So you finally got off your lazy tush and joined a gym. As the pounds melt off, you are starting to feel good about yourself. Having a great looking body along with diligent skincare practices is a dream come true for those who can achieve such a skin care and health feat. Although going to the gym to exercise is a great stress reliever and excellent for your body, it can be hazardous to your skin and any skincare regimen you may have. But there is no need to fret, fitness freaks, with some simple precautions and tips, you can protect your skin from some of the hazards of working out at a health club, allowing you to indulge in getting buff without the skincare hassles.

Watch your step in the Shower

So you want to take a shower after your work out. Congrats to you for considering the feelings of others for a change and making sure you won't stink after your work out. However, before you jump right in and lather up, make sure to wear sandals to avoid touching shower floors. Skin care can only go so far when it comes to battling bacteria and other health hazards. Damp, wet and dirty, shower floors are perfect breeding grounds for the bacteria that causes athlete's foot, a major skin care problem for many people. It only takes one step in a puddle of contaminated water to contract athlete's foot. Therefore, it may seem nerdy, but remember to wear sandals in the shower. Skin care is quite different in public domains than in the privacy of your home.

Leave your Fashion Sense at the Door

You may be getting great results since you have been going to the gym. Perhaps, you went shopping to pick up a cute exercising outfit that may turn a few heads at the gym. Why not show off your buff and toned bod in addition to the healthy, glowing skin you've gotten through your latest skin care practices. Well, hold up sister! Before you try to present your sexiest self at the gym, remember that there is a reason people wear ugly, yet functional clothing to work out in. Tight, poorly fitting or uncomfortable clothing can wreak havoc on your skin by producing rashes, cuts blisters and chaffing. Not to mention that constant sweat showers your body in bacteria--a skin care nightmare. Therefore, leave your sexy pumps at home and take some Nikes to the gym instead. What good is your skincare regimen if you're defeating the purpose by trapping your skin in spandex?

Look Before you Leap

Before sitting down to dome some crunches on that new machine your gym just got, always make sure to wipe down the machine first. Let's face it, the exercise equipment at the gym is a ticking time bomb when it comes to your skin, as it has been sweated on and grunted over all day long. Help your skincare routine along by always making sure to wipe down any workout surface you will be touching with an anti-bacterial spray before using it. Skincare and hygiene definitely go hand in hand, especially at the gym.

Makeup is a No-No

Even if you know that Vin Diesel will be working out at your gym that day, never wear makeup when working out. Besides leaving ugly stains on your towel and running down your face, makeup and sweat can be a pore clogging nightmare for your skin. Why subject yourself to more skincare issues as a result of being superficial? Breaking out with acne can almost outweigh any weight loss gains that you have gotten in your workouts. Therefore, though it may not be sexy, going to the gym au natural is always your best move.