big fan of Clinique's Moisture Surge ($39) for a long time, and lately I’ve also been loving the Kate Somerville 'Nourish' Daily Moisturizer ($65).

When You Have 10 Minutes: The Full Routine
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When You Have 10 Minutes: The Full Routine

So you’ve got some extra time after your workout, and you're taking full advantage of your locker room facilities — but you don't want to haul everything from your medicine cabinet in your gym bag, right? Size down with your favorite skin care items. I swap my Clarisonic Mia for their gym bag-friendly Mia FIT ($189) — it takes up minimal space and gives a really deep clean — and a travel-sized Dermalogica skin care set.

Try these 10 gym beauty hacks for face, hair, and makeup, and you'll make your gym's locker room feel like a spa retreat.