Andrea Marschesi (aka Drea) is a renowned Fitness Instructor at Equinox in San Francisco.  I consider her an exercise guru and wanted to get her take on skin care.

Tell me about yourself, how did you get into fitness as a profession?

I was a dancer since the age of 4 into my 20’s, so exercising has always been in my blood! I grew up dancing in a company which taught me how working together in a team environment, creating close bonds, so naturally I felt comfortable taking group fitness classes. My favorite instructors noticed my high energy and positivity and encouraged me to become an instructor. That was 18 years ago!

What do you recommend as a post-workout skin care routine?

Actually, I use your Brighten Up Bar because it’s a bar, so I can toss it into my gym bag without worrying about it leaking. It works really well for me to prevent breakouts. I try to remember to apply my SPF before I walk out of the gym but sometimes I forget!!

What types of exercises do you prefer doing indoors, as opposed to outdoors?

I love taking and teaching HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) classes because it pushes you in ways you cannot push yourself. But, if it is a nice, sunny day I love to run outdoors or do the Lyon Street Steps to take in the scenic views of SF. And, when available, I love practicing yoga anywhere outdoors but especially on the beach.

While exercising outdoors, what type of SPF do you use so that doesn’t drip into your eyes when sweating?

I have tried a few different products over the years but recently discovered MyChelle sun care products which are not only great for your body (Vegan, Cruelty-free) but great for the environment! Their Sun Care line is “Reef Safe” meaning they do not include the common toxic ingredients found in other sunscreens, like Oxybenzone and Octinoxate that are harming and sometimes causing irreversible damage to our reefs. I feel good knowing I am using a product that is safe for me and the environment!

Read my previous post on SPF here.

Does exercising regularly help maintain good skin?

Yes, you get a fitness glow because exercise increases blood flow which nourishes skin cells. If you tend to exercise after work just make sure to clean your face from makeup. If you workout with full makeup on this will clog pores and cause breakouts. As you sweat, your pores open up and you don’t want to clog your pores. Exercise also helps rid the body of toxins and flushes out your pores. Exercising regularly also helps decrease stress which can regulate your hormones and keep your skin from breaking out.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with me?

Always remember, what goes on your body eventually goes in your body, so make educated, conscientious decisions with your nutrition and skin care to fuel your inner fire!

If you’d like to have a workout with Drea, you can find her at all 3 Equinox locations in San Francisco.

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