How Bad Is It to Wear Makeup at the Gym?

Wipe off that mascara! According to experts, wearing makeup at the gym can be harmful to your skin today — and in the long run.

At one point or another, every woman has been guilty of wearing makeup to the gym. Perhaps you rushed to a spin class immediately after work with your face still done up in everyday makeup. Maybe you knew you’d be running errands after yoga, so you threw on a bit of tinted moisturizer and mascara, and hoped you wouldn’t sweat it off by the end of the class. Or maybe you just feel more confident looking good while working out, so you always make sure to have your hair and makeup touched up before heading to the gym. Regardless of why and how it happens, many women can recall a time they’ve exercised with makeup on.

But just how bad is it to wear gym makeup? Are the effects really worth worrying about? We spoke to Samer Jaber, MD, of Washington Square Dermatology in New York City, to find out.

Based on his experience and education, Dr. Jaber asserts that, “everyone should try to remove their makeup prior to working out, but especially those with acne-prone skin.”

By taking just two minutes to remove your makeup at the gym, your skin will have a much easier time breathing and perspiring, and you won’t have to worry about rubbing foundation into your pores when you wipe the beads of sweat from your forehead.

“Sweating is your body’s natural method of cooling your skin, and wearing makeup can trap sweat and bacteria, blocking your pores. This can result in skin congestion, which can cause blackheads, skin irritation, and increased breakouts,” says Dr. Jaber. “Overtime, if you repeatedly wear heavy gym makeup you may notice that you develop worsening acne and uneven skin tone on your face.”

On top of getting increased breakouts, whiteheads, blackheads, and long-term acne, working out with makeup is believed to be a contributing factor to aging. Wearing makeup while exercising inflames the skin, and chronic inflammation is the root cause of skin aging. (You’ll also want to avoid these other makeup mistakes that age you.)

Fortunately, makeup removal can be quick and painless thanks to moisturizing cleansing wipes, which allow you to clear away the products on your skin and then simply discard the disposable towelette afterwards.

Dermatologists and medical research confirm that wearing makeup to the gym can be harmful in the long term. When considering the damage it causes your skin, it makes sense to take the time to cleanse your face prior to working out. However, if you absolutely must wear makeup for the gym, just “make sure it is a light makeup like a powder or BB cream and wash it off as soon as your workout is over,” says Dr. Jaber.

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Can’t Take 10,000 Steps a Day? Do This Instead

For days when it's not feasible to cram in the recommended 10,000 daily steps, this shorter routine has got you covered.

Taking 10,000 steps per day is a great way to get your daily dose of physical activity, but only 15 percent of American men and women regularly hit that healthy target, according to a brand-new study from Oregon State University. Lack of time is the most commonly cited obstacle, but fortunately, there’s an alternative that may be easier to fit into a tight schedule.

In the year-long study, published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, Oregon State researchers found that although people who took more steps each day were typically healthier than those who took fewer steps, speed made a difference. Those who took 5,000 to 7,000 steps at a faster pace scored similar health benefits, including things like smaller waist circumference, lower blood pressure, and reduced BMI and cholesterol levels.

Based on these findings, study co-author John Schuna, Jr., PhD, assistant professor of kinesiology at OSU’s College of Public Health and Human Sciences, recommends aiming to take 3,000 steps each day at a brisk pace, which may be 100 or more steps per minute for two and a half hours, or 150 minutes, each week.

This healthy target fits with the guidelines of both the CDC and the Department of Health and Human Services, which advise that healthy adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity each week. Examples of moderate intensity workouts include brisk walking, yoga, pushing a lawn mower, gardening, or riding a bike under 10 mph; examples of vigorous intensity activity include jumping rope, running, jogging, biking over 10 mph, and hiking uphill.

“Running or jogging two and a half miles is equivalent to walking 10,000 steps,” says Chauncey Graham, CSCS, an ACE Fitness Professional at Gold’s Gym in Washington, D.C. Higher-intensity workouts also come with added benefits, including improvements to your cardiorespiratory system. “A heightened level of exercise will prevent and lower your risk of many common diseases as well as obesity,” Graham says.

Most experts agree that a mix of high intensity and moderate intensity workouts yield the best results, however, if you’re dedicated to reaching your 10,000 steps each day via walking, try to take 3,000 of those steps at a faster pace. But some exercise is certainly better than none, so if you can spare only 60 seconds to sweat, try these exercises that will transform your body.

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How to Pack a Suitcase in 30 Minutes or Less

Whether you're jetting off to an island paradise or traveling for business, these foolproof packing tips will help you minimize time and maximize space. Bon voyage, baggage fees!

Start with the right-sized suitcase

For a short trip, a small carry-on bag is ideal, and with skill, it's possible cram all your essentials in there (here's how to pack the perfect carry-on). But if you can't travel light, it's best to choose a bag that can easily accommodate everything you need. Trying to force a bulging suitcase to shut is a waste of time and energy, especially since you may return with even more stuff, if you like to buy souvenirs. When deciding which is the best suitcase for you, take a moment to assess your needs for this trip.

