There are plenty of
reasons to exercise. For some, it’s because you booked a beach vacation, while
others are focused on staying healthy. No matter what your motivation is, we
can all agree that the benefits of exercise are obvious. But there’s a
stealthier payoff: healthy skin. Read on to learn more about the skin and
beauty rewards that come from regularly working up a sweat.
Instant Glow
When you get your
heart pumping from aerobic exercise, you’re supplying your skin with a nice
dose of oxygenated blood, says Noëlle S. Sherber, M.D., a board-certified
dermatologist based in Baltimore, Maryland. “It gives you that great
post-workout glow.”
Wrinkle Reduction
Working out also helps
maintain healthy levels of the stress-related hormone cortisol, Sherber says.
“Elevated cortisol levels are linked to increased sebum production, which means
more acne breakouts,” she says. Too much cortisol can also cause the collagen
in the skin to break down, Sherber says, which can increase wrinkles and
sagging. “Exercise actually supports the production of collagen,” says Amy
Dixon, a Los Angeles–based exercise physiologist and celebrity trainer. “The
boost in this protein helps to keep your skin firm, supple, and elastic.”
Acne Relief
Regular exercise
boosts circulation. “It nourishes your skin, bringing more blood flow and
oxygen to it,” says Mauro C. Romita, M.D., a board-certified plastic surgeon
and founder of Ajune Center for Beauty Synergy in New York City. “This will
help draw toxins out of the body.” Plus, all that sweating cleans out the pores
of congested skin. “Working out corrects the hormonal imbalance that can cause
adult acne,” Romita says.
To reap the beneficial
skin effects of working out, a few extra steps are required, Sherber warns. “If
you're acne prone, make sure to keep gentle, fragrance-free cleansing wipes in
your gym bag.” Be sure to cleanse your face and other areas that tend to break
out immediately after exercising, she says. “For eczema, wear fabrics that wick
perspiration away from the skin, since the wet-dry-wet-dry cycle will dry out
your skin and provoke flare-ups,” Sherber says. And above all, avoid exercising
with makeup on your face.
Healthier Hair
The improved blood
flow helps keep your hair stronger and healthier, Dixon says. This blood, full
of nutrients, stimulates the hair follicles and promotes growth. “Exercise is
also a big stress reliever,” she says. “Lower stress means your hair is less
likely to be brittle and, worse, fall out.” Even if you’re as stress free as a
cucumber, Dixon recommends checking with your dermatologist about any hair loss
to rule out other causes.
As for the best type
of exercise for your skin, Dixon says it’s all good. “Every modality will
improve circulation and reduce stress,” she says, “but it’s a wise move to mix
up your workouts as often as possible.” Try adding 30 minutes of a few simple
yoga postures or a brisk walk to your day three times a week, Dixon says, to
see the beauty returns in your hair and skin.