Article # 512. Exercises and Facial Complexion

Although some people think exercise can trigger acne or psoriasis breakouts, it is largely a myth. Exercise does a body good, and that includes the exterior of the body as well as the interior. Any exercise will suffice -- gymming, yoga, running, biking, hiking, Pilates, boxing or anything that gets you moving. Some dermatologists think that stress-reducing exercises such as yoga are particularly good for the skin because stress reduction lowers hormones that cause breakouts.

Endorphins

Exercise releases endorphins, which are feel-good chemicals that make you happier and more relaxed. As Mayo Clinic states, when you are relaxed and happy, you look better and feel better. A more relaxed state eases lines in your skin and lowers your hormone levels, which may help prevent certain skin conditions.

Rosy Glow

When you exercise, your heart rate increases and circulates more blood and oxygen to the skin. Drawing blood to the surface of the body conveys nutrients to your skin cells and helps remove toxins from the skin.

Collagen

Collagen, which literally holds your skin together, diminishes as you age. Exercise promotes collagen in skin cells, which makes your skin age more slowly. In addition, exercise tones the muscles in your face just as it tones the rest of your muscles. As a result, your skin will look and feel healthier.

Considerations

Exercise helps prevent skin problems that often plague type 2 diabetics by boosting oxygen to the blood. The nutrients from the increased blood flow and oxygen improve the health of the skin of diabetics. Every complexion may benefit from vigorous exercise, since such workouts may correct any hormonal imbalances that cause acne. While sweat helps remove toxins from your skin cells, you should wash your face with a gentle cleanser after you exercise to remove those toxins from the surface of your skin.