Get the right gear

To make your packing as speedy as possible, have a few convenience items pre-prepared and ready to go at all times. That includes a dedicated toiletry bag, preferably something plastic and waterproof, that you can toss into your suitcase at a moment's notice. Buy sample-size containers of your favorite shampoo, conditioner, hair styling products, body wash and moisturizer, or decant the full-size products into small, TSA-approved travel bottles. Have similar travel-friendly containers set up for jewelry and accessories if possible. Store them in a clear box with compartments, so you can see all the items clearly and prevent them from getting tangled. If you can't create these pre-prepared packs of toiletries and accessories, keep a packing list on your phone for a quick reminder of the essentials you need to gather. These household items can make packing a breeze.

Coordinate your wardrobe

It may sound obvious, but plan an outfit for each day to make sure you're covered. If you know exactly what you need to accompany each outfit, you can limit the amount of stuff you're taking. Try to mix and match outfits—wear the same pair of pants with different tops, for example—to cut down on bulky extras. As a general rule, three pairs of shoes are all you need for a business trip: a casual pair, a professional pair, and a comfortable or snazzy pair for evenings, depending on the nature of your business. Neutral colors are best as they'll coordinate well with multiple outfits, but don't hesitate to toss in a pair of show stoppers if that's what the occasion calls for. For a vacation, three pairs of casual shoes should be ample, especially if you'll be doing a lot of walking. What you don't bring can be just as important, so resist the urge to include things just in case. (Here are items you'll always regret packing.) If necessary, you can buy many essential items, such as socks and flip flops, at your destination.

Lay everything out before starting

Lay everything you're taking out on the bed, so you can see exactly what you need to pack and spot any missing items promptly. Then fold or roll each item of clothing according to the best method. For folded items, putting layers of tissue between each item will cut down on wrinkles. Don't forget all the additional accoutrements such as phone chargers, hair straighteners, or electric shavers.

Finish with a large top layer

Lastly, lay a large item like a towel or beach sarong over the tops and tuck it in around the sides. This will keep everything in place and stop items from sliding around during the journey. It's much easier to close the zipper if you don't have fiddly items like belts or laces poking out.

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Are You a Pushover? 9 Ways to Stand Up For Yourself

Being a pushover can have a negative effect on your own life. Here’s how to stand up for yourself.

Get out of the "people pleaser" mindset

Putting everyone else's needs and happiness before your own is unhealthy and tends to intensify as time goes on, leading to an out of control people-pleasing cycle. “People pleasers give and give to the point where they become martyrs. I always tell my clients, ‘You’re not martyrs, you’re just making yourself more unhappy by focusing on what someone else thinks or needs,” says Margo Drucker, a board-certified clinical hypnotist at Premier Integrative Hypnosis in New York City. Remember this mantra: the only person you should be focused on pleasing is yourself. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but the more you stick to your guns the easier it’ll be and the stronger you’ll become.

Figure out what makes you happy

“When you make yourself happy, you realize that speaking your mind, living in your truth, and being true to yourself makes a difference,” says Drucker. Take a step back and make a list of all the things that make you happy, or things you feel particularly strongly about. Next time you’re faced with a decision where the choice you think they want you to make makes you feel unhappy or uncomfortable, flash back to that list.

Try acupressure

Often, pushovers are so eager to please someone else and make the “right” decision that they become incredibly stressed and anxious in the moment. If you feel this happening, tapping acupressure certain pressure points may help relax you. “This technique is so powerful because it very quickly allows you to shift out of unwanted emotional states, negative patterns, or triggers,” says Drucker. All it takes it tapping various points on your wrists, hands, forehead, and other body parts in just the right place with two fingers. Visit Emofree.com to learn where each point is located and how to tap.

Learn how to "heart breathe"

If struggling to say “no” even though you know you should sends your heart racing, a technique called “heart breathing” may be able to ground you and help you stand up for yourself. Relax your body right where you are and focus on your heart and the feeling of breathing in and out; laying a hand on your heart might help. Picture your heart beating and breathing, and then think of someone or something you love unconditionally. “This allows feelings of security and assuredness to grow,” says Drucker.

Adopt positive mantras

Pushovers often have a fear of expressing themselves because they’re worried their opinion is wrong, says Drucker. Spend a little time each day going over positive affirmations or mantras. It could be something as simple as, “Your opinion matters,” or “I am me and I am OK.” “It helps people understand that while they have this fear they’re willing to let it go because they accept themselves,” she says.

Stop worrying about what other people think

A common pushover trait is to be overly concerned about what other people think, which can prevent them from stating their true thoughts for fear of offending someone or saying the wrong thing, says Drucker. Have confidence in your own thoughts and accept that disagreements happen. “Never withhold your truth. To be successful, you have to learn that conflict is a part of it,” said Sherrie Campbell, PhD, on huffingtonpost.com. “You have the right to express your opinions.”

