We all know that exercising is great for muscle tone, cardiovascular health, even mental health, but did you know it can also have a positive impact on your skin? True! Regular physical activity has been linked to healthier, younger looking skin and a reduced risk of breakouts. Here’s why…
The Good…
Increased Blood Flow. Exercise helps get the blood flowing! Not only does this nourish the skin, it helps remove waste products, such as free radicals, from working cells. Think of it as cleansing your skin from the inside.
Reduced Stress. Stress is known to cause a slew of skin problems including acne and eczema. Regular physical activity can drastically reduce stress, so it’s no surprise that the condition of your skin would improve as well.
Unclogged Pores. Sweat from exercise helps unclog pores, and therefore, reduces the occurrence of breakouts.
Collagen Production. Exercise enhances the natural production of collagen – a hard, insoluble, fibrous protein that plumps your skin and provides a more youthful appearance.
Smoother Skin. Because exercise stretches and strengthens the skin, it can drastically reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Fewer Fine Lines & Wrinkles. Exercise encourages muscles to become more pliable and hold less tension. This helps to reduce fine lines and crow’s feet.
The Not So Good…
For all the many benefits of exercise, it can also pose risks to your skin. The good news? Protecting it is easy!
Sun Exposure. Your biggest concern with outdoor exercise is overexposure to the sun. Not only can you get a nasty sunburn, you are at a higher risk for skin cancer and prematurely aging skin. For this reason, it is critical to apply (and reapply) sunscreen that is SPF 50 or higher and preferably one designed for sport. For added protection, wear clothes that cover as much of the skin as possible and a hat to shade your face. It is also a good idea to avoid exercise during sun time which is between the hours of 10am and 4pm.
Existing Skin Conditions. There are certain conditions that can be exacerbated by physical activity including rosacea, eczema and psoriasis. However, according to dermatologists, this is not a reason to cut out exercise. Fortunately, there are several simple strategies to prevent flare-ups during a workout.
- Rosacea – This condition is caused by an increase in body temperature. If you suffer from rosacea, the best strategy is to exercise in a cool environment, i.e. swimming or walking in an air-conditioned space such as a mall. If you get flushed after a workout, immediately apply cool compresses to the problem areas of the skin.
- Eczema & Psoriasis – Both conditions can result in flare-ups after strenuous activity, most often caused by excessive sweat. Before you exercise, we recommend applying a moisturizer to your arms and legs and easy-to-miss spots such as the underarms and groin. When possible, exercise in a cooler environment to minimize perspiration.
At Skin NV, we offer several medical-grade products that will help protect your skin during exercise. In addition, we offer a one-stop destination for all your medical spa treatments. For more information on our products and services or to schedule a FREE consultation, please call our South Tampa med spa today at (813) 839-4141!