Do you feel like your workouts gives you an attractive glow? You’re not imagining things—apart from helping to keep your muscles toned, your heart and lungs strong, and your weight in check, regular exercise activates a host of anti-aging processes in the skin and body. We recently came across an article in the EveryGirl blog that highlights many of the aesthetic benefits of exercise, with research to back them up.
Exercise can elevate natural antioxidant levels, helping your body combat premature aging on its own.
Here are a few benefits we think will interest you most:
- Exercise reduces oxidative stress, helping to prevent premature aging. Antioxidants are a key component of professional skin care products for a reason—they neutralize collagen-robbing free radicals that result from the breakdown of oxygen in the body; i.e., oxidative stress. Exercise can elevate natural antioxidant levels, helping your body combat premature aging on its own.
- Exercise tempers acne-causing stress hormones. “Get more exercise” is a staple among tips for stress reduction; the benefits extend to your looks. Cortisol is a stress hormone that accelerates acne-causing inflammation and skin aging when released by the body in excess amounts—not uncommon in our fast-paced lifestyles. Exercise helps keep cortisol levels in check.
- Exercise may help reverse skin aging. In addition to helping you look younger, one study showed that exercise can actually change your skin’s composition, so the deeper dermal layers grow thicker and firmer.
You don’t have to run ultramarathons or be a Crossfit champ to benefit—moderate intensity activities such as hