Let’s Talk About Athlete Skincare: How to Keep Your Skin Clear On and

Let’s Talk About Athlete Skincare: How to Keep Your Skin Clear On and Off the Court

Whether you’re sprinting drills, serving aces, or hitting hot yoga after practice, sweat is inevitable. But breakouts? Totally preventable.

At Corts, we know the grind doesn’t stop when the buzzer sounds. You’re pushing limits in the gym, on the court, and everywhere in between, which means your skin is under constant pressure too. But clear, calm, glowy skin? That’s part of the game plan.

Here’s your no-fluff guide to skincare for athletes who actually sweat, plus our favorite products to keep in your gym bag or locker.

Why Athlete Skincare Matters

Let’s be real: being an athlete comes with next-level challenges for your skin. Think:

Constant sweating
Dirt, grime, and gym floor bacteria (ew)
Friction from sweat towels
Not enough time for a full 10-step routine

Translation? Clogged pores, redness, and breakouts are lurking if you’re not taking care of your skin before, during, and after training. But the fix isn’t complicated, just consistent.

Skincare Tips for Athletes (That Don’t Take 30 Minutes)

Start with a Clean Face

Never start a workout with makeup on—especially if you’re acne-prone. You want clean skin and breathable pores.
Try: Micellar water wipes or a gentle cleanser like the Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser before practice.

Spray, Don’t Break Out

Tower28 SOS Rescue Facial Spray
This one’s a cult favorite for a reason. It’s antibacterial, calming, and so good post-practice or mid-day when you’re sweaty and can’t wash your face yet. Think of it like hand sanitizer, but for your face (minus the dryness).

Pro Tip: Keep one in your volleyball bag and one in your car. Spray after every practice or lift.

Exfoliate (But Gently)

Medicube Zero Pore Pads 2.0
Dead skin and sweat = breakout central. These Korean beauty pads are soaked in exfoliating and pore-tightening goodness but won’t strip your skin barrier. Perfect for that after-shower moment when your skin needs a little reset.

Don’t Touch Your Face (Unless Your Hands Are Clean)

You already know the drill, but let’s say it louder for the teammates in the back: wash or sanitize your hands before touching your face.

Your gym might have germs, bacteria, or that one teammate who never wipes down equipment.
Keep a cute mini hand sanitizer (like Touchland’s Power Mist) in your bag at all times.

Moisturize Like You Mean It

Working out dehydrates more than just your body. Give your skin the love it deserves post-workout with a moisturizer that restores your barrier.
We love:

Rhode Barrier Restore Cream for glazed skin energy
CeraVe PM Moisturizer if you’re more minimalist
Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream if you train in colder/drier climates

SPF Always

Even athletes need SPF. Windows = UV. Running = UV. Practice during golden hour? Definitely UV.

You know the drill: skip the sunburn, not the sunscreen. No one wants shoulder tan lines or surprise forehead peeling.
Try:

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen (clear and sweat-proof)
EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 (for acne-prone skin)

Your Skin Deserves a Game Plan Too

Being an athlete is a full-time lifestyle. That doesn’t mean skincare has to be complicated.
All it takes is a few key players in your rotation, and a reminder that your skin deserves recovery time too.

Product Recap: