With a new year, in theory comes a new you...yeah, right. But, if you're one of the many people out there who have actually managed to drag yourself to the gym then a) we applaud you, and b) are you taking off your make-up before you go?

Weird question right? Actually no. If, like us, the only way you're fitting in a workout is to force yourself to visit the gym directly after work (with the thought of a post-class bowl of pasta driving you on, of course), then it's worth considering what the mix of make-up and sweat might be doing to your skin. Hint: it's not great.

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Can wearing make-up to the gym cause spots?

'Ideally, it's best to avoid wearing make-up to the gym,' says Dr. Anjali Mahto, Consultant Dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson. 'Sweat and increased temperature brought on by exercise can lead to open pores which can become blocked by particles of make-up. This can easily lead to breakouts and, in turn, uneven skin texture.'

It isn't just sweat, though. In constant contact with feet, hands and the floor, things like yoga mats, bicycle handles and weights are the perfect breeding ground for the bacteria that causes acne. If you are wearing make-up, it gives this bacteria something to cling on to, especially as we tend to touch our face 3.6 times an hour on average - a little more if we're sweating.

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What's the long term damage of wearing make-up to the gym?

So, we've established that working out in make-up can lead to the odd spot, but will refusing to get rid of your full face of products lead to long-term damage? After all, we spend fortunes shopping for serums and moisturisers that promise to lend our skin an otherworldly glow, and a lot of time applying them properly, so surely, gymming in make-up reverses all of our good work?

'Not necessarily,' says Dr. Mahto. 'The body's natural, physiological reaction to exercise is to generate sweat and heat, and even though working out in make-up can cause breakouts, there is no evidence that it will lead to accelerated or premature ageing.'

While wearing make-up may not cause damage to the skin in the long run, exercising outside could. 'It's so, so important to wear an SPF,' says Dr. Mahto, 'Even if you are prone to breaking out. This protects against sun damage, skin cancer and premature ageing of the skin.' So, which types should we be investing in?

'Mineral sunscreens may be better for the skin than chemical sunscreens, especially if you're prone to acne or other skin ailments. For those using chemical sunscreens, though, gel-like formulations are likely to be better than cloying, richer creams.'

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It's All About Cleansing Correctly

While the beauty sphere has also seen a huge trend for luxurious oil cleansers, Dr. Mahto advises us to steer clear of them, especially before hitting the gym.

'Unless you have really dry, sensitive skin, I do not recommend oil cleansers,' she says. 'There are many different types of oil being used for this purpose and many are comedogenic and can cause blackhead formation - the initial acne lesion. There are better cleansing methods for skin that won't clog pores.'

With that in mind, it is how you cleanse that could have a big impact on your skin's health. 'While it's a good idea to remove make-up before the gym, one needs to be sensible about cleansing,' Dr. Mahto says. 'Over-washing can lead to dryness, sensitivity and irritation and even though it is popular, double cleansing is not necessary.'

Rosi Chapman, Skincare specialist and founder of Transformulas agrees. 'I'd recommend gentle cleansing,' she says, 'Mild foaming or gel cleansers that contain glycolic acid remove make-up and sebum more effectively, whilst also regenerating smoother and softer skin, without causing dryness.'

'Exfoliating will also help rid the skin of heavy make-up,' says skincare specialist and facialist Sophie Ace. 'If your pores tend to get blocked, these lightweight acid products will break down sebum and stop inflammation.'

10 Of The Best Cleansers For Oily Skin
Blemish Control Face Cleanser
CeraVe Blemish Control Face Cleanser
£13 at Cult Beauty£10 at Amazon£13 at LookFantastic

Is your oily skin casually accompanied by unprovoked breakouts and pesky congestion? If so, it's good to keep some salicylic acid on side. This targeted cleanser also harnesses the power of hectorite clay, three essential ceramides and niacinamide too, banishing shine and keeping your skin calm and clarified without that stripped, squeaky feeling.

Blemish and Age Defense Corrective Gel
SkinCeuticals Blemish and Age Defense Corrective Gel

The idea that you grow out of oily or blemish-prone skin when you exceed your teens just isn't always true. You can wake up to a slick and congested complexion no matter your age, so having an oily skin cleanser that's formulated for adult skin is essential. This refreshing gel does just that, sloughing away excess sebum, dirt and impurities without ever leaving your skin feeling stripped.

Whipped Greens Oil-Free Foaming Cleanser
Farmacy Beauty Whipped Greens Oil-Free Foaming Cleanser

If you're looking to upgrade your everyday cleanser to a modern oil-free formula, let us introduce you to this gentle and pH-balanced lather. With a lightweight foaming texture, this nourishing blend of moringa and papaya replenishes hydration without ever stripping your complexion.

Skincare Phaze Rebalancing PHA Cleanser
Pai Skincare Phaze Rebalancing PHA Cleanser

You're guaranteed to find at least one of Pai's cult classic products in the ELLE beauty team's bathroom cupboard and this new skin-smoothing cleanse is the latest to make the cut. Gently exfoliating, this gel face wash combines sugar complex and plant-derived PHAs to buff away surface blackheads and texture.

Effaclar Purifying Cleansing Gel
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Cleansing Gel

If your oily skin is reactive and irritation prone, this clarifying cleanser should be top of your shopping list. Infused with La Roche-Posay’s signature thermal spring water, it comforts and refreshes agitated skin without compromising on a deep and thorough clean.

With a hat trick of clarifying, purifying and calming promises, this blemish fighting cleanser is ideal for congested oily skin. Think prickly pear, salicylic acid, pro-vitamin B5, violet willow extract, colloidal silver and prebiotics, all in one deep cleansing formula.

Find Your Balance™ Oil Control Cleanser
Ole Henriksen Find Your Balance™ Oil Control Cleanser
Now 20% Off
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Blending neem seed oil and exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids, this cleanser works to gently lift any dead skin cells and eradicate excess oil. It leaves skin feeling refreshed and smoother, and helps control excess sebum so well, it stops T-zones getting slick by lunch time. This in turn results in less blemishes — a win-win.

Normaderm Deep Cleansing Purifying Gel
Vichy Normaderm Deep Cleansing Purifying Gel
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This sloughs away everything from dirt to dust and pollutant particles, leaving you blemish-free. It helps to rebalance oiliness without leaving behind tightness and doesn't irritate sensitive skin. It also helps smooth out any irregular texture, banishing pesky bumps and reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

ExfoliKate Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash

If blackheads are the bane of your life, this lightweight cleanser foams to unclog pores, mattify oiliness and prevent future spots from forming. On top of seeing less spots, you might also notice a reduction in redness, leaving skin looking smoother and brighter.

With that being said, it's a potent formula, so build up frequency to ensure you don’t strip away your skin’s much-needed natural oils.

Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser
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Sensitive skin means avoiding anything abrasive, which is why this cleanser — infused with organic grape water and salicylic acid — tops our list. The texture is on the thicker side, and creates a rich lather when mixed with water to provide a deep clean.

For those after an even quicker fix, face wipes have come a long way since the humble Wet Ones days. Clinique's Take The Day Of Micellar Wipes, £16 whips off mascara and foundation without leaving a trace of residue behind - just be sure to cleanse until there is visibly nothing left on the sheet.

Burts Bees Cotton Wipes
Burt's Bees Sensitive Facial Cleansing Towelettes - £6.49

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99.1% natural, hypoallergenic and fragrance free, Burt's Bees' cleansing cloths include cotton, aloe and rice extract, making them the go-to for anyone with typically reactive skin. They're also a little larger than other wipes, so they actually have a better chance at removing make-up, dirt and excess oil, rather than simply shifting it around your face. We'll take two more packs, please.

Other
Abyssinian Oil Sustainable Beauty Wipes
Beauty Kitchen Abyssinian Oil Sustainable Beauty Wipes - £5.99

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These wipes are 100% natural and compostable, which is basically nature's way of recycling. Formulated with a dose of Abyssinian Oil - rich in Omega-9, dontcha know - they whip off everything from waterproof mascara to heavy duty foundation and matte lipstick in seconds. They aren't at all greasy and smell great. Ethical and practical - we like.

Other
Klorane Face Wipes
Klorane Soothing Make-Up Removal Wipes - £7.50

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Rather cleverly, these biodegradable, dermatologist-loved face wipes are formulated at a similar pH to that of tears (stay with us), which means they won't make your eyes stream or your face sting like some other wipes can. The star ingredient is French cornflower, praised for its ability to eradicate all traces of make-up and grime without stripping skin of the good stuff.

