Many people falsely believe that exercise and sweating can negatively impact their skin. But this isn’t true. Poor skincare and overly taxing workout regimes can negatively impact more than just the health and appearance of your skin; they can lead to serious health issues. However, exercise combined with a healthy and balanced diet and proper skin care can lead to healthier and younger looking skin.  

With the weather starting to warm up and summer on the horizon, there is no better time than now to invest in a good-quality pair of women’s running shoes and head outside to experience the full benefits of exercise on the mind, body, and soul. 

Improves Oxygen Flow

If you regularly notice your skin becoming extra red and flushed after working out, it may be a good indicator that your skin is receiving a wave of oxygen and nutrients. Exercise increases blood flow throughout the body, delivering improved levels of oxygen and nutrients to the skin and accelerating the removal of unwanted waste products and free radicals in the body. 

Furthermore, as blood is pumped around your system during exercise, heart and lung muscles are put to work, circulating blood and oxygen more efficiently. This increased flow during exercise can result in improved general circulation in your everyday life and healthier and younger looking skin.

Promotes Cell Growth

While any type of exercise will provide healthy benefits for your skin, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and any endurance exercise have been found to provide an anti-aging effect by increasing telomerase activity. This enzyme protects our DNA, resulting in better cell growth and replication throughout the body. 

If you are not a fan of HIIT or cannot safely execute the training, research reveals that regular and moderate exercise can improve your body’s antioxidant defenses. 

Boost Collagen Production

Over the last few years, the importance of collagen in keeping skin looking radiant, healthy, and youthful has been one of the biggest trends in the beauty industry. Although it may just look like a passing fad, scientific research can support the health benefits of improved collagen levels in the body, improving the strength, structure, and support of muscles, skin, bones, and connective tissue. Studies show that exercise can stimulate the body’s natural collagen production by boosting cellular turnover, resulting in a healthier and more radiant complexion. 

Lowers Stress

Numerous studies have been conducted documenting the negative impact stress and anxiety can have on the health of hair and skin, particularly for those who suffer from chronic skin conditions like eczema, acne, psoriasis, and rosacea. When our body is stressed, numerous physiological responses are triggered, leading to inflammation, breakouts, and allergic skin reactions. 

Exercise is a common tool used by many to lower stress and anxiety. It reduces the body’s heightened immune and hormonal responses to these negative mental and emotional states. A decrease in these responses can mitigate the risk of chronic skin breakouts and flare-ups. Exercise also helps the immune system stay healthy, allowing it to respond better to general health concerns.  

Reduces Signs of Aging

Exercise speeds up the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the skin and removes waste products and other free radicals more efficiently. This powerhouse combination can improve signs of aging by supporting cellular turnover and collagen production. While your fine lines and wrinkles won’t disappear completely, you can expect the quality, health, and general appearance of your skin to be noticeably improved. 

Although there is plenty of scientific evidence to support the notion that appropriate exercise can keep you looking younger for longer, if you choose to exercise outdoors, it is crucial to protect your skin from harmful sun damage. This will not only cause irreparable skin aging but can also lead to potentially fatal conditions like skin cancer. 

Furthermore, extremely exhausting or overly taxing workout routines can have adverse effects on your skin health and appearance and lead to overall health damage. Before starting any new fitness regimen, it is essential to consult with a personal trainer or your GP to discuss the right exercises for you. 

Tips for Maintaining Skin Health

People with common skin issues like acne and eczema may experience a temporary flare-up when they begin exercising. Still, it will quickly resolve itself and improve conditions in the long run. However, maintaining good skin health alongside exercise is imperative to reap the maximum rewards. 

After exercising, you need to take a shower as soon as possible, using a gentle cleanser on your body and face. You should also wear loose-fitting and moisture-wicking workout clothes to avoid issues like rashes, chaffing, and other skin irritations. 

If you exercise outside, applying sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to all exposed skin is vital, reapplying at least every two hours. If possible, avoid being in the intense afternoon sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. 

Finally, if you notice any rashes, blisters, or chaffing on your skin, it is essential to treat the affected skin immediately to avoid any infection, which could lead to more serious issues. Additionally, take the necessary steps to treat any breakouts or flare-ups from chronic skin conditions based on recommendations from your dermatologist. 

*Contributed Content

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