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By Marzia Khan Reviewed by Lily Ramsey, LLM

Introduction
The impact of makeup on skin during exercise
Benefits of removing makeup before exercising
Tips and best practices for skin care and exercise expert opinions
Conclusion
Resources

While working out is known for its beneficial effects on the skin, exercising while wearing makeup may be detrimental for the wearer, with significant impact on their skin.[1]

​​​​​​​Image Credit:  Ground Picture /Shutterstock.com Introduction

The debate among fitness enthusiasts and beauty experts on wearing makeup during exercise has been discussed at length, with the science siding with having a bare face, which will be further explored in this article.[1]

There is a growing trend of wearing makeup while exercising, which may be due to the increase in fitness influencers, with millions of followers that look to them for fitness recommendations, or advice.[1,2]

This means that the priority of fitness influencers would be on being camera-ready rather than following best skin-related practices whilst in the gym or during exercise.[2]

Grace Day, an esthetician and skincare expert at the makeup and beauty company, Beauty Bay, disclosed her own thoughts on this debate, that refraining from wearing makeup during exercise may not be feasible for many people.[3]

This may be due to individuals potentially wanting to conceal breakouts out of feeling self-conscious or wanting to look nice when around others during a fitness class or at the gym.[4] The impact of makeup on skin during exercise

Wearing makeup during exercise can have detrimental effects on the skin because makeup clogs pores and causes increased skin dryness. This is also why it is recommended to remove makeup before going to sleep, as the makeup can combine with oil and dead skin cells, blocking pores and promoting acne formation.[1]

Being the largest organ in the body, the skin functions to protect against the entry of environmental microbes, which can be detrimental to the person. Various factors, such as moisture, oil levels, elasticity, number of pores, and the distribution of sebum can characterize healthy skin.

Insufficient moisture and oil can have a detrimental effect on skin health, resulting in acne.[5]

Exercise can stimulate many physiological and thermal changes that can lead to thermal homeostasis changes in the body, metabolic rate, and a higher internal temperature, which can cause variations in skin conditions.

With the skin being an internal temperature regulator through the process of perspiration, the pores can expand to release waste and sebum, and if left untreated on the skin surface, it can proliferate and potentially cause acute and chronic skin issues.[5] Related StoriesNovel scoring system can distinguish between two serious skin diseasesReversing time: Hyaluronic acid injections offer lasting improvement in aging skinCan synthetic data boost fairness in medical imaging AI?

A private sector survey of 2,201 people in the UK has found that up to 60% of people reported wearing makeup while in the gym. The application of makeup may block pores with a negative impact on the skin during exercise, affecting skin health.[5]

However, a 2024 study has reaffirmed the lack of scientific knowledge on the effect of makeup on the epidermis during exercise. As a result of this premise, the researchers aimed to investigate the influence of cosmetic oil-free foundation cream on skin conditions during treadmill exercise.

The findings of using foundation cream during aerobic exercise reduced skin oil, which can cause dryness. Additionally, it was also confirmed to clog pores and increase the production of sebum.[5]

The study concluded that wearing makeup during aerobic exercise may not be recommended for those with dry skin conditions, with further studies being required to test different foundation creams, such as oil-based, water-based, and water-free.

This is due to these variations comprising different primary and secondary emulsifiers, which may affect skin conditions.[5]

Dr. Brendan Camp, a dermatologist based in New York, commented on this widely discussed issue, stating that wearing makeup while exercising can lead to clogged pores and the development of acne due to makeup trapping sweat and bacteria in pores.[1,3]

These health concerns are mainly focused on the use of foundation while exercising, however, Camp explained that other types of makeup may not be regarded in the same light, “Mascara, eyeliner, and lipstick may present less of an issue during exercise because they are not applied to the entire face.” However, more research is required to understand how specific types of makeup can impact the skin during exercise.[1] Benefits of removing makeup before exercising

An esthetic doctor and educator in cosmetic dermatology, Dr. Amie Vyas, recommended to remove and cleanse your face before exercising, this is because makeup that is worn all day can collect pollution and microbes.[4]

The aforementioned 2024 study investigating the impact of foundation on aerobic exercise recommended against wearing makeup for those with dry skin conditions in order to ensure that waste and sebum is removed from the skin.[5]

This is especially significant as previously mentioned, with the skin regulating temperature through perspiration, and exercise changing thermal homeostasis in the body. If waste and sebum is left untreated on the skin, it can lead to acute and chronic skin issues.[5]

Cleansing the skin and removing makeup can also enable the skin to breathe, without being clogged by thick foundations that are comedogenic, whilst also ensuring excess sebum, sweat, bacteria and product residue are removed.[1] Tips and best practices for skin care and exercise expert opinions

Some people decide to wear makeup while in the gym or during exercise in general due to several reasons, such as feeling self-conscious about their skin when in a public area. However, with thicker foundations being more comedogenic, causing negative impact on the user’s skin, many will be happy to know that experts have provided foundation alternatives to use while exercising.[1]

Foundation alternatives can include using a BB cream or beauty balm, with BB creams falling between a foundation and skincare product. Camp commented, “[BB creams] are often formulated to be non-comedogenic and are intended to improve skin tone and the overall appearance of skin. CC or color-correcting creams are intended to reduce redness and uneven skin tone. They may have a lighter consistency than BB creams.”[1]

Avoiding heavy makeup such as full coverage foundations can help to reduce post-workout breakouts.[3] Additionally, after exercising, it is important to cleanse the skin, including both the face and body, in order to remove excess oil, sweat, bacteria and product residue, which may otherwise work to contribute towards the formation of acne or folliculitis.[1] Conclusion

While wearing makeup during exercise can be the difference between going to the gym or fitness class and staying at home, informed choices of what type of makeup you wear can be of utmost importance to ensure the skin condition stays healthy.[1,5]

As makeup causes clogged pores, it is recommended to wear lighter products on the skin, such as oil-free skin tints or BB creams. However, this may not be without its own effects, with a recent study investigating the impact of using oil-free foundation cream during aerobic exercise demonstrating a higher level of skin dryness.

Due to this, the use of oil-free foundation creams may not even be a recommendation for those with dry skin conditions during exercise, as they would be at a higher risk for further dryness. [1,5]

With a lack of information on how the epidermis responds to makeup during exercise, additional studies are required to understand how other foundation products impact the skin when exercising.[5] References Vogel K. Why you should avoid wearing make-up when working out. Healthline. March 8, 2024. Accessed March 28, 2024. https://www.healthline.com/health-news/what-happens-when-you-wear-make-up-while-exercising#How-to-help-your-skin-post-workout. The rise of fitness influencers. Action Group. October 16, 2023. Accessed March 28, 2024. https://action-group.co.uk/the-rise-of-fitness-influencers/. Is it ok to wear make-up during exercise? The Independent. March 6, 2024. Accessed March 28, 2024. https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/is-it-ok-to-wear-makeup-during-exercise-b2507732.html. 10 gym-proof make-up products that won’t slip, slide or Break you out. Accessed March 28, 2024. https://www.elle.com/uk/beauty/make-up/articles/g32531/makeup-you-can-wear-to-exercise/. Yoon E, Kwon EH, Kim JH, et al. Influence of cosmetic foundation cream on skin condition during treadmill exercise. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. Published online March 6, 2024. doi:10.1111/jocd.16205

Last Updated: Apr 3, 2024

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Environment

Trump nominates a Tesla critic to lead NHTSA

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Trump nominates a Tesla critic to lead NHTSA

President Trump has nominated Jonathan Morrison to lead the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Morrison has previously criticized and tussled with Tesla in his previous role at NHTSA.

Morrison is now Trump’s nominee to head the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is in charge of regulating the auto industry in the US.

The attorney was the agency’s Chief Counsel during Trump’s first term, and he had a few disputes with Tesla during that time.

In September 2018, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released its Tesla Model 3 crash test results, and the EV got five-star safety ratings in every category.

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Tesla interpreted the data from the test and claimed that Model 3 achieved “the lowest probability of injury of any vehicle ever tested by NHTSA“.

Morrison sent Tesla a cease-and-desist letter over the claim, arguing that it was misleading.

The lawyers also subpoenaed Tesla to get data about a specific crash in 2019.

Next week, Morrison is expected to have his confirmation hearing in the Senate and could take up his role shortly after.

The nomination is significant in the context of the current feud between Tesla CEO Elon Musk and President Trump.

Musk has been criticizing Trump and his allies over their recently passed budget and tax bill, which is expected to significantly increase the federal government’s debt and eliminate virtually all subsidies to electric vehicles and renewable energy, potentially harming Tesla.

Trump has warned Musk that he could go directly after his companies and NHTSA would be the top vehicle for that when it comes to Tesla.

The agency had already launched several investigations into Tesla over the years, with the largest one examining Tesla’s Full Self-Driving program and several fatal crashes related to the ADAS system.

Electrek’s Take

Most NHTSA probes into Tesla have resulted in slaps on the wrist at best, but this FSD probe involves several fatal crashes, and even though it started under the Biden administration, it could potentially ramp up under Trump, especially amid his feud with Musk.

