4 Benefits of Exercise for Your Skin

When you think of skin health, what comes to mind? Water, moisturizer, SPF, nutritious eating habits? While all of these things certainly contribute to healthy and happy skin, there is an additional factor that often goes unnoticed. Exercise is a key element to your overall health and wellness, and that includes your skin. 

With the pandemic now going on a year, many people have modified their health and wellness routines. We are home much more than ever before and with that many people have made changes to their workout and skin care regimens out of necessity. Many people have decided to take this time as a way to refocus on themselves and their health by picking up new healthy habits. 

For those who have skin concerns, exercise has been a point of concern. Those with acne prone skin worry that sweat will make their breakouts worse. Others who suffer from conditions such as rosacea may worry that exercise could cause a flare up. 

However, your dermatologist will tell you that with proper cleansing and skin care protocols, the benefits of exercise far outweigh the potential risks for your skin. In fact, regular exercise is one of the best things you can do for your body. 

In this article, we are going to highlight some of the top benefits of exercising for your skin and your overall health. We will also offer some tips for helping you achieve the skin that you want while engaging in an exercise routine. 

Top 4 Benefits of Exercise for Your Skin Health

If you have been avoiding rigorous exercise because you fear it will cause breakouts or make a skin condition worse, you can still exercise with just a few tweaks to your routine. The benefits of exercise are many, not just for your skin but for your body as a whole. 

Improves blood flow 

Exercise gets your blood pumping! Cardio exercise works your heart and encourages increased circulation of blood and oxygen. As the blood flows, your circulation improves even after your workout session is over. Improved circulation nourishes the cells of your body, including those in your skin, and can result in better cell repair and replacement of damaged cells. Improved blood flow and circulation can result in healthy, glowing skin and overall vitality. 

Removes toxins 

Increased circulation and improved blood flow repair and replace the body’s cells and remove toxins from those cells to help your body work more efficiently. When you exercise, you are helping your body bring vital nutrients to the cells and remove the waste products that can cause damage. Your cells will get the good stuff they need more quickly and remove the bad stuff more efficiently. 

Decreases stress 

It is well documented that stress can have a negative impact on your overall health, including your skin. People who suffer from chronic stress develop serious physical symptoms from hair loss to breakouts, joint pain to headaches. Exercise is a great way to manage stress and regulate your body’s hormonal responses. By regularly engaging in athletic activity, you can minimize your risk of negative side effects from stress and improve your overall health and wellness, both physically and emotionally. 

Fights the signs of aging 

Advanced studies have shown that regular exercise can prevent or even reverse the signs of aging in the skin. Adding even 30 to 45 minutes of exercise three to four times a week can have a noticeable difference in the appearance of your skin and your overall vitality. Work with your doctors to develop an exercise routine that works best for your physical abilities and goals. Over time, you will see significant gains in the elasticity and suppleness of your skin and a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

When you take care of your body, your body takes care of you. By choosing nutritious meals, drinking plenty of water and engaging in a regular exercise routine, you are not only caring for your body as a whole, you are caring for your skin. Poor health results in a compromised immune system that presents in a variety of negative symptoms throughout the body. Exercise is one way to boost your immune system and keep your body feeling its best. 

How to Maintain Your Skin Health While Exercising

As we mentioned earlier, those with acne or chronic skin conditions may shy away from rigorous activity that could cause them to sweat or overheat and result in a flare-up. With a little advanced planning and dedication to a skin care routine, exercise does not have to be a trigger. Consider the following tips to protect your skin while exercising:  

• Try to exercise with clean skin that is makeup free. 
• Clean your skin with a gentle cleanser immediately after exercising. 
• Avoid wearing tight fitting clothes, hats or bandanas that trap sweat and prevent your skin from breathing. 
• Always wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher when exercising outdoors. 
• Assess your skin after exercising to identify any areas of irritation, inflammation or rashes so you can treat them right away. 

Buckhead Dermatology, Atlanta Georgia 

If you live in the Atlanta area and have skin concerns, consult with our experienced dermatologist today at Buckhead Dermatology. Dr. Straughn has been practicing dermatology with a specialty in skin of color for over 25 years. She is a leading expert in a variety of skin conditions including melasma, acne, hyperpigmentation and other common treatable conditions. 

Schedule your appointment today by calling our Atlanta or College Park dermatology offices at 404-816-4000.