Exercise is a very important part of a healthy lifestyle for everyone. That includes people with skin health concerns. Even though you may need to adjust your skincare routine slightly, exercising regularly has fewer negative than positive effects for skin health.

Some of the benefits are:

1 – Improved Blood Flow to Nourish Cells

When we exercise, the blood is pumped through our body, working our heart muscles and circulating blood and oxygen. This improves our circulation even when we are not exercising.

That means that our skin cells, are nourished by the increased blood flow, leading to improved health of skin cells and more effective repair and replacement, making skin look and feel younger and stronger.

2 – Improved Blood Flow Removes Toxins from Skin

In addition to more effectively delivering vital nutrients to the body’s cells, improved blood flow also means toxins are removed from the body more efficiently. Allowing nutrients to get where they are needed faster.

3 – Decreased Stress Improves Outcomes for Chronic Skin Conditions

There have been a number of studies demonstrating a negative impact of stress on skin and hair, especially for those who suffer from chronic skin conditions like acne, eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis.

Stress triggers numerous physiological responses within the body that can cause breakouts, inflammation, and allergic skin reactions.

Exercise decreases the body’s elevated hormonal and immune responses to stress. It improved mood and decreases anxiety. This can minimize the risk of chronic skin condition breakouts and flare-ups.

It also keeps the immune system healthy and better able to respond to secondary skin infections.

4 – Prevent & Reverse the Signs of Aging

A research study that examined the skin of individuals who were 65 and older revealed some impressive findings. The study took a base sample of the community members’ skin. Then, these individuals were asked to maintain a moderate aerobic exercise routine for three months. When testing the skin after the three month exercise period, the findings were remarkable. The skin of the individuals who were exercising more frequently closely resembled healthy skin for individuals of much younger ages, between 20 and 40.

In the past, dermatologists believed that exercising could help to keep skin looking healthier, but this recent research tells us exercising may actually make it possible for us to turn back the clock for our skin. With just thirty minutes of aerobic exercise each day, we may just start looking younger!

However if we are exercising outdoors, it’s important to take steps to protect our skin from sun damage. Make sure to wear sunscreen, hat and sunglasses and avoid exercising outside between 9 am and 5 pm in the summer months. Additionally, extremely exhausting and overtaxing exercise routines may also have negative effects on the skin’s appearance as well as damaging overall health. Speak to your doctor or an Exercise physiologist about the best individual routine for you.

5 – Improved Overall Health Places Less Stress on Skin

Finally, we know that our skin is a barrier organ that protects the rest of the body from potential damage. Unfortunately, when the immune system is engaged in keeping the body healthy due to poor health, our skin health will suffer.  

Regular exercise is an essential part of maintaining good whole-body health, which means our body has the necessary nutrients and energy available to keep skin looking and feeling its best.