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So whats the deal with this redness and why does it happen?

writer with post gym redness

Emily Rekstis

Skin is like the body’s natural air conditioner.

So I talked with dermatologists and makeup artists to find the five best ways to reduce post-workout redness.

Heres what happened when I put their strategies to the test.

before and after washcloth

Emily Rekstis

Sweat and skin rednesswork together to cool off the skin.

This change from liquid sweat to vapor consumes energy in the form of heat and thus cools the skin.

This has always been my go-to stay-cool trick to help manage my redness.

before and after wipe

Emily Rekstis

Time is really what calms down blotchy red skin when I use this method.

The hydrating mist just makes my skin feel smoother and less tight afterwards.

This was similar to the first technique, but more reactive than preventive.

before and after primer

Emily Rekstis

Post-gym red skin needs soothing hydration, Bass says.

I rinsed and splashed cold water on my face and patted dry with a towel.

Then, hoping to keep my skin from getting too sticky or greasy, I used MMBalance Serum.

before and after highlighter

Emily Rekstis

It definitely helped calm it down a bit but was no quick fix.

Sometimes using these can really calm everything down, she avers.

I’ve seen it happen with my own face!

And I have to say, I really enjoyed using them!

I packed one in mylegging pocketfor a morning run and wiped down my face during my cool-down walk home.

Immediately, my skin felt cleaner and less tight and irritated.

I dont think it completely got rid of my redness, but it definitely helped.

These wipes also do smell amazing, or, as Greenberg puts it, they smell like a spa!

When applying makeup, don’t go overboard with anti-redness products, warns Bass.

The redness will calm down by itself sooner or later.

She recommends a tinted moisturizer rather than a heavier foundation to cover post-workout flush.

Greenberg suggests a green tinted primer tocancel out redness.

Sometimes that’s all you need!

However, I know sometimes that isnt all you need.

And I have to say I was pleasantly surprised!

I usedMarc Jacobs Beauty Cover(t) Stick Color Correctorin 320, $42.

Its so user-friendly and perfect for on-the-go utility.

I swiped onto only the really red areas like my nose, cheeks and chin.

I thought this little duo did a really great job toning down my redness without looking too makeup-y.

Not only was my face reddening from the workout, but theAugust heatdidnt help to cool it down.

So this combo was much-needed for the rest of my morning activities and and it held up all day!

Greenberg suggests embracing the natural flush and accentuating it with a little bit of highlighter.

I like to take a highlighter and place it right on the top of the flush, she says.

Now it looks like glowing blush!

I loved this little trick after my not-too-intenseNew York Pilatesworkout.

I thought this non-liquid, non-greasy formula would be perfect for my sweaty skin and I was right!

It blended into my skin nicely and left me with that post-workout glow Ive always been envious of.