Foundation Woes: Study Warns Against Gym Makeup

It's a warning I heard countless times growing up: If I wear makeup to the gym, I'm going to break out. As a teenager with plenty of breakouts already, I dutifully listened to my dermatologist and entered the gym foundation-free, even on days I craved a hint of coverage. 

Research published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that wearing foundation during exercise can reduce skin oil, causing dryness while simultaneously clogging pores via increased sebum production. 

To reach these conclusions, researchers recruited 43 healthy college-aged students, including both men and women. They applied foundation to half of each participant's face, leaving the other half bare. Once applied, the participants completed a 20-minute treadmill exercise to spark some sweat production. 

Before and after the workout, researchers used a device to measure the skin's pores, elasticity, sebum, and oil production. While excess sebum (read: pore-clogging oil) increased in areas with foundation, other oils in the skin decreased, leading to dryness. 

They also found a moisture increase post-exercise in both makeup and non-makeup zones, but the increase was greater in the makeup zone, possibly due to the occlusive makeup preventing moisture evaporation. 

These findings reiterate the importance of a great pre-exercise skin care routine (makeup removal included), especially for those prone to dry and aging skin. 

As you age, natural oils and moisture factors, like ceramides and hyaluronic acid, in the skin begin to decrease. So, holding on to these hydrating agents becomes even more important. All that to say: Skipping foundation at the gym doesn't only apply to acne-prone skin.

Even if you're not wearing foundation to the gym, you should be cautious of what skin care products you use ahead of sweating too. You'd be wise to have a lightweight moisturizer on hand for these occasions (our go-to's here) and skip heavy creams and face oils, as they occlude the skin, possibly preventing sweat evaporation similar to a foundation. 

If you decide to exercise in the sunlight, apply SPF before you begin your workout and reapply if you're outside for more than two hours. 

A research study suggests that wearing foundation during a workout can blunt natural oil production, leading to skin dryness, among other concerns. To avoid this happening, your best bet is to remove your makeup ahead of your workout and follow up with a light moisturizer. Now, don't get it twisted—exercise itself is actually great for the skin. Here, more on the complexion benefits of regular movement, from circulation to mitochondrial health and more.