This gym bag essential has transformed my post-workout beauty routine

I’ve only recently got into fitness (I didn’t even own a pair of non-fashion trainers until this year), but making a change in 2019, I decided to make exercise a regular part of my routine, signing up for everything from barre to spinning. I even gave reformer pilates a go - never again!

But being an exercise novice, it’s hardly surprising that I didn’t have a post-gym skincare routine - I didn’t even know I needed one.

Regular exercise is proven to delay dermal ageing and increase the radiance by ensuring a good blood supply (carrying antioxidants and oxygen) to the skin is maintained, blocking the process of oxidation. As explained by Dr Anita Sturnham, internationally renowned doctor and dermatologist, 'By the time that we hit our 40s we typically see up to a 50 per cent reduction in blood flow to the deeper dermal layers of our skin, which means that nutrient supply to the skin is reduced. As a result, we need to start thinking about our long-term skin health in our 20s and 30s, as we know that prevention is better than cure. Multiple studies have confirmed that regular exercise can boost new blood vessel formation in the skin, which means that we can take measures to ensure that the blood flow and nutrient delivery to our skin remains efficient, potentially delaying cellular ageing.

'This also means that antioxidants (that work by neutralising free radicals and therefore preventing cell damage) and oxygen can be delivered to the skin readily, helping to block the process of oxidation, which is the main trigger for cell damage and collagen breakdown.'

Taking inspiration from all my thorough researching, and after speaking to friends, I discovered that a sonic facial cleansing brush was essential, as it provided one of the easiest and effective ways for post workout cleansing.

Having heard good reviews, I opted for the leading LUNA mini 2 by Swedish wellness and beauty tech brand, FOREO– a travel sized brush that fits easily in my gym bag.

Spoiler alert - It did not disappoint.

FOREO LUNA mini 2 is a silicone cleansing brush offering a deep cleanse in just 1 minute!If you’re new to the high tech cleansing brush concept, the revolutionary silicone beauty gadget creates sonic pulsations, and when massaged against your face in circular motions, gives a deep and thorough cleanse - the perfect (and invigorating) one-minute facial for post-gym sweat.

Leaving sweat to settle on your face for a prolonged period of time is detrimental, our Marie Claire beauty editor informed me, with the build up of dirt and toxins from pores causing breakouts and irritations. Apparently, scrubbing and washing with our hands alone is not as effective, in reaching the deep crevices of our pores. Scary eh’!

Quoting Dr Anita Sturnham: ‘Exercise has a number of health benefits however, workout can also cause havoc with our skin, particularly if you exercise with make- up on. Make up forms a clogging film over the skin, which can cause inflammation and irritation in your pores. If you are choosing to tailor your workout to also benefit your skin, then it’s important to remember that caring for it topically is of paramount importance. However, you exercise, sweating is inevitable, and while this is an important bodily function for removing toxins and impurities, leaving it on the skin can also result in clogged pores and dehydration. If you’re not removing the sweat from skin , then all the hard work you have done in your skin boosting exercise regime becomes redundant.'

She also informed me that skin is most receptive to sonic cleansing and the additional benefits it brings post-workout, with the FOREO LUNA mini 2 promising to reach deep into pores and wash away 99.5% of dirt, oil and dead skin cells. Move aside washcloth, I was sold.

I didn’t know what to expect but anything would be better than my sweaty gym-face & the knowledge of what happens if I leave sweat on my skin for too long, was a nightmare coming true, with the possibility of acne, increased photosensitivity and more.

Hence, after trying it out every day this month, I couldn’t believe the results.

How to use the LUNA mini 2 cleansing brush?

The device is simple to use, and involves exactly a minute, and 4 steps:

Step 1: Wet your face, and the device Step 2: Turn the device on, adjust the pulsations by pressing the (+)/(-) sign to suit your preference and add your favourite facial cleanser to it Step 3: Divide your face into four zones, and gently massage the cleansing brush, enabling it to work its magic on your skin, by deep cleansing through the pores Step 4: Wash your face and pat dry to feel the smoothness in the texture of your skin

My Verdict:

My face had honestly never felt cleaner and after consistent use for over a week, my skin has been feeling smoother, softer and healthier – not to mention, it looked a lot brighter. In fact I didn’t actually realise how bad my skin had been looking until I saw the results after investing in good products, like the LUNA mini 2.

I use a cleansing balm with the cleansing brush, but all cleansers can work except for the granulated ones; and combined with the adjustable pulsation intensities, you can customise your facial – and it only takes a minute. Minimal time and little effort for successful and genuine results, win-win in my book.

My biggest surprise was how it affected my face post-makeup, with my BB cream blending smoothly after the gentle exfoliation, giving me a naturally radiant look.

I didn’t even know I needed a post-gym skincare routine until recently, but now after one month, a good sonic facial cleansing brush is the foundation of my beauty regime.