Updated on Apr. 22, 2021
You just finished a rigorous sweat session and showering isn't an option. We asked fitness instructors to share their best tips, tricks, and product picks that will leave you looking, feeling, and smelling fresh. Now, there's no excuse to skip a workout.
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Maybe you run in the morning before you sit down to work or you jump on the treadmill for a quick run at lunch. However you exercise, if you don’t have time to shower, you likely don’t look, smell, or feel so fresh afterward. But there are plenty of ways you can freshen up without a head-to-toe cleanse. We asked fitness experts for their favorite tips and the products they love when they need a quick fix after a workout. Here are their post-exercise tricks.
Pre-workout, pull your hair up into a high bun, pony, or braid—using a stretchy elastic. This will keep hair off your neck, helping you stay cool and preventing strands from getting super sweaty or greasy. Emily Burkhardt, instructor at Flywheel, praises creaseless hair ties. These are different than traditional ponytail holders because they don’t leave a mark behind. “They’re the reason I’m able to let my locks down after a great workout—without getting that dreaded dent in my hair.”
Post-workout cleansing is a must to wash away sweat, stink, and blemish-causing bacteria. When you can’t shower, wipes are the next best thing. Katia Pryce, founder and creator of DanceBody, has her post-workout routine down to a science. “Living the life of a trainer, I don’t always have time to shower after class. When that happens, I use Clean & Clear Makeup Dissolving Facial Cleansing Wipes,” she says. If you have acne-prone skin, dermatologists recommend wipes with bacteria-busting salicylic acid.
A shower in a sheet? Yes, please! You can’t beat the convenience of full-body wipes, such as Yuni Shower Sheets, which are individually wrapped, moist wipes that are organic, alcohol-free, and biodegradable, and Herban Essentials Lemon Towelettes, infused with uplifting lemon essential oil. You can even use them to wipe down your phone or tablet to prevent the spread of germs.
Say bye-bye to body odor. Deodorant is a post-workout essential—especially when you don’t have the time or access to a shower. Because no matter how fresh you look, if you smell like the inside of a locker room, there’s no fooling anyone. Look for a formula with baking soda, which combats odor and absorbs wetness.
“I always keep Schmidt’s Rose + Vanilla Stick in my bag for a quick refresher after class,” says Kim Villanueva, co-founder of Core Pilates NYC. Need a super-portable, single-use option? Try an EO Natural Deodorant Wipe, made with naturally antiseptic lavender (and zero aluminum, parabens, or phthalates, in case you’re concerned). You could stash it in a back pocket anytime you think you might need a refresher.
Walking around in sweaty clothes post-workout is a major no-no. Hanging out in sweat-soaked fabrics can cause breakouts, pH imbalances, and vaginal irritation. It also just plain stinks. Do yourself—and others around you—a favor, and get into a fresh change of clothes, including socks and underwear. Don’t miss the reasons you shouldn’t re-wear sweaty gym clothes too.
The heat and sweat from exercise can take a toll on your complexion, leaving it irritated and flushed. Natural beauties and fitness buffs agree that facial mists can reduce redness and soothe skin. Try Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist, with rose essential oil, marshmallow, and aloe to help hydrate and soften skin, and grapefruit seed extract to add antioxidant protection, or Herbivore Rose Hibiscus Hydrating Face Mist, made with coconut water and infused with hibiscus petals and Bulgarian roses. Need more options? Check out these 8 face mist sprays that come expert-recommended.
After skin is cleansed and soothed, moisturizing is a must. Look for a lightweight product that won’t clog pores or leave behind greasy residue. “I’m currently really into Maria Akerberg Face Lotion Clearing,” says Eliza Shirazi, founder of Kick It By Eliza. “It’s worked wonders for my sensitive skin, keeps my acne in check, and also smells amazing.” Dermatologists love Glytone Hydrating Cream that balances acne-prone skin.
Dry shampoo is not negotiable when it comes to your post-workout ‘do. It absorbs sweat and adds volume back to lifeless locks. “As a fitness instructor, there’s rarely time to shower and wash my hair between workouts. So in a pinch, I use Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo,” says Chrysetta Stevens, instructor at Flex Studios. “I love the fragrance, and it refreshes my hair in seconds.” Other fitness pros love Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo, which whisks away dirt, sweat, and oil without leaving any residue. Baby powder works too—just be careful not to apply too much. A few strategic shakes on roots and underneath is all you need. (Here are the absolute worst hair mistakes.)
Oral hygiene (aka brushing, flossing, and swishing) is part of your morning and evening routine, so why would you skip it post-workout? While you don’t need to go through all the steps, mouthwash is a quick and easy way to kill bad breath germs and freshen breath. If swishing takes too long, try a spritz with the purse-friendly Listerine PocketMist.
Post-exercise, keep makeup simple—no need to go for a full face. After prepping skin (with the previous steps), apply a creamy concealer to counteract any redness. Next, give your cheeks and lips a hint of color with a dual purpose product, such as the Multibalm by Pixi. Add a coat or two of mascara, and finish with a quick dusting of SPF face powder, such as ColoreScience Sunforgettable Broad Spectrum SPF 50.
The right fragrance can mask a whole host of olfactory evils. “The Laundress Sport Spray is one of my all-time fave post-workout products,” says says Marisa Berardo, instructor at SLT. “It makes me feel put together and oh-so-athleisurely, even with a beet-red face.” Bonus that it’s non-toxic and has antibacterial properties, so it adds scent while removing odor. (Check out these 8 smells that make people happy.)
Experts agree that good old water is the best beverage around. But after a particularly grueling workout, you might need a little something more. “After a tough class, I make sure to drink lots of water to replace everything I just sweat out. I also love coconut water. It’s hydrating, tasty, and full of potassium for my sore muscles,” says Melody Scharff, instructor at Fhitting Room. Another popular recovery beverage that’s half the calories of coconut water is maple water. Try DrinkMaple, made from the water of Vermont maple trees—with natural vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and electrolytes.
