For beauty enthusiasts who enjoy high-intensity workouts, even the most energising sessions can come with a few concerns. While the detoxifying and endorphin-boosting benefits of sweating in a heated environment are undeniable, they can sometimes be overshadowed by worries about post-workout breakouts and frizz. The same conditions that make these workouts so effective can also contribute to clogged pores and increased hair stress, leading to breakage.
“Heated workouts can trigger a range of flare-ups, especially in individuals who are already prone to certain conditions,” says Jenna Queller, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of DermWorks. “I commonly see worsening acne due to sweat, heat, and occlusion, which can trap oil and bacteria in the pores.”
Luckily, a few small tweaks to your routine can help you get the most out of your favorite workout while keeping your skin and hair happy. Ahead, experts share their best tips, from heat protection to rehydrating recovery.
How can heated workouts affect your skin?
In most cases, the way that you care for your skin before and after a heated workout matter more than what actually happens in class. But certain skin conditions and concerns might be impacted by high temperatures more than others.
“Conditions like rosacea and eczema can also flare, as heat and sweating increase vasodilation and skin sensitivity,” Dr. Queller says. “Patients with melasma may notice worsening pigmentation, since heat itself, not just UV exposure, can stimulate melanocytes.” Additionally, Dr. Queller says that allowing sweat to sit on the skin for prolonged periods can trigger folliculitis and general irritation.
How to prep your skin for class
“The goal is to start with a clean, balanced canvas,” Dr. Queller says. “I recommend cleansing the skin beforehand to remove makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil, which can otherwise become occlusive when mixed with sweat.” The expert also recommends prioritizing light hydration over heavy creams or active-heavy products (like retinoids or exfoliating acids) before class, since heat can increase sensitivity and irritation.
“Some people also like to use a hyperdiluted hypochlorous acid spray like Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray before a workout,” Dr. Queller says. “It’s gentle, can help calm the skin, and provides an extra layer of protection from sweat-induced irritation without disrupting the skin barrier.”
How to care for your skin after a heated workout
As much as prep matters, the best thing you can do is cleanse your skin as soon as possible after a heated workout to remove sweat, bacteria, and debris. Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser so as not to further strip the surface of your skin. “From there, focus on restoring the skin barrier with gentle, hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide,” Dr. Queller says.
If you’re acne-prone, Dr. Queller recommends using a mild salicylic acid cleanser a few times per week to help keep your pores clear. “For those prone to redness or sensitivity, calming ingredients like aloe vera or thermal spring water can be helpful,” she says. “The key is to avoid over-exfoliating as your skin is already in a sensitized state after heat exposure.”
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How to protect your hair during a heated workout
Your skin isn’t the only thing losing moisture during a hot yoga class or post-gym sauna session. “Heat and sweat can stress the hair and scalp, and repeated exposure can lead to dryness, frizz, and breakage—particularly in color-treated or chemically processed hair,” Dr. Queller says.
“I recommend applying a lightweight leave-in conditioner or a nourishing oil to create a protective barrier and minimize moisture loss,” Dr. Queller says. As for which hairstyles to wear to class? Skip the slick-backs. Experts say to opt for loose buns and braids, and to choose soft fabric scrunchies over high-tension styles and tight elastic bands, which can cause tension, friction, and breakage.
Keep in mind that wet hair is more delicate: “Going into a heated workout with damp hair can actually make it more vulnerable,” says Lia Hakim, professional hairstylist and founder of Hott Salons.
Symptoms of hair damage can be less obvious than skin distress. “Look for dryness, increased tangling, rough ends, and small broken pieces around the hairline,” says Jewell Faranso Hingorani, pro stylist and founder of Jewell Clip. “Breakage is often worsened by heat combined with tight hairstyles.” One major damage indictor is that your hair isn’t holding styles as well as it used to: “That loss of elasticity is often tied to repeated stress from heat, sweat, and tension,” Hakim says.
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Do you need to use heat protectant?
Don’t let the name fool you: Your go-to heat-resistant styling product actually isn’t the best way to protect your hair in a heated workout. “Traditional heat protectants are designed for tools like blow-dryers and curling irons, whose temperatures are significantly higher and more direct. Heated workouts are different,” Hakim says. “The heat is more ambient, but combined with sweat and friction, it can still cause stress on the hair.”
But that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. “To prep your hair for a heated workout and maximize protection, start by gently detangling to remove knots and reduce breakage,” says expert stylist and colorist Jennifer Korab. “Then apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner, hair oil, or protective spray to lock in moisture and shield strands from sweat and friction.”
How to care for your hair and scalp post-workout
In addition to minimizing damage to your strands, scalp care should be a priority after any heated class. “It’s important to cleanse the scalp to remove sweat, oil, and buildup, which can otherwise lead to irritation or flaking,” Dr. Queller says. “Use a gentle shampoo and follow with a hydrating conditioner to replenish moisture.”
Can't wash your hair immediately? Dr. Queller recommends keeping a lightweight refreshing scalp mist in your gym bag. Speaking of quick fixes: “Dry shampoo can be helpful, but it should not replace cleansing,” Hakim says. “Think of it as a temporary refresh, not a long-term solution. Overuse can clog follicles and create buildup, especially when combined with sweat.” Hakim also recommends incorporating a weekly scalp exfoliation or detox treatment.
“Over time, incorporating regular deep-conditioning and protein treatments can help repair damage and maintain healthy, resilient hair,” Korab says. Especially if you’re attending heated workouts regularly, Faranso Hingorani recommends using a hydrating mask one to two times per week, followed by a lightweight serum or oil to lock in moisture.
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Originally published on Glamour US.
