Five reasons regular exercise will improve your skin

AUTHOR - DR. DAVID JACK

Many of us work on our fitness to shed a few pounds, build strength or maybe to complete a physical challenge. But one of the unexpected – and welcome – side effects turn out to be a glowing complexion. That’s because regular exercise is one of the keys to healthy skin.

Here’s what it can do:

Flush out the pores

Working up a sweat is the equivalent of a mini facial. When the pores dilate, sweat expels dirt and oil. Just be sure to wash afterward, to ensure all that yuckiness doesn’t since back in!

Regulate hormones

We all know that fluctuating hormones can be one of the biggest factors in skin conditions, such as acne. Being overweight and avoiding exercise can affect hormone levels, which in turn impacts the skin and overall health. Exercise reduces inflammation in the body, regulating hormones which are significant to the skin, and preventing free radical damage.

Improve blood flow

The tiny arteries in your skin open up during physical exertion, allowing more blood to reach the skin’s surface. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to working cells throughout the body – including the skin.

These nutrients repair damage from the sun and environmental pollutants. But they also quicken the skin’s collagen production, banishing wrinkles.

SkInfusion™ is designed to be taken during exercise when the skin’s blood flow is at its peak to ensure optimum delivery of nutrients in the drink.

Ease stress

Studies show that the sebaceous glands, which produce oil in the skin, are influenced by stress hormones. Exercise has also been shown to ease stress. By decreasing stress, some skin conditions such as acne and eczema can improve.

Improve sleep

While you're sleeping, the body's hydration rebalances. Skin recovers moisture, and excess water, in general, is processed for removal. Not getting enough sleep results in poor water balance, leading to puffy bags under your eyes and under-eye circles, as well as dryness and more visible wrinkles. Skin also goes into repair mode as we sleep. And what better way to wear yourself out to ensure a sound slumber? Exercise!

Research by Ontario’s McMaster University shows that exercise not only keeps skin looking younger but also enhances skin health at a microscopic level.

After analyzing the skin of 29 men and women ranging from 20-84, they found those over 40 who exercised frequently had skin quality comparable to people half their age.

In another experiment, they put sedentary volunteers, aged 65+ on a three-month exercise regime where they jogged or cycled twice a week, and found skin condition improved significantly.

Researchers concluded that it was unlikely any sort of medication could replicate the skin benefits of a good workout.