A Professional’s Guide, for Motorsport and Trade. 

In the world of motorsport, whether you’re a racer or an influencer, how you present yourself matters. Not only does it affect your personal brand, but it also influences those around you. Here’s an in-depth guide to help you maintain your best look on race day, focusing on skincare basics, helmet hygiene, the role of sunscreen in personal presentation. We sat down with Modified Drag Racer and Beauty Therapist of 11 years, Michelle Morrison Motorsport for her professional take on skincare, hygiene and personal presentation and its place in motorsport.  

 

Skincare Basics

Maintaining healthy, clean, and hydrated skin is crucial, especially on race day. Here are the fundamental components of a basic skincare routine: 

Cleansing

Purpose: Remove dirt, oil, makeup, and other impurities. 

How: Use a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type (dry, oily, combination, sensitive) twice daily – morning and before bed. 

Tips: Avoid harsh soaps and rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. 

Exfoliating

Purpose: Remove dead skin cells to prevent clogged pores and promote cell turnover. 

How: Use a mild exfoliant 1-3 times per week, depending on your skin type and sensitivity. 

Tips: Be gentle to avoid irritation and do not over-exfoliate. 

Toning

Purpose: Balance the skin’s pH levels, tighten pores, and remove any leftover impurities after cleansing. 

How: Apply a toner suitable for your skin type using a cotton pad or your hands. 

Tips: Look for alcohol-free toners to avoid drying out your skin. 

Moisturising

Purpose: Hydrate and protect the skin, maintaining its natural moisture barrier. 

How: Apply a moisturiser that matches your skin type. Use a lightweight moisturizer with SPF during the day and a more hydrating one at night. 

Tips: Apply moisturiser while your skin is still slightly damp to lock in moisture. 

Sun Protection

Purpose: Protect the skin from harmful UV rays, which can cause premature aging and increase the risk of skin cancer. 

How: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day. 

Tips: Reapply every two hours when outdoors, and more frequently if swimming or sweating.

Special Treatments

Purpose: Address specific skin concerns like acne, hyperpigmentation, or fine lines. 

How: Incorporate serums, spot treatments, or prescription products as needed. 

Tips: Introduce new products one at a time to monitor how your skin reacts. 

 

Helmet Hygiene 

“I wear a SFI balaclava underneath my drag racing helmet. I have at least 3 with me on race day and would be in my car for approximately 20 minutes at a time for a maximum of 7 races. This is a personal preference of mine as I have struggled with acne issues, to prevent my skin’s exposure to bacteria as much as possible. Your bracket of racing may not require you to wear a balaclava however I would recommend investing in an (or a few) SFI balaclava not only for fire protection but also for skin hygiene” shares Michelle. 

Proper helmet hygiene is essential to minimise the spread of bacteria and viruses, which can cause inflammation, irritation and infections. Here are some tips:   

Removable Padding: If your helmet has removable padding, wash it after each event or replace it with fresh padding throughout the racing event. Adhere to manufactures washing and detergent instructions as this may affect fire retardancy and padding buoyancy. Check care labels before investing in protective clothing and helmets to ensure you are committing to something achievable for you. 

Balaclava Use: Wearing a balaclava can help reduce skin exposure to bacteria. Having multiple balaclavas allows you to change them frequently. 

Cold Sores: If you have a cold sore outbreak on race day, use a physical treatment cover to conceal and protect the area. 

 

The Role of Sunscreen (SPF) 

Using sunscreen is crucial for protecting your skin from UV damage. Understanding SPF levels can help you choose the right product: 

SPF 15: Blocks approximately 93% of UVB rays

SPF 30: Blocks approximately 97% of UVB rays

SPF 50: Blocks approximately 98% of UVB rays

SPF 100: Blocks approximately 99% of UVB rays

Apply sunscreen correctly and reapply it as needed to ensure continuous protection. 

 

Personal Presentation

Your personal presentation affects your mental health and confidence. Our mental health affects our physical performance. Present yourself in a way that makes you feel comfortable and confident. Consider the following: 

Target Audience: Think about the image you want to present and who you are trying to attract or inspire. 

Breaking Stereotypes: As women in a male-dominated sport, our appearance can challenge stereotypes. It’s okay to get dirty, as long as you can clean up afterward.  

Consistency: Keep your appearance consistent across all your appearances, whether at a photoshoot, an event, or the racetrack. 

“Unfortunately, women are perceived to have an issue with getting dirty. My awareness to bacteria and viruses has definitely been heightened through professional development and raising a family during COVID. But! I am more than willing to get dirty, so long as I can get clean again at the end of the day. There’s a blurred line between presentation and hygiene” says Michelle. 

 

Event/Photo Shoot vs. Race Day 

A photoshoot can be used to present an idealised version of you, images are usually highly edited in post-production and often not reflective how we look in real life, however, in the sporting context and for fan engagement this can ultimately result in a case of mistaken identity. Consistency in your appearance helps with recognition and branding. However, practical considerations on race day might require a different approach. For example: 

Lola Lovinfosse: F1 Academy driver for Charlotte Tilbury – Rodin Motorsport, Lola presents a natural approach to her makeup routine, consistent with her race day look. 

Bianca Bustemante: F1 Academy driver for McLaren has sponsorship engagement with Sephora, the global cosmetic company, and has different make-up choices selected for her promotional red-carpet events, and race day. But are still on-brand for Bia. 

 

Common Skin Issues in Motorsport 

Acne: Caused by clogged pores from oil and dead skin cells. Motorsport increases the risk of acne due air pollution, debris and excessive bacteria transfer through sweat. 

Rosacea: Causes as redness, bumps and irritation. Triggers include sunlight, hot drinks, alcohol, spicy foods, anxiety, and stress. 

Sun Damage: Leads to pigmentation, premature aging, and skin cancer. Protect your skin with diligent sun protection and seek professional advice for severe cases.  

 

Makeup Tips and Race Day Routine 

Less is best when it comes to makeup on race day. Here’s Michelle’s simple race day routine: 

Brows: Lightly fill in gaps with a brow pencil. 

Eyes: Apply a smudge of brown eyeliner and waterproof mascara. 

Lips: Use a light lip stain and SPF protective lip balm. 

Face: If needed a light BB cream or simple spot cover with concealer. Avoid heavy foundations that won’t stay put under a helmet. 

 

Post-Race Recovery 

After a race, cleanse your skin thoroughly to remove impurities: 

Shower: A quick soap up and rinse. 

Double Cleanse: Wash your face thoroughly and apply moisturiser before bed. 

Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth before bed to protect oral health. 

 

Hydration from the Inside Out 

Staying hydrated is vital for skin health. Drink plenty of water and consider adding electrolytes to your water to balance fluid retention. 

 

General Tips for Skin Care  

Stay Hydrated: Drink water throughout the day. 

Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. 

Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol: These contribute to premature aging and skin issues. 

Get Adequate Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. 

Manage Stress: High stress levels can lead to skin issues like acne and eczema. 

 

We look forward to seeing Michelle back on track for the summer drag racing season, to hear more of Michelle’s personal insight on these topics check out her blog post on her website here:  

https://www.michellemorrisonmotorsport.com.au/announcements