EDGE San Diego

Now that I have your attention...I am talking about your skin.

If you’re investing time in a regular workout routine, your body thanks you, but your skin may be paying the price. Keep in mind that a quick shower and a rinse with antibacterial soap may not be the best post-workout skincare regime.

Especially now when you experience the combination of dry heat in your apartment or office, and the cold weather outside, your skin can dry out fast. If you find yourself itching and scratching more and more, chances are your skin is thirsty for more hydration.

Here are a few tips for cleansing and caring for your body after the gym. These tips will maximize the benefits of your workout while giving you younger, healthier, and better-looking skin.

Rinse with Cold Water
Guys have larger pores than women, so your skin is naturally prone to being oilier. Try a deep-cleansing lotion instead of your usual soap. Use products that are odor-free and contain natural ingredients.

Exfoliate
Once a month, include a mild exfoliant between your deep cleanser and your astringent. An exfoliant will gently remove dead skin cells and leave your face smooth and rejuvenated. Be sure to look for products that are formulated to work gently and do not include pieces of nuts or seeds, as these can damage your newlyinvigorated skin.

If you battle oily skin, an astringent can help control the oils that your skin will continue to excrete for an hour or more after your workout. Look for products that contain alpha hydroxy acid, an ingredient that helps to refine and minimize pores, plus helps prevent ingrown hairs. If the product is photosensitive, use a sunscreen before going outside.

Moisturize
Always moisturize after you shower, and use a light moisturizer on your face, paying special attention to the skin around your eyes. Look for products that list Vitamin E as an ingredient and that are oil-free. Regular use of a good quality moisturizer (make sure it has a sunscreen) can help keep those crow’s feet from forming.

Always moisturize while your skin is moist, right after the shower or after your wash your face. Never go to bed alone! Always apply a light layer of your favorite night cream. And don’t forget to use a daytime lotion with an SPF factor. You will want to protect your face from the ravages of ultraviolet rays.

Keep in mind that too much alcohol will dry your skin. When you are on a plane, make sure to pack your favorite face cream and use it a few times in flight.

Protect Your Hands
The skin on your hands is thinner than on most parts of the body and has fewer oil glands. That means it’s harder to keep your hands moist, especially in cold, dry weather. This can lead to itchiness and cracking. Wear gloves when you go outside; if you need to wear wool to keep your hands warm, slip on a thin cotton glove first, to avoid any irritation the wool might cause And never put on wet socks or gloves. They can irritate your skin and cause itching, cracking, sores, or even a flare-up of eczema.

Hydrate
Most experts recommend eight 12-ounce glasses per day, more if you’re exercising. While you’re in the gym, hydration is easy to remember, but after you leave is when it’s most important. Not only does water return much-needed moisture to your muscles, it also helps to flush out toxins.

Get Professional Help (If You Need It)
If you find yourself "faced" with chronic skin issues and problems, seek a specialist. If you go to your local drugstore, you’ll be hard put to find a salesperson who can give you good advice.

That’s why going to an esthetician or dermatologist even once is a good investment. Such a specialist can analyze your skin type, troubleshoot your current skin care regimen, and give you advice on the skin care products you should be using.

It might take some trial and error before you find the right products or combination of products that work best for you. Keep in mind that you don’t need to spend a ton of money to get a good product. Just because the product is beautifully packaged and sold at your favorite high-end department store doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for your skin.

In fact, the extra price you pay for the expensive stuff is often just for packaging and marketing. What’s most important is how your skin responds to the product -- not how much money you paid for it.

Ken Hunt is the owner of New York and Miami’s Steel Gym, an AFI-certified trainer and a fitness expert. Ken’s expert advice has been featured in the New York Times, Compete, Horizon Barcelona, La Cosmopolatina, Men’s Fitness, DailyBurn, and SiriusXM and LA Talk Radio. He also travels around the country lecturing on physical fitness. He is currently finishing his new book, "The Hunt for Fitness." He also hosts his own radio talk show, "The Hunt for Fitness," on WWRL 1600 AM radio at 10 p.m. ET, every Friday.

Under Ken’s management, Steel Gym has been named two years in a row the No. 1 gym in New York by the American Fitness Institute; two years in a row awarded the New York Award for Physical Fitness Facilities; has been named one of the Top 5 gyms in the US by Muscle & Fitness Magazine; and has been given the Talk of the Town Award three years in a row for Outstanding Customer Service. Steel Gym is located at 146 W. 23rd St. in Manhattan. Call (212) 352-9876, e-mail info@SteelGym.com or log onto www.SteelGym.com for more information. Also, you can follow Steel Gym on Facebook.com/SteelGymNYC and Twitter.com/SteelGym.