Have you noticed the post-workout glow? There are many great things exercise can do for your body, including your skin. Sweat aside, the gleaming complexion that comes with working out is actually the result of something deeper.
Staying active is a great way to keep yourself healthy, and it provides your skin with a few perks as well. That being said, how you care for your skin before and after a workout could make or break said benefits.
Here are some of the ways working out can improve your skin health, as well as some tips for your exercise skincare.
Increased Circulation Can Revitalize Your Skin
Our skin cells receive oxygen and other nutrients from our blood. When we increase the circulation of our blood by exercising, our skin is able to bring in more oxygen and nutrients while washing away any waste.
By flushing away free radicals and cellular debris, increased circulation can have a rejuvenating effect on your skin. The role of detoxification still belongs to your liver, but you can think of exercise as a way of washing your skin clean from the inside.
Increased circulation has also been shown to aid wound healing. This could come in handy when it comes to repairing any lesions caused by certain skin conditions.
Exercise May Increase Skin Collagen
Collagen has already started quite a conversation in the beauty industry. In the world of health and wellness, it’s no different.
Aside from the supplements being promoted by countless vitamin stores, the collagen discussion is gaining relevance in the fitness community. The research on this topic is limited, but there might be a link between exercise and collagen volume.
In fact, one study found higher levels of skin collagen in elderly subjects after they completed a 3-month cycling program.
This isn’t to say exercise is the fountain of youth; but, collagen or no, the amazing things it can do for other areas of your body will surely shine through in your health.
Reduced Stress Can Benefit Skin
Some studies have shown that stress may influence the oil-producing glands in your skin, which could worsen certain conditions, such as acne and eczema. Keeping your anxieties at bay, therefore, can be a useful avenue to improve your skin health.
It’s easier said than done, but stress management can be as simple as meditating in the morning or picking up a regular exercise routine. Working out has been shown to reduce stress by releasing endorphins, or the “feel-good” neurotransmitters.
It can also increase self-confidence and help you concentrate on the present moment. In this way, exercise can help to indirectly lessen any stress-induced acne or other related flare-ups.
Skin Care Tips for Your Next Workout
As much as working out can benefit your skin and overall health, it’s also important to remain mindful of your hygiene and personal care. Any missteps in this area could make existing conditions worse if you aren’t careful. With that in mind, here are some tips for maximizing the advantages of exercising.
Remove Makeup Prior to Working Out
Cleansing your face before a workout is just as important as doing so afterward. Like what was mentioned earlier, blood circulation increases during exercise. While this improves the flow of nutrients and oxygen to your skin, it also causes your pores to soften up.
If your face isn’t clean, any makeup, dirt, or bacteria could become trapped in your pores, which may cause breakouts. The easiest way to prevent this from happening is simply to remove any makeup from your face, as well as using a facial cleanser.
Oil-free towelettes are a great option, and are recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology.
If You Exercise Outside, Wear Sunscreen
UV rays from the sun can damage your skin if you aren’t careful. For this reason, it’s important to wear sunscreen if you like to exercise outside.
You should also keep in mind that sweating can increase your chances of getting sunburned. Not only does sweat tend to remove sunscreen, but it also allows 40% fewer UV rays to do just as much harm as when you aren’t sweating.
One solution is to continue re-applying sunscreen while you’re outside, but another is just to wear clothing that covers enough skin.
Wipe Down Exercise Equipment & Avoid Touching Your Face
It’s gym etiquette to wipe down your equipment after you use it, but you can’t always count on other people to do this.
To prevent picking up any unwanted bacteria or dirt, it’s best to wipe down your equipment before you use it too. As an extra precaution, try to avoid touching your face. That way, you can be extra sure that you’re not providing your skin with extra contaminants to deal with.
Change Your Clothes & Shower As Soon As Possible
Working up a sweat can feel great, but it can also provide the ideal conditions for breakouts.
Changing out of your workout clothes and taking a shower is the best way to ensure any sweat, bacteria, or dirt don’t get a chance to accumulate and clog your pores.
Conclusion
Exercising comes with many benefits, but its effect on your skin is less talked about. From increasing your circulation to reducing any stress, working out can help give your complexion a healthy glow.
Good hygiene, however, is crucial for maximizing these advantages. As long as you’re washing your face, wearing sunscreen, sanitizing your equipment, and staying clean, you should be good to go!
