When you think of exercise, you think of the benefits it has on your mind and body, but what about your skin?
Health experts say regular exercise can have a tremendous impact on our skin's health, from reducing acne breakouts, to cleansing the skin of toxins, to even keeping our skin looking young. After all, our entire body benefits from exercise, and with our skin being its largest organ, we have just one more reason to be physically active.
Let's take a look at the many ways cardio workouts, lifting weights, and even yoga can help keep our skin in perfect condition:
- Cleanses skin of toxins – aerobic (cardio) activity increases circulation and gives better blood flow to the skin, removing toxins that would otherwise accumulate in the skin cells.
- Promotes collagen production – provides skin cells with a healthy dose of oxygen and nutrients necessary to produce collagen--the structural support that helps plump your skin and minimize lines and wrinkles.
- Reduces acne – exercise has a way of controlling the production of testosterone- related hormones that lead to acne flare-ups. So the more you exercise and reduce your level of stress, the fewer the flare-ups. Plus, the sweat you work up helps unclog pores and has a positive effect on existing breakouts by lessening the severity and duration.
- Reduces the appearance of cellulite – while exercise doesn't necessarily reduce cellulite (a skin condition), yoga and weight training, which involve stretching and toning, help pull muscles attached to the skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite.
- Helps control the signs of aging – when you exercise, you relax the muscle tension in your body, including the muscles in your face. This helps to soften expression lines and wrinkles, and prevent new ones from forming.
- Proper hydration improves circulation – exercise forces us to drink more fluids, particularly water, which helps increase circulation and give us better blood flow to the skin. This washes out the toxins and leaves our skin looking and feeling healthier.
