Photo: CorePower Yoga
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Hot Yoga Skin Care Guide
I asked my friend and fellow yoga-enthusiast, Pamela Arcand to share the do's and don'ts of hot yoga skin care as well as a few natural and organic products suggestions. Pam is an esthetician at Fuga Salon & Spa in Lakeview who practices in the heat regularly and works on a few hot yoga instructors, so she knows first hand how to prevent damage from the intense sweating of a hot yoga class.
In addition to following her super simple tips, treat yourself once a month to a facial at Fuga and you'll never have to worry about "hot yoga face."
First things first, HYDRATE!
Pam says: I cannot stress this enough! What's the difference between a raisin and a grape? Hydration! The amount of water you drink really shows up on your face, so you should drink throughout the day, especially on days when you're going to class.
Dry Skin vs. Dehydrated Skin
There's a difference between dry and dehydrated skin. You don't have to have your skin flaking off to be dehydrated because dehydration is all about water level in skin. You can have very oily skin and be dehydrated. Dry skin is the surface, superficial dead top layer and dehydration is internal.
In addition to staying hydrated with water and eating lots of fruits and veggies, look for products that contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, citrus acid, avocado oil and olive oil. Also, because skin can be sensitized after practice, calming ingredients like calendula, arnica and colloidal oatmeal are ideal.
Wash Your Face Immediately After Class.
If your studio doesn't provide showers, at least take time to wash your face after class. Any time you sweat, your skin pushes out toxins. This is great, but sweat also pushes out salt, which is very irritating to the skin. The humidity in the room also opens up pores and you're putting your face on a mat in the same spot your sweaty feet just were.
Try: A gentle, yet effective cleanser that won't dry out your skin, like Aubrey Organics Sea Buckthorn & Cucumber with Ester C Facial Cleansing Cream or Suki Moisture-Rich Cleaning Lotion.
Don't Scrub.
Skin is generally inflamed and red, which causes broken capillaries. Most people have sensitive skin after class, the blood is pumping and it's almost overly stimulated. So a scrub or anything like that afterwards can be too intense.
Do a Mask.
Go with something more nourishing and moisturizing. Like I mentioned, the pores are open, similar to the effects of using a steamer during a facial, so why not take advantage of that with a mask? (Ed not: we both recognize that this may not be possible at some studios, but we both go to CorePower, which has nice showers).
Try: Yonka's Masque No. 1 (only available for professional services, so you'll have to come to Fuga to experience it first) or Dr. Hauschka's Moisturizing Mask.
Moisturize.
After cleansing, finish with a moisturizer that's appropriate for your skin type. My skin likes moisturizer made for dehydrated skin after practicing hot yoga on a regular basis.
Try: Yonka Crème 28 (the best!) or Simply Divine Amazing Face Rejuvenating Moisturizer (not just for dehydrated skin, an all-around great moisturizer).
For the Fellas.
The same rules apply to men, although I've noticed that men are less likely to use a mask and like their products to have a lighter consistency and scent.
Try: Pangea Organics Egyptian Calendula and Blood Orange Cleanser with Pangea Organics Egyptian Fennel with Rosemary and Mint Moisturizer or Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel and Dermalogica Active Moist Moisturizer.
What about Facial Cleaning Pads?
It depends on the product. I feel like a lot of the products out there, like Oil of Olay or whatever, have so many chemicals that it's not worth it. Washing really is best, but if you're in a pinch, go with a natural one.
Try: Trader Joe's Oat Facial Wipes or Dessert Essence Wipes.
Deep Treat.
I'd say come in to Fuga and get the Signature Facial. I do a skin analysis and we tailor the facial to fit your needs. The signature facial uses Yonka products, which are essential oil based. Most people who are into yoga prefer a natural-based facial and the signature facial is gentle yet effective and a great place to build upon.
Fuga Salon & Spa is located at 3853 N. Southport.
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