Boost your post-gym glow with these gym bag essentials from Sukin Skincare.

There’s nothing like a good workout to make you feel vital. Scientists have credited the post-gym glow to the release of happy hormones like dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine, which stifle stress and, in turn, boost your natural beauty.

Researchers from the University of California found that stressed-out women who exercised vigorously for an average of 45 minutes over a three-day period had cells that showed significantly fewer signs of ageing compared to women who were stressed and not active.

In the same vein a recent study in the American Journal of Physiology observed the circulation of Klotho, a gene which is produced in lower quantities as we age and has been associated with the degenerative process of ageing, increased significantly after only 12-weeks of moderate intensity aerobic training. So it’s not just your butt that’s going to be looking taught and toned for a good sweat session – your skin stands to benefit too.

If that wasn’t enough, exercise has also been associated with an increase in self-confidence, body image and, in turn, libido. Which may explain why you’re thinking you might go chat with the hot barista around the corner after spin class…you know, after the sweat subsides and your face returns to its normal shade of pink and you’ve washed the ponytail dent out of your hair. It’s fairly safe to say that your post-gym beauty routine has the potential to make or break your endorphin-induced vital glow.

So we teamed up with Sukin Skincare to come up with a gym-bag packable beauty routine:

FACE

To cleanse: Micellar Cleansing Water

Use this gentle cleanser pre- and post-workout to remove makeup (even the waterproof stuff) and to draw impurities from the skin. Formulated with aloe vera and blend of chamomile and refreshing cucumber, Sukin’s Micellar Cleansing Water soothes and nourishes leaving your complexion calm and your skin soft, not matter how hard you sweat! $9.95 for 250 ml.

To refresh: Hydrating Mist Toner

Need your pink cheeks to chill out? This alcohol-free, skin-hydrating mist combines chamomile and rosewater to help soothe, tone and cool your post-workout visage. Simple use after cleansing or whenever your skin feels agitated or stressed – we love a spritz on hot days and when we want to look extra dewy post sesh. $9.95 for 125 ml

BODY

To moisturise: Hydrating Body Lotion – Lime and coconut

Hello, summer! A skin-loving blend of aloe vera, nettle, horsetail and burdock work to restore moisture balance while the exotic scent of lime and coconut takes you to a faraway place where the sand is white and the sea is blue and fresh coconuts with cocktail umbrellas abound.

Sukin’s Hydrating Body Lotion is also infused with rose hip, avocado and jojoba oils to hydrate extra-thirsty skin and improve elasticity. $19.95 for 500ml

To scent: Natural Deodorant

Feel fresh with an alluring blend of tangerine, mandarin and lavender oils. Sukin’s natural deodorant is aluminium and paraben free and works to eliminate the bacteria that causes odour without using harsh ingredients (your armpits will thank you). $5.95 for 125ml

BONUS

Got a little extra room in your gym bag? Add these products to your regime for bonus beauty benefits:

To revitalise: Super Greens Facial Recovery Serum

Kale, spirulina, chlorella and acai fruit? We’re not talking about your post-workout smoothie, we’re talking about the combo of extracts in Sukin’s Super Greens Facial Recovery Serum. Their antioxidants and vitamins work to restore a healthy glow while grape seed oil, avocado and vitamin E assist in locking in moisture for a dewy complexion. Apply post cleanse and pre-moisturiser. $17.95 for 30ml

To soothe: Aloe vera gel

Whether you’re feeling a little sun kissed, suffering from sports-bra chafe or did a not so great job of shaving your legs, aloe vera gel is a godsend. This pure aloe vera product is great for soothing any irritated or inflamed skin and will work to to reduce redness and increase ahhhhhhhh. $6.95 for 125ml.

This article has been sponsored by Sukin.

NEXT: 5 ways you’re wasting gym time>>