Skincare for Runners
- Emmaline Tsui
- Jul 14
- 3 min read
We know that running is brilliant for your mind, your muscles, and your mood. But your skin? Not always such a fan. If you're clocking up the miles on the pavements or trails, you might notice your skin looking a little less radiant than your step count.
Whether you're an occasional jogger or training for your next marathon, here's how to keep your skin as strong as you are.
Sweat, Sun and Skin Stress
Running outdoors means you're exposing your skin to wind, UV rays, pollution, sweat, and repetitive impact. All of these can add up to irritation, pigmentation, dehydration, and even collagen breakdown. What does that mean? Your skin might start to look dull, tired or older than it needs to.
SPF, always. This is your absolute non-negotiable. You wouldn't head out without your trainers, and the same goes for sunscreen. I always recommend Nimue SPF 40 if you're looking for lightweight, high-performance protection that doesn’t feel greasy mid-run. For those needing a higher SPF as well as UV protection, Nimue Environmental Shield SPF 50 is a brilliant upgrade, especially for city runners dealing with pollution.
Both are broad spectrum, beautifully formulated, and actually good for your skin too thanks to antioxidants and hydrating actives. The Environmental Shield is just a higher factor (SPF 50) and also has blue light and IR protection (great if your WFH). Just remember to reapply if you're running long distances or heading out again later in the day.
Cleanse That Sweat Off
Post-run, your skin is dealing with a cocktail of sweat, sebum, and SPF (and potentially makeup too). Resist the urge to scrub it after your run. Instead, reach for the Revision Papaya Enzyme Cleanser. It's gentle, effective, and perfect for removing build-up without stripping your skin barrier. Think of it as the post-workout smoothie for your face.
Hydrate and Soothe
Running naturally increases inflammation in the body, which can show up as redness, blotchiness, or reactive skin. This is where Senté’s Dermal Repair Cream steps in beautifully. It's packed with ingredients like heparan sulfate analogues and niacinamide to calm, hydrate and support skin recovery after a sweaty session. There is also the Nimue Soothing Repair Serum which is instantly calming and soothing on the skin.
If you're prone to flushing or your skin feels sensitive after exercise, these two products are some of the best formulas to rebalance things quickly.
Support From Within
Let’s not forget your skin's support system. If you’re not already on Skinade, now’s the time. Running puts repetitive impact on your body, including your face, which can accelerate collagen loss over time. Skinade is one of the best daily habits for anyone active. It works from the inside out to keep skin plump, hydrated, and more resilient to stress. Let's also not forget that as it's a collagen supplement, its brilliant for muscle repair too post run. I love to add it to my protein smoothie to give me that extra boost.
Keep Things Consistent
Your skincare doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does need to be consistent. Running regularly? Then your skincare needs to show up for you just as often.
Here’s a simple runner-friendly skincare routine if you like to go for a run before work.
AM: Cleanse lightly, apply your Nimue SPF 40 or 50. (no need to add all your serums and things if you're only going to wash them off again after your run).
Post-run: Cleanse with Revision Papaya Enzyme Cleanser, follow with Senté Dermal Repair Cream (or your usual hydrating skincare routine) and your SPF again.
PM: Cleanse, apply a targeted serum or overnight treatment, and hydrate
And drink your Skinade daily to support collagen, hydration, and long-term skin health.
Want help customising your routine?
Book a free Skin Check-In with me and I’ll map out a plan based on your lifestyle, skin type and goals.
I hope you've found this useful,
Thank you so much for reading,
Emmaline
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