Skincare Tips For Dancers

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Dancing affects the skin the same way as any physical activity does. When you’re dancing, you’re sweating all the time. And you know what happens when sweat mixes with the skin’s natural oils and dead skin cells -- breakouts!

Common skin problems like dancer acne, redness, inflammation are often caused by excessive sweating. To avoid skin problems, you need to take care of your skin! Skin love is, after all, self love! In this guide, we’re spilling skincare secrets for dancers straight from the pros:

7 Skincare Tips for Dancers

Remove Makeup Carefully

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Let’s face it; you barely have the energy left to remove your makeup after a night of social dancing. Often, we tend to scrub all the makeup away just to speed things up so you can finally go to bed and get some shut-eye. But being gentle on your skin is vital to prevent premature wrinkles and reduce breakouts.

To break down heavy makeup, use a cream-based makeup remover or cleansing oil. These products remove thick layers of makeup, even waterproof mascara and eyeliner quickly --- no scrubbing needed. Also, these products won’t strip the skin of moisture, so your skin is clean yet hydrated. 

Stick to a (Skincare) Routine

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When it comes to achieving and maintaining clear, youthful skin, consistency is key! You should have a morning and a nighttime skincare regimen to keep your skin in tip-top shape. 

In the AM

• Start with a gentle cleanser to remove all the gunk that your skin produces in the morning
• Apply a hydrating toner to even out the skin tone, keep the skin clear from pimples, and maintain moisture
• Follow up with a lightweight moisturizer while the skin is still damp
• Apply your favorite SPF as a base for your daytime makeup

In the PM

• Use a cream or oil-based makeup remover and gently remove makeup 
• Exfoliate your skin with a physical exfoliant (a face scrub or an ultrasonic face brush) once a week 
• Use a non-drying toner to bring moisture back to the skin
• Apply a heavier face cream at night to plump up the skin while you sleep
• Apply your favorite eye cream to reduce darkness and puffiness around the eyes
• Finish up with a good face serum or face oil

Hands Off Your Face!

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You might not be aware of it, but you’re touching your face all the time. And every time you’re touching your face, you’re adding and spreading pimple-causing germs and grime all over. Yikes! So do your skin a huge favor and keep your hands off your face. 

Make a habit of washing your hands every chance you get and clean your mobile phone. Anything that touches your skin every day should be disinfected -- air pods, wallet, make brushes, etc. An antibacterial wipe or germ-killing soap should do it. 

Avoid Harsh, Irritating Chemicals

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Exposing the skin to harsh, irritating chemicals can lead to severe breakouts. And for dancers, irritants aren’t just limited to certain skincare products. Hair gels, hair spray, tanning sprays, body glitters, even certain fragrances could trigger a skin breakout on the face and body. This goes especially for people with sensitive skin or acne-prone skin. 

If you keep getting persistent pimples all over your hairline, get your hair done first before your makeup. When applying hair products, protect your forehead from these with a tissue or wipe the forehead clean with a makeup wipe or damp cloth. If you’re getting backne or dancer acne from certain tanning products, body moisturizers, etc., look for a gentler alternative. 

Healthy Habits

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Apart from taking care of your skin on the outside, you can take care of your skin on the inside. Developing healthy habits is key to a healthy body. Here are some healthy habits that will lead to better skin:

• Get at least 7 hours of zzz’s at night
• Eat fresh, healthy foods: fruits, vegetables, lean meat, and healthy carbs
• Say no to smoking
• Avoid drinking alcoholic drinks
• Stay hydrated, drink at least eight glasses of water on a regular day and more during hot days

Manage Stress

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Social dancing is a terrific way to manage stress. But on days when you’re not donning your Yami Latin dance shoes, find ways to limit stress. Why? Stress causes a spike in stress hormone cortisol. When these hormones are elevated all the time, it triggers a breakout. Relaxing helps flood the body with feel-good hormones like endorphins, which minimizes the risk of a severe breakout. 

Getting a massage, taking a walk, chatting with a friend over coffee, and reading a good book are just a few of the many ways to manage stress. Be kind to yourself, find ways to soothe weary nerves, and you’ll see dramatic improvements on your skin!

Use Clean Makeup Brushes and Sponges

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Dirty makeup brushes and sponges have billions of germs on them. Imagine spreading that germs all over your skin, no thanks. Always use clean makeup brushes when applying makeup. You have to clean your makeup tools at least thrice every month. Use warm, soapy water to deep clean your makeup brushes and sponges. Also, be sure to wipe each brush with antibacterial wipes in between use. 

Good habits make for healthy skin. With these tips, you’ll see your complexion clear up and banish breakouts. And remember, social dancing helps maintain healthy skin too. All that dancing keeps the circulation going, which gives the skin a youthful glow!