Why you SHOULDN'T exercise with make-up on: Experts claim wearing foundation at the gym may give you spots and dry skin

For some women, it may be tempting to put a bit of foundation on before going to the gym.

But you really should keep your face fresh when working out, according to a study.

New research reveals the effects of wearing cosmetic foundation during aerobic exercise on the skin and its pores.

The study included 43 healthy college students – 20 males and 23 females.

Foundation cream was applied to one half of the face – on the forehead and upper cheek – while the other half of the face was left clean.

Experts suggest going fresh faced to the gym instead as using foundation cream during aerobic exercise can reduce skin oil, causing dryness

A skin analysis device was used to closely look at the skin before and after a 20-minute treadmill run.

The researchers discovered that moisture increased after exercise in both the non-makeup and makeup zones.

However, there was a greater increase in moisture in the makeup zones – which may be a result of makeup preventing the moisture from evaporating from the skin, the team said.

The size of pores increased in skin without makeup after exercise, but not significantly in skin with makeup, which could indicate that wearing foundation may block pores.

Researchers found make-up prevents moisture from evaporating from the skin, which could block your pores

Meanwhile, oil level increased in the non-makeup zones and decreased in the makeup zones, suggesting that it may be difficult to maintain proper oil levels on the skin when wearing makeup.

Writing in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, the researchers said: 'There is a growing trend of individuals wearing cosmetics while participating in physical activities.

'The findings suggest that using foundation cream during aerobic exercise can reduce skin oil, causing dryness.

'Additionally, makeup can clog pores and increase sebum production.

'This research offers important insights to the public, encouraging them to consider the possible consequences of using makeup while exercising.'

Corresponding author Dongsun Park, from the Korea National University of Education, said: 'For skin health, it's best to exercise with your makeup removed.'

When sebum, dead skin cells and other substances become trapped within a pore, this can lead to spots.