Other
Lancer Make-Up Removing Wipes
Lancer Skincare Make-Up Removing Wipes - £32

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If you're going to put your trust in any face wipes, make them dermatologist-approved. The brainchild of Beverly Hills-based skin expert, Dr. Harold Lancer, these pre-soaked wipes are individually wrapped to prevent them from drying out and combine aloe vera, vitamin E and cucumber to cleanse, soothe and protect skin. They're the perfect antidote to a long-haul flight or outdoor festival and boast eco-friendly credentials, too.

Other
Yes To Cotton Face Wipes
Yes To Cotton 100% Cotton Comforting Facial Wipes - £3.99

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FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified, these wipes are partly made from recyclable T-Shirt technology - the process saves energy and water and helps preserve land and reduce greenhouse emissions. Biodegradable and compostable, they boast 98% natural ingredients, including cotton extract and cotton seed oil, which makes them super-soft and incredibly gentle on sensitive skin. Stockpile them this summer.

Other
Neal's Yard Remedies Organic Face Wipes
Neal's Yard Remedies Organic Facial Wipes - £5.50

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Derived from 100% cotton and certified organic by the Soil Association, these wipes smell amazing (that'll be the lavender) and harness aloe vera to remove make-up without leaving skin feeling itchy or parched. Been standing all day? They're brilliant at reviving weary limbs, too.

Other
RMS Beauty Make-Up Remover Wipes
RMS Beauty Ultimate Makeup Remover Wipes - £15

BUY

No room in your crossbody for micellar water? These face wipes are the next best thing. Imbued with coconut oil, they're tough on everything from glitter to long-wear make-up and grime, and feel slightly textured, so exfoliate as they cleanse. Genius.

Other

The same goes for micellar water products like Bioderma's Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution, £10.80 which have gained popularity amongst gym-goers for their ability to remove make-up without water - swipe until the cotton pad shows up clean.

ELLE Edit: 10 Of The Best Micellar Water Cleansers
Nordic Hydra [Lähde] Bi-Phase Micellar Water
Lumene Nordic Hydra [Lähde] Bi-Phase Micellar Water
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Even the name of Lumene's micellar water sounds refreshing. Wipe the day away with the Arctic Cloudberry Water-infused formula and leave your face feeling fresh and radiant.

Micellar Lotion
Avene Micellar Lotion
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Eye make-up removers can feel harsh and drying, but Avène's ultra-gentle micellar water aims to sweep away stubborn mascara whilst soothing tired eyelids.

Smart Cleanse Micellar Water
Elemis Smart Cleanse Micellar Water
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Up your skincare routine to pro facial levels with Elemis' spa-worthy micellar water. Gently remove dirt, make-up and excess oil after a long day with the delicate double dose of rosehip oil and rose water.

Sensitive Micellar Water
La Roche-Posay Sensitive Micellar Water
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Sensitive and acne-prone types take note: this is the micellar water for you. It effectively removes all manner of make-up and dirt without disrupting your skin's natural balance or leaving an unwanted oily residue.

The Cleansing Micellar Water
La Mer The Cleansing Micellar Water
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Micellar water doesn't get more luxe than La Mer. Housed in the most enticing clear packaging, let this iconic Miracle Broth-infused formula cleanse and hydrate, leaving you with an A-list worthy glow.

Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
Credit: Boots

The original and still the best, Bioderma's genius micellar water has cleansed the faces of every supermodel to grace fashion week.

Micellar Water Sensitive Skin
Garnier Micellar Water Sensitive Skin
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A cult favourite for its bargainous price and sensitive skin-friendly formula, Garnier's micellar water is outrageously affordable and gets the job done.

E-Rase™ Milki Micellar Water
Drunk Elephant E-Rase™ Milki Micellar Water
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A great choice for dehydrated, dry and sensitive types, Drunk Elephant's milky micellar is boosted with ceramides to care for your all-important skin barrier.

Micellar Water Cleanser Sensitive Skin
L'Oreal Paris Micellar Water Cleanser Sensitive Skin
Now 33% Off
Credit: Boots

People rave about this one for its ability to melt down waterproof make-up without any rubbing. It's gentle enough to be swiped over eyes, and won't aggravate an easily wound-up complexion, either.

