The other regime you need to nail next time you work out .

The inherent paradox of the fitness fanatic is that the very thing he does to make himself look and feel better – gruelling leg days, masochistic CrossFit sessions – invariably ends up having the opposite effect. Muscles tear, cramp and, over time, appearance suffers. To wit: greasy hair, flushed skin, bacne and the many unmentionable repercussions of profuse sweating.

The savvy gym-goer, on the other hand, comes equipped with his own hardwearing grooming gear and a meticulous post-workout routine that counteracts the cosmetic complications that come with high-intensity training. With the right products and a little technical knowledge, it’s possible to transition from bench press to boardroom looking fresher than a new pair of adidas Gazelles.

A good sweat is a satisfying sign of a hard workout, not to mention an effective way for the whole body (including the skin) to detox. And somewhere among all the urea, excess sugar and salt seeping out of your glands is an antimicrobial peptide called dermcidin, which, rather cleverly, fights germs and viruses. To a certain extent, sweat is your friend.

But when sweat mixes with the dead cells, product residue and sebum sitting on your skin, a pore-clogging cocktail is formed. Sweat also creates an enticingly warm and moist environment for the bacteria that causes acne: ergo, volcanic spots all over your face (and possibly your back).

As counterintuitive as it sounds, it’s wise to cleanse your face before you get your heart rate up. Perricone MD’s Blue Plasma Cleansing Treatment is a liquid face wash that doesn’t require rinsing. Alternatively, you could carry some gentle face wipes such as Mio Skincare’s Clean Slate Workout Swipe in your gym bag.

A post-workout cleanse is just as necessary and should be undertaken as quickly as possible. Never wait for the sweat to dry before you start washing. A stronger, acne-fighting formula such as Clinique For Men Anti-Blemish Solutions Cleansing Foam can be used if spots are already visible. And shower. Definitely shower.

Exercise increases blood flow to the surface of the skin where capillaries dilate in order to accommodate the surge of oxygen-rich fluid. This is a good thing since it is improved circulation that gives you a healthy glow. But for guys with fair or sensitive complexions – and especially those who struggle with conditions such as rosacea – this natural mechanism can leave them looking like Star Wars’ Darth Maul before their third rep.

Cooling the body back down is the most effective way to relieve a flushed face. Rather than loiter in the frozen foods section of your local Whole Foods, you might want to consider doing less cardio, working out in a cooler environment or performing interval training, so that your body temperature has sufficient time to regulate in between sets. Needless to say, a steaming hot post-workout shower isn’t ideal for guys struggling with red skin, either.

If blotchy skin persists, a quality anti-inflammatory or anti-redness moisturiser packed with soothing ingredients such as chamomile, aloe or calendula should help calm any flare-ups. Try REN Skincare’s Evercalm™ Anti-Redness Serum or MALIN + GOETZ’s Vitamin E Face Moisturizer . Beware of putting anything too “active” or chemical-ridden on angry post-workout skin.

Tip: if rashes or redness occur below the neckline then an anti-friction product such as Anthony No Sweat Body Defense can help alleviate irritation. This innovative cream-to-powder formula uses tapioca starch to keep you dry downstairs and prevent unpleasant chafing.

There’s no one-size-fits-all grooming routine, but you’d be well advised to avoid shaving before a workout – especially if you’re prone to sweating like a farm animal. Skin will already be sensitised from the trauma of blade-contact and a heavy dose of salty man sweat is likely to exacerbate any existing irritation. In an ideal world, a perfect shave ends with cold water (to seal pores) and a healthy dollop of moisturising balm (for rehydration). Intense exercise undoes these critical closing steps.

A post-workout shave is preferable for the exact same reasons: pores will already be open, while hairs will be considerably softer from all the sweat and heat. Allow a little time to cool down before you start hacking away with your three-piece safety razor and take a shower, using a mild face wash such as Perricone MD’s Gentle Cleanser to remove any sweaty residue from your workout. This will reduce the likelihood of any cuts caused by razor drag.

If your lunchtime workout means you end up showering more than once within 24 hours, then it might be worth refraining from that second lather. This is because the sulfates and surfactants in the average shampoo will strip your hair of natural oils, which keep it conditioned and healthy.

While this will preserve your locks, you may end up with a pungent post-workout scalp. To that end, be sure to carry a dry shampoo in your kit and use it before and after your workout (once it has air dried). Rahua’s Voluminous Dry Shampoo is a great option as is Oribe’s Dry Texturizing Spray. Styling unwashed hair can be achieved with Baxter of California’s Clay Pomade, a styling wax that cleverly mops up any excess oil.

If you still feel like you’re not clean enough, then try “cowashing” with a cleansing conditioner instead of a bog-standard shampoo. Cleansing conditioners are somewhere in between a shampoo and a conditioner, and are formulated without the sulfates, detergents and chemicals that strip hair of natural oils. Try R+Co’s Analog Cleansing Foam Conditioner or Lab Series Age Rescue+ Densifying Conditioner.

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