Top 5 Skin Benefits from Physical Activity

Source: Runsociety.com

Benefits of Physical Activity for the Skin

We have for long known how beneficial exercise can be to our overall health. The American Heart Association (AMA) recommends 150 minutes of physical activity for adults each week for a healthy heart and improved mental health. But is exercise only beneficial to the cardiovascular system? Turns out, exercise is equally good for healthy and vibrant skin too! Therefore, many of our lifestyle choices and habits like workouts, impact our skin the same way they do our bodies. However, the relationship between exercise and skin care is not as straightforward as we might want to imagine.

Even as some dermatologists are likely to encourage their clients to exercise and reap the benefits of a healthy skin, others ask their clients to tread with caution. This is especially the case with clients with such dermatological conditions as rosacea or acne which may worsen with exercising. Thankfully, we have post-workout skin care routines that keep such skin conditions in check. Below, we share five ways in which exercise is beneficial to your skin. This, combined with a solid skin care routine, is all that you need to have your skin looking young and gorgeous once more.

Glowing skin

If you break a sweat regularly like I do, you might have noticed a certain glow about you when you look in the mirror. The American Academy of Dermatology has an explanation for this. When we exercise, our heart rate increases. So does the flow of blood to vital organs. The skin, being the largest organ of your body, also benefits from the improved blood circulation. Increased blood flow implies better nourishment of body and skin cells with blood and oxygen. This helps in the repair and replacement of skin cells. The result is a brighter, youthful-looking skin that many of us crave.

Flush Out Those Toxins

As exercising helps in the delivery of oxygen and blood to body cells, it also aids in the efficient removal of toxins from the skin. In the same way that exercise promotes the efficient delivery of vital nutrients, it also leads to the quick elimination of toxins and wastes from body cells. This implies better nourishment for skin cells and increased protection from potential damage by waste products and toxins.

Sweat glands are points of exit of body toxins; for that reason, sweating during exercise aids in the elimination of waste. Even as sweat promotes the elimination of body toxins, it is advisable to take a shower after a workout to minimize their re-absorption. This may cause clogged pores.

Stress Reduction

Stress impacts negatively on our skin. Individuals with such chronic skin conditions as rosacea and acne are especially highly vulnerable to the negative effects of stress on their skin. Stress sets off various physiological responses such as an elevation in immune and hormonal responses. This can, in turn, trigger the development of allergic skin reactions and/or inflammation.

Exercise enables us to reverse or decrease such negative outcomes of stress on our skin. It boosts the immune system so that it is better prepared for such allergic reactions and inflammations induced by stress. Besides, exercising aids in the release of endorphins (the feel-good hormones) that keeps us relaxed and happier. The release of endorphins reduces the fine lines around your face for a smoother and more appealing face.

Anxiety and stress are potent triggers for free radicals. These are unpaired hydrogen ions that wreak havoc on skin cell membranes, resulting in damaged skin. Free radicals also wear out collagen thereby inviting wrinkles on your face. Restorative activities like yoga or hiking helps to put us back in tune with nature. This reduces cortisol levels, a stress hormone, thereby permitting optimal functioning of our endocrine system. This contributes to a beautiful, healthy-looking skin.

Toned skin

People who exercise regularly benefit from a toned up skin, thereby eliminating a sagging skin. Exercise also keeps wrinkles at bay. This is because exercise promotes an increase in the production of collagen. This is a protein that promotes skin firmness and occurs naturally in the body.

Regular exercise triggers an increase in oil and sweat gland functions, which in turn promotes the production of more elastin fibers. By strengthening your muscles through exercise, you are in effect, reinforcing the skin support you get from collagen. Consequently, you end up with a more elastic and firmer, and noticeably younger-looking skin.

Better Sleep

Sleep does a lot of good to your skin. While asleep, the body goes on a regeneration mode. This is when damaged skin gets repaired from irritants and pollution. It is important therefore, that you get a good night sleep so that your body can appropriately engage the repair mode. Lack of enough sleep triggers the release of cortisol, a stress hormone. Its release may lead to increased inflammation and stress levels. This is likely to herald the disintegration of collagen leading to loss of skin firmness and glow.

Moreover, sleep deprivation slows down the delivery of oxygen and blood to the skin. Ultimately, this can adversely affect the complexion of your skin. By integrating adequate sleep as part of your exercise regimen, you are better placed to also experience an improved glow and elasticity of your skin. It is a symbiotic relationship.

Adequate sleep leads to a regarded body and improved glow on your skin. Who knows? feeling good about your skin complexion might just be the motivation you need to exercise even more. As a workout elevates your energy levels, desist from exercising too close to your bedtime; otherwise, you might have a hard time falling asleep as soon as you might desire.

Summary

There is no magic wand to healthy, glowing skin; you must engage in workout sessions to improve your skin tone, feel more energized. A workout also helps to flush out body toxins, thereby promoting better skin nourishment. Besides, you are more likely to sleep better after a workout and feel motivated to exercise more. Besides, exercising promotes better sleep and a healthier skin.