On the one hand, it’s disheartening to see the US reach this point, where feuds between billionaires and elected officials are settled through regulatory agencies. Still, at the same time, Musk did buy the election for Trump, so he created this situation in the first place, and there are serious concerns about how safe FSD is.

At the very least, I would hope that NHTSA will start to force Tesla to release all its FSD crash and disengagement data.

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Environment

A 25 mph ambulance? The GEM microcar is now an emergency responder

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A 25 mph ambulance? The GEM microcar is now an emergency responder

You might remember the GEM as a quirky little electric microcar that’s been cruising through campuses, resorts, and planned communities for years. But now, it’s taking on a more serious job – saving lives. Waev Inc., the maker behind the long-running GEM electric vehicle line, has just unveiled the GEM Ambulance, a purpose-built, all-electric, street-legal low-speed vehicle (LSV) designed specifically for emergency medical services.

While it might not replace a full-size ambulance on high-speed highways, this new electric responder is tailor-made for the dense environments where conventional ambulances often struggle: college campuses, sporting events, entertainment venues, airports, and more. With a top speed of 25 mph, it’s built for maneuverability, safety, and zero-emission performance in pedestrian-heavy areas.

“The GEM Ambulance fills a critical gap in medical response – delivering the ideal balance of agility and safety EMS teams need in crowded settings,” said Byron Dudley, Vice President at Waev Inc.

The new GEM Ambulance is built on the same proven electric platform that has powered GEM vehicles for over 25 years. It’s a highly refined LSV that combines practical engineering with professional-grade EMS functionality. In partnership with emergency equipment supplier QTAC, Waev integrated a skid-mounted EMS system that includes secure patient transport, attendant seating, optional oxygen and IV mounts, and rugged PolyTough™ construction designed to handle demanding conditions.

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Unlike golf carts or UTV-based setups that have been DIYed into emergency vehicles, the GEM Ambulance offers a more stable, comfortable, and professional platform. The EMS skid is positioned between the wheels for better weight distribution, and the vehicle’s low deck height and rear step-up provide easy access for patients and personnel alike.

The GEM Ambulance doesn’t skimp on emergency essentials either. It’s equipped with a 360-degree red emergency lighting system, an SAE Class 1-compliant siren with multiple sound patterns, a public address system, turn signals, LED headlights and taillights, and even a pedestrian noise emitter for quiet zones. A backup camera and full 360° sightlines give drivers added confidence when navigating tight environments.

And since it’s 100% electric, there’s no tailpipe emissions to worry about when operating indoors or in crowded spaces. Maintenance is minimal thanks to GEM’s maintenance-free batteries, regenerative braking, and corrosion-resistant aluminum frame. There’s even a seven-year warranty on the lithium-ion battery option.

The biggest surprise might be the price. According to Waev, the GEM Ambulance can cost up to 80% less than a traditional ambulance and 50% less than electric trucks or UTV-based alternatives. Plus, with operating costs of just $0.03 per mile, it promises long-term savings with no fuel, no fluids, and no downtime from engine servicing.

With applications ranging from college campuses and amusement parks to military installations and warehouse sites, the GEM Ambulance could be a game-changer for localized EMS response. It’s available now through GEM’s nationwide dealer network and can also be purchased through government contracts like Sourcewell, Texas BuyBoard, and GSA procurement channels.

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Technology

Microsoft Outlook hit with hours-long outage

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Microsoft Outlook hit with hours-long outage

Omar Marques | Lightrocket | Getty Images

Microsoft‘s Outlook email service malfunctioned for several hours Wednesday and Thursday, prompting some people to post on social media about the inability to reach their virtual mailboxes.

The issue began at 6:20 p.m. Eastern time on Wednesday, according to a dashboard the software company maintains. It affected Outlook.com as well as Outlook mobile apps and desktop programs.

At 12:21 ET the Microsoft 365 Status account posted that it was rolling out a fix.

“Our configuration changes have effectively resolved impact in targeted infrastructure. We’re now deploying the changes worldwide to resolve impact for all users,” Microsoft said in an X post on Thursday afternoon.

The company’s status page said “most impacted users will experience relief within the next two hours,” and that it was continuing to monitor the service.

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On social media, some people reported that Outlook was functioning properly after hours of users posting about problems.

Some posts included screenshots of Outlook that said “something went wrong.” 

With hundreds of millions of active users, Outlook is important, although Apple and Google‘s email clients are more popular, according to data from analytics company Litmus

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