Shoppers Swear This Gwyneth Paltrow-Used Soothing Spray ‘Tames’ Red, Irritated Skin

Working out can be an instant mood-booster—that euphoric feeling after is unmatched. The rest of the after-effects, though, are less desirable: sweaty clothes, sore muscles, and sometimes even a beet-red complexion. If the latter concerns you, don’t worry; that post-gym red skin is a completely normal response to physical exertion, but if you want to fade the look of it, I’d recommend trying the $14 Avène Thermal Spring Water spray.

This repairing treatment comforts skin and even has stamps of approval from the National Rosacea Society and National Eczema Association. Gwyneth Paltrow also recently featured it on her Instagram story as a staple in her skin care routine, and given its fast-healing properties, I can see why. 

Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray

The Thermal Spring Water spray “helps quickly reduce redness and calms the skin without overwhelming it with heavy ingredients or friction,” explained board-certified dermatologist Jenny Liu on behalf of Avène. She says that the spray is ideal for flushed, hot, or irritated complexions post-exercise, especially for those with sensitive- or rosacea-prone skin types since they’re particularly susceptible to reactions.

The refreshing facial mist is beneficial thanks to its cooling effect, alongside anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It’s infused with the brand’s signature thermal spring water (which contains trace minerals and silicates plus a postbiotic microflora) that hydrate, calm, and rebalance skin. Meanwhile, the cooling sensation constricts blood vessels on the skin’s surface, which, in turn, reduces redness. 

Dr. Liu adds that the spray allows for a more gentle, “no-touch” application to rebalance the skin, “easing discomfort and inflammation almost immediately.” In addition to redness, it can also soothe a number of other types of irritation, like itchiness, minor burns, wounds, and sunburn, as well as be used to offer relief post-laser treatments, after shaving, or to set make up. The Avène Thermal Spring Water spray is also helpful if you can’t wash your face right after a workout, removing sweat, salt, and irritants to minimize potential breakouts. Dr. Liu advises applying the spray immediately after you finish exercising to “remove sweat, salt, and potential irritants from the skin.” 

Reviewers also can’t get enough of the calming and hydrating formula, which has 11,000 perfect ratings on Amazon. One shopper called the product a “miracle,” “lifesaver,” and “magic” for when you want an “immediate cooldown” after the gym. Another fan similarly shared that it “tames” their red face post-workouts. As for everyday use, other users note that it provides “instant relief” to overheated skin and prevents acne, having seen “fewer breakouts” since implementing the spray into their routine.  

Soothe your skin in seconds with this Gwyneth Paltrow-approved facial mist. Shop the Avène Thermal Spring Water for $14 and more similar treatments, below. 

Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray 

La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water Spray 

Dermalogica Ultra-Calming Mist