Workout For Great Skin

We all know the benefits of exercise. Weight loss and maintenance, reduced stress levels, a tighter booty and time to yourself whether you sweat it out at the gym or on the footpath. But did you know an added benefit of exercise is that it can be great for your skin?

OK, so you might think you aren’t sporting the best complexion after an intense Pump class, a power walk or a massive bike ride, but the sweat you are producing is actually doing your skin wonders. Even though you may be red-faced and exhausted, the exhilaration and adrenalin rush you feel after a really good workout shows on your face and can improve your overall skin health and quality. Exercise should be considered a part of your skin care regimen.

Sweat It 

Let’s face it, you know you’ve crushed some calories when you are, to be classy about it, sweating like a pig. But increased blood flow to the skin and the resulting sweat purges your body of toxins that can clog pores, resulting in pimples and blackheads. However once you sweat out those toxins, you can’t leave them on your skin. Make sure you always have a shower after a workout to prevent bacterial or fungal infections that can occur from this surface crud clogging up your freshly opened pores.

It’s What’s Underneath

Ever noticed how much better your skin looks when there is a bit of muscle tone happening underneath? Exercise tones, strengthens and firms your muscles, giving the skin more support underneath and more elasticity on the surface. Toning your muscles can also minimize the appearance of cellulite.

Oxygen Boost

Exercise gets the blood flowing, and that increased blood flow carries more oxygen to the skin. The boost in nutrients to the skin cells improve the health and vitality of the skin, supporting all the efforts we go to with moisturisers, sunscreens and other skin care products on the surface.

Stress Less

Stress is known to show on your face, resulting in increased lines, shadows, breakouts and a general dull complexion. Stress is linked to flare-ups of psoriasis and acne and suppresses the body’s ability to heal. Exercise is renowned for it’s stress-relieving benefits and regular workouts can help to keep even the highest stress levels under control. And try frowning after a good, long slog on the treadmill or a weight session – chances are you’ll find it hard!

So whilst some forms of exercise can be harsh on the skin, like swimming in chlorinated pools or running in the midday sun without sunscreen, the pros far outweigh the cons when it comes not just the health of your skin, but the wellbeing of your body and mind overall.