We all know that exercise improves our health and overall wellness, but did you know that exercise can also impact your skin? In today’s blog, we will talk about some negative and positive impacts of exercise on your skin.
As great as exercise can be for your skin, and overall health, it is important to remember that outdoor exercise without sunscreen can lead to sun damage. So if you are planning on heading outside for a walk, run, or hike, make sure to apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply it at least every two hours. It’s also helpful to use a sunscreen that is oil-free and water-resistant to keep your pores unclogged and the sunscreen from dripping off your face while sweating.
It’s also important to remember that chafing and rashes can be caused by exercising, especially in warmer weather. It can be helpful to use a moisturizing ointment in any area that could chafe. After working out, make sure to dry off thoroughly to keep a rash, such as intertrigo, from developing.
It’s also important to remember that if you suffer from rosacea, working out might exacerbate your symptoms. Exercising, especially working out outside, can cause rosacea to flare up because of an increased amount of blood flow. If you suffer from rosacea or think you are exhibiting symptoms of rosacea, we can help with some solutions and treatments!
Make sure that before hitting the treadmill or hopping on a bike to start your workout, remember to take off any makeup. If you work out with makeup, sweat can mix with the make-up and clog your pores. If you cleanse your skin before working out, you are more likely to avoid breakouts. It’s also important to shower after working out to keep breakouts at bay. Taking a shower and washing your face will remove the sweat that can build up on your skin during a workout.
Even though exercising has some risks on the health and appearance of your skin, there are also many benefits of working out on your skin. Exercising regularly can help your skin look and feel healthier. Exercise gets your heartrate up, improves your blood circulation, and can help to deliver oxygen and other important nutrients to your skin. Also, getting your sweat on can help clear out your pores. The increased blood flow from exercise can also lead to a post-workout glow. Exercising has also been shown to reduce stress, and lowering your anxiety and stress levels can positively impact your skin’s appearance, as we’ve talked about in a previous blog. Reducing your stress levels can also reduce your likelihood of breakouts, eczema, and other skin condition flare ups.
Bottom line – exercising regularly can positively affect your skin, but it’s important to keep the risks we’ve discussed in mind to keep your skin looking and feeling great! If you have any concerns about your skin, give us a call because we would love to help!