Written By: Jamie Alexandra Murphy

Angelinos flock to the cities ‘natural gyms' to enjoy outdoor exercise. Runyon Canyon, Santa Monica Blvd's bike path and Roxbury Park are a few personal favorites ;) Read on to learn the perfect skin care regimen before your next excursion.

Also:

Which SPF should you be using?

How important is it to know your skin type?

Why your sports wear may be the cause of your acne!

How chlorine is related to pre-mature aging!

...and which products work the best

PLUS! A fun tip 'quick fix' for your next event that involves serene wrap!

Did you know that our skin has approximately 650 sweat glands per square inch (and 100 oil glands)?! When you exercise, you sweat. (if you're working hard enough) When you sweat, you excrete toxins from the body. And when your pores are open, they're more apt to absorb the suns harmful rays. I sat with Bliss Spa Skin Care therapist Holly Waite to uncover the skin care commandments for outdoor exercise.

J

SPF. What should we be using?

H

Oil-free and waterproof SPF sunscreen is ideal [for an active individual]. A SPF 15-45 is your best bet when purchasing. Remember, the difference between SPF's is not strength it's duration.

(see Q #6 for product suggestion)

J

Routinely, we should cleanse morning and night. What if our workout is mid-day? Should we cleanse before?

H

You don't want to cleanse too much! This leads to dehydration. Before your workout, you should apply toner to a wet cotton pad to remove makeup/dirt from skin. After workout, do your normal cleanse to remove the sweat and toxins our skin excretes during exercise. You've just let go of tons of toxins that are now just hanging out on your face. Wash it off!

J

This means cleansing up to 3 times in one day for some people! Should these individuals switch to a gentler wash?

H

It really depends on your type. This is where skin care gets really personal. Whether your skin is sensitive, oily, acneic or dry will determine your best choice. See an esthetician for a consultation if in question. Knowing your skin type is very important for the perfect regimen.

(see Q#6 for product suggestions)

J

What is your advice for those prone to breakouts from sweat/exercise?

H

More times than not breakouts that occur [due to sweat/exercise] are caused by the type of clothing overlying the area of concern. Tight clothes slow our bodies natural exfoliation process. Spandex trap the released toxins [between your bum and the material] and penetrates them back into the skin! Same for ‘b-acne', That area of your shirt is usually the tightest, as your shoulders and back support the garment. Little breathing room= lots of chance for breakout!

(see Q#6 for product suggestion)

J

What about swimmers subject to high levels of chlorine?

H

Swimmers should be using a deep moisturizer daily as pool chemicals will leave skin dehydrated, which in turn may lead to pre-mature aging. A toner is equally important as this drying chemical alters our skins levels of PH balance. Again, choice of product depends on your type.

(see Q#6 for product suggestion)

J

Okay, talk product with me:

Oil-free, waterproof SPF?

H

SkinCeuticals Sport SPF 45 $35.00

J

Pre workout Toner?

H

For sensitive skin: Daily Detoxifying Toner $26.00

For acneic skin: Steep Clean Toning Pads $36.00

J

Heavy duty body scrub?

H

Hot Salt Scrub by Bliss! Too abrasive for your face but perfect for daily use on your body

$36.00

J

Deep moisturizer?

H

Its very important that you choose based on your skin type. blissworld.com to browse

J

Other fun products?

H

Fat Girl Slim $29.00

This product is fabulous for those areas with ‘cellulite‘! It stimulates lymph flow and will diminish those annoying fat pockets.

Love Handler $36.00

Amazing for the abdominal area and for the ‘ pesky spare tire'! It has caffeine that will remove the excess water from the body.

FUT TIP: apply on desired area and rub for 20-30 seconds. Then, serene wrap the area for an even deeper detox effect. Next, simply hit the treadmill!

Note, this is removing water that is stored. Not fat. So, please don't confuse this with ‘losing fat'. Water is not fat! Use this as a ‘quick fix' for an event or beach date!

Holly is a licensed esthetician at the W Hotel Los Angeles Bliss Spa and is available for skin treatments by appointment only on Tuesday, Friday and Saturdays. I visit as religiously as I live by her skin care commandments. See you at the canyon!

Thank You for reading! Please feel free to contact me: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PEACE! Love You ;)