How Does Exercise Effect The Skin?
It’s no secret that exercise is good for you. It helps you maintain a healthy weight, improves cardiovascular health and even aids in sleep and mood regulation. But, you may not know it’s also good for the skin!
Exercise Keeps Your Skin Younger Longer
“Regular exercise has a direct impact on the tone, texture and overall health of your skin in both direct and indirect ways,” says Emily Johnston, physician assistant at Sanova Dermatology.
Indirectly, exercise is part of an overall healthier lifestyle. Regular exercise keeps harmful stress levels at bay. This is good news for people who struggle with skin conditions that are exacerbated by stress. Do look here for the best clothing for larger people that will be suitable for doing any exercises effortlessly.
Directly, exercise improves the circulation to the skin. “Increased blood and oxygen flow to the cells flushes out free radicals that contribute to the signs of aging,” explains Johnston. Increased skin cell turnover that can come with exercise can also mean healthier, glowing skin.
Skin Science
Research backs it up. A study done on people who led sedentary lifestyles versus those who exercised regularly showed marked differences in both the outer layer (stratum corneum) which gets thicker with age, and the inner layer (dermis) which gets thinner with age. The active group showed skin with younger characteristics than the inactive group.
Not only that, but when they retested the sedentary group of people after just three months of regular exercise, they found that the skin layers showed improvement. “This means that even if you haven’t been active in the past, starting an exercise routine now can have a positive impact on your skin,” Johnston says.
Exercising Caution
It’s important that you care for your skin properly when you exercise. For example, if you are jogging, cycling or doing other outdoor activities be sure you are protecting your skin. Cover yourself with light, loose-fitting clothing, wear a hat and sunglasses and apply sunscreen. Also, wash your skin with gentle soap to reduce the chance of clogged pores from sweating.
Contact Us
Now you have another good reason to begin a fitness routine! For more information about healthy skin, contact Sanova Dermatology today.