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9 Precautions to Keep Your Dog Safe on Halloween

Use Battery Operated Candels

Candles help create a spooky Halloween ambiance, but they can also be a safety hazard, says Ashley Jacobs, CEO of pet care company Sitting for a Cause. “Avoid the risk of your dog accidentally knocking over a jack-o-lantern with a real candle inside it and consequently causing a fire or getting burned by instead opting for battery operated candles,” she suggests.

Keeps Dogs Inside

There’s too much going on during Halloween to safely keep your pup outside, Jacobs says: “Halloween can be dangerous for pets left outdoors due to the ‘trick’ part of ‘trick-or-treat.’ Keep your pets safely inside away from pranksters who may take advantage of your pup when he or she is unattended outside.” Here’s what trick-or-treaters are really thinking when they come to your house.

Don’t give out chocolate

It’s a childhood favorite, but chocolate and dogs is a dangerous combination. In fact, the ASPCA says that the methylxanthines in chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or death in dogs. To combat this danger, Nick Braun, founder and CEO of Pet Insurance Quotes, not only removes the chocolates from his son’s trick-or-treating bag right away, he doesn’t even hand out chocolate at his home. These are other toxic foods for dogs you should avoid.

Keep your dog away from the door

Even if your dog loves visitors, it can be hard to predict what he or she will do as your constantly open the door for trick-or-treaters. Georgette Wilson, DVM, veterinarian for Hartz, says that an open door can be an invitation for a scared or curious dog to dash outside. “Pet owners should ensure that their dog has a safe place in the house away from the front door,” she says.

Be careful with costumes

Although adorable, pet costumes can pose a hazard to dogs. “If you decide to dress your pet up in a fun Halloween costume, make sure it is comfortable, flame resistant, allows for normal movement, and does not block the pet's vision,” Wilson says.

Don’t take your dog trick-or-treating

Trick-or-treating might seem like a fun family activity to you, but your dog might view it differently. The Humane Society of Missouri says dogs might become difficult to deal with as you’re walking around, leading to a lost dog or even a dog who’s bitten someone.

Reconsider your seasonal plants

Plants can make the holiday more festive, but make sure you know which are toxic to dogs. Place any potentially hazardous plants on higher surfaces where your dog can’t reach, recommends Jim Hanophy, CEO of Operation Kindness, a no-kill animal shelter in Texas.

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10 Grocery Sales You Didn’t Know to Look for Between Thanksgiving and Christmas

Butter:

The price hovers around $4 a box for most of the year but can drop to $1.99 during the cooler months, when baking supplies go on sale. Since butter freezes nicely, don’t be afraid to ask for a case. (Looking for a stress-free Thanksgiving? Get our FREE guide for an unforgettable Thanksgiving. You'll get easy recipes, kid-friendly crafts and games, inspiring traditions, and more ideas for the best holiday yet.)

Sugar:

Sugar is another pantry staple that sees a cool-weather price cut. Look for $1 to $2 markdowns, with brown sugar and powdered sugar taking the largest dip. Beware that sale terms may limit you to one or two packages per purchase. Eat too much of the stuff? This is exactly how to undo a sugar binge.

Crackers:

Nothing beats cheese and crackers for impromptu entertaining (or no-time-to-cook nights). Look for sales on snack crackers and saltines; prices usually bottom out at $1 a box. What's more, you can use them to make one of these healthy snacks for weight loss.

Frozen Vegitables:

Throughout the year, you’ll see sale prices as low as $1 a bag—but during the holidays, that number can sometimes drop to as low as 50 cents a bag. These are the 10 most-nutritious veggies to choose from.

Bacon:

It usually sells for $2.50 to $6, but it’s been known to fall to $1.50 per pack around this time. It freezes like a champ, so buy in bulk. It’s a great item to have around for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Oil:

Look for deals on oil at both grocery stores and hardware stores, where it’s sold with the deep fryers for turkeys. A gallon will run about $20 instead of the usual $35. These are the silent signs you might be eating too much fat.

Poultry and pork:

We all know turkey goes on sale for Thanksgiving. But so do chicken and ham, so buy extra of all three and freeze for winter stews and quick meals. And prices are even better (as low as 40 cents a pound) the week after a holiday, as stores empty their freezers for new products.

Storage Supply:

Stock up on plastic bags and wrap, parchment paper, aluminum foil (try one of these genius uses for aluminum foil), and reusable containers for less than half the normal price.

Birthday Cake Mixes:

Both everyday and seasonal flavors go on deep sales throughout the holidays. Think beyond the gingerbread to upcoming birthdays: This is the time to buy white, yellow, and chocolate mixes. (Related: Here's exactly how to cut a cake, according to science.) And pick up cupcake liners too: They can drop 50 percent from $3 a pack.

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