Sweat it Out: The Surprising Benefits of Exercise for Your Skin

Do you want to improve the appearance and health of your skin? While you likely already have a skincare routine and try to eat healthy, exercise is another essential factor that helps determine your skin’s health. Regular physical activity can positively impact your skin, helping improve its texture and tone for a softer and more radiant appearance.

How Does Exercise Improve Your Skin’s Health?

Exercise has many benefits for your skin, including:

• Improved circulation
• Increased collagen production
• Reduced stress

The improvements in blood flow from exercise help deliver oxygen, vitamins, and minerals to your skin cells. The increased circulation can also help flush out toxins and waste products, keeping your skin looking healthy and radiant.

In addition to increased circulation, exercise can also help enhance your skin’s collagen production. Collagen is essential for maintaining firm, youthful-looking skin. However, production decreases as we age, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin. Regular exercise can help slow this process, giving you a more youthful, radiant complexion.

Exercise can also help reduce stress, which can have a significant impact on your skin. Stress causes the release of a hormone called cortisol, which can cause inflammation, acne, and other problems. Reducing stress through exercise may help you get clearer, more comfortable skin.

Exercise Helps Control Blood Sugar

Exercise is one of the best ways to manage your blood sugar levels, which can actually also improve the appearance and texture of your skin. High blood sugar produces inflammation throughout your body, including in your skin, and it also leads to the increased formation of substances called advanced glycation end-products (AGEs).

AGEs damage collagen and break down connective tissue, which can cause your skin to look less youthful over time. Luckily, exercising regularly is an excellent way to help control blood sugar levels and minimize the formation of AGEs. It can also help control acne, hyperpigmentation and other skin conditions by managing your insulin levels.

How Often Should You Exercise to Get Healthier Skin?

If you’re looking to improve the appearance and health of your skin, incorporating regular exercise into your routine is a great place to start.

Get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week, and consider activities like walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming. These types of exercises can help improve your blood flow and circulation most effectively because they get your heart to pump faster. Hormones released in response to strenuous cardiovascular movements not only help make you feel good but can also relax blood vessels to increase the amount of nutrients that reach your skin.

To experience the most benefit from exercise, try to do movements that you enjoy while ensuring your heart rate increases. It’s believed that exercise is most effective if you maintain a heart rate of between about 70 to 85% of your maximum heart rate. You can estimate your maximum heart rate by subtracting your age from 220.

Other Lifestyle Adjustments

In addition to regular exercise, it’s also vital to maintain a healthy diet, get enough sleep, and protect your skin from sun damage. By incorporating these healthy habits into your routine, you can help improve your skin’s appearance and health, giving you a more radiant complexion that you’ll be proud to show off.