Exercise is one of the best things you can do for your overall health. It boosts mood, strengthens your body, improves cardiovascular health, and contributes to longevity. But have you ever thought about how working out impacts your skin? Like the rest of your body, your skin responds to your exercise routine. Sometimes for better, sometimes for worse. Read on to find out how working out affects your skin, and how you can rebalance it!
How Working Out Affects Your Skin
Your skin reflects your overall health, and exercise is key. By understanding how working out affects your skin, both positively and negatively, and taking simple steps to rebalance, you can enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle without sacrificing your complexion.
How Exercise Benefits Your Skin
Anything that promotes a healthy circulation also helps to keep your skin healthy and vibrant. 30 minutes of exercise a day is all that is necessary to significantly improve overall circulation.
Improves Oxygen to Skin
Exercise gets the blood pumping! This blood flow carries oxygen and nutrients around the body to the skin, while also carrying waste products, toxins, and free radicals away from skin cells. Oxygen and nutrients are essential for healthy cells and also contribute to the production of elastin and collagen, for a youthful, glowing appearance.
Boosts Collagen Production
Research suggests collagen production can be positively affected by exercise. As discussed, exercise increases blood flow, contributing to collagen production. However, this is not the only way that collagen production is triggered. Some exercise activities, such as weight training, release a growth hormone from the pituitary gland, which stimulates fibroblast cells, contributing to collagen production.
Promotes Cell Growth
High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) has been proven to have an anti-ageing effect on the skin by increasing telomerase activity. Research suggests telomerase plays a significant role in maintenance of skin function. This is because telomerase is an enzyme that helps to keep cells alive, protecting DNA for better cell growth and replication. Therefore, regular endurance exercise will keep the skin healthier for longer.
Potential Skin Concerns
- Sweat-Induced Irritation: Sweating can lead to irritation if it remains on your skin for too long. Sweat can mix with bacteria and dead skin cells, potentially clogging pores and causing breakouts.
- Dehydration: Intense workouts can deplete your body’s hydration levels, leading to dry, dull, or flaky skin.
- Environmental Exposure: If you work out outdoors, your skin is exposed to UV rays, pollution, and wind, which can cause sun damage, premature aging, or environmental stress.
Maintaining a Post-Workout Glow
- Remove Makeup: Sweating with makeup on is a disaster for the pores, and can cause/aggravate skin conditions such as acne. Remove any makeup before working out to avoid this.
- Protect Your Skin: If you exercise outdoors, apply a broad-spectrum SPF before your workout to protect against UV damage.
- Cleanse Immediately After: To avoid the negative impact of working out, you should get rid of sweat, bacteria, and debris by washing your face and body as soon as possible after your workout.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercise to replenish lost fluids. On the outside, apply a moisturiser to restore your skin’s barrier.
- Exfoliate: Incorporating weekly exfoliation into your skincare routine can help with post-workout breakouts. A weekly SkinBase Microdermabrasion treatment is a great option. Take care not to over-exfoliate, as it can irritate already sensitive skin.
- Cool Down: If your skin feels overheated or red after a workout, apply a cool compress or use products a soothing aloe vera gel to calm inflammation.
Remember, consistency is key – both in your workouts and your skincare routine. A little extra care before and after hitting the gym can go a long way in keeping your skin glowing and resilient!
