According to Diario Sport, players preparing for the 2026 World Cup are prone to skin damage due to the summer's frequent travel, sun exposure, and jet lag.
Dermatologist Mary Carmen Padillana selected Yamal, one of the most watched players in this tournament, and designed a simple, lightweight, and effective skincare routine for him to make it easier for him to travel with the team in the future.
At just 19 years old, Yamal's skin is typically oily and occasionally prone to blemishes. Coupled with climate change and sun exposure, experts advised him to focus on cleansing, protection, and repair.
Padiana summarized the program into three core products: "If I were Lamin Yamal's pharmacist, I would pack an acne treatment, a gentle cleanser, and a niacinamide gel in his suitcase," she said in an interview with Woman.
Prolonged sun exposure is one of the biggest risks athletes face. Therefore, experts recommend using lightweight, sweat-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreens to provide protection without adding greasiness or affecting athletic performance.
She also recommends pairing it with a fast-absorbing moisturizing gel, whose ingredients may include hyaluronic acid or glycerin, to help maintain skin balance without clogging pores. At night, a repair product containing niacinamide or panthenol can be used to help soothe the skin, reduce redness, and repair the skin barrier after high-intensity training.
Washing your face in the morning is the first step. Afterwards, face cream or moisturizing gel can prepare your skin for the day and also make it easier to apply sunscreen.
A few minutes later, the crucial step arrives: sunscreen. If you are continuously exposed to sunlight or sweat, you should reapply every 2 to 3 hours. Moisturizing products can be kept at home or in a hotel, but sunscreen must be carried with you at all times.
At the end of the day, skin needs to remove sweat, dirt, and accumulated skincare products. Gently cleanse first, then use a night repair product or after-sun repair product to help replenish lost moisture and repair hidden damage caused by wind, heat, and sun exposure.