Micellar Cleansing Water with Niacinamide
CeraVe Micellar Cleansing Water with Niacinamide
Now 20% Off
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Amped up with niacinamide and Cerave's signature ceramides, this one is brilliant for restoring order on oily, acne-prone skin types.

Barely There Make-Up Could Be The Answer

If you just can't bear to ditch the foundation during spin, NYX professional make-up artist Dean Smith recommends sticking to lighter-than-light textures that'll give skin sheer coverage without causing congestion.

'The Colour Correcting Cream is virtually traceless but works wonders to give the skin a noticeable glow,' he says. 'It is also packed with antioxidants such as Vitamin E which prevents free radicals like bacteria from attaching to the skin before they can cause any damage. Mineral make-up is also amazing because it doesn't tend to clog the skin when mixed with sweat.'

Like gym equipment, though, make-up brushes also harbour dirt and bacteria, and heat generated from exercise can prompt said bacteria to multiply. 'That's why it's important to clean your make-up brushes with a brush cleanser once every month at least,' Dean says.

ELLE Edit: 10 Of The Best Make-Up Brush Cleaners

A favourite of the ELLE UK beauty team, this quick-drying rinse is perfect for washing your brushes in a rush. Simply dunk your bristles in this cleansing water and swipe leftover pigment and dirt away on the back of a clean towel. Speedy and oh-so-easy.

Makeup Brush Cleaner
Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner

This pro-approved brush cleaner is the most effortless way to rid your tools of stubborn dirt. It makes short work of everything from lash glue to dried foundation without ever leaving your bristles tacky or stripped. There's a reason it's in every make-up artist's kit.

No-Rinse Brush Cleaner Spray
Sephora Collection No-Rinse Brush Cleaner Spray
Now 20% Off

Keep this clever brush cleaner close by when attempting to follow that TikTok beauty tutorial – it dries instantly, so allows you to switch shadow shades in a cinch, without any transference. Ideal for when you’ve got a brand-new palette and only one brush to play with.

Spin & Squeeze Makeup Brush Cleaner
Stylpro Spin & Squeeze Makeup Brush Cleaner
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Yep, this is that brush-cleaning device you've seen all over Tiktok – and we can confirm, it really does work.

How? Simply fill the bowl with warm water and a gentle liquid cleanser (like this one), place your brush inside, and the spin technology will whip away every trace of product in seconds. It'll even squeeze your sponges clean, too.

This water-weight wonder product is great for a quick clean or a deep cleanse. A tiny amount leaves brushes in tip-top condition – soft and in perfect shape, like when you first bought them.

Conditioning Brush Cleanser
Bobbi Brown Conditioning Brush Cleanser
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Massage this concentrated cleaning solution into damp make-up brushes before rinsing (with the bristles pointed down) to leave them completely free of product and super-soft to the touch.

Make-Up Brush Cleanser
No7 Make-Up Brush Cleanser
Now 20% Off
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Add this reliable brush cleanser to that Boots haul – it'll quickly clean and refresh brushes in-between those monthly soaks, helping to prevent stubborn product build-up.

Liquid Blendercleanser
Beautyblender Liquid Blendercleanser
Now 28% Off
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We don’t know what we did before the Beautyblender graced our make-up shelves – but while we're here for the flawless foundation finish, it’s true that they’re a nightmare to keep clean. This specially formulated soy-based cleanser breaks down product from deep inside the sponge, ensuring your favourite applicator stays clean and hygienic.

Real Techniques
Brush Cleansing Balm Real Techniques
Credit: Sephora

A solid brush cleaner is a smart choice for deep cleaning, and this is hands-down one of the best. Simply wet your brush and swirl it straight into the pot, using the handy silicone mat to lift away any stubborn liquid pigments. An ideal choice for heavily used brushes.

Brush Cleaner Palette
Brushworks Brush Cleaner Palette
Now 20% Off
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So many make-up artists depend on one of these handy mats to keep brushes thoroughly clean. It comes with a hand strap, so you can work your bristles over the silicone surface with ease, sweeping away the most stubborn of oil-based formulas. It's the tool you never knew you needed, but soon won't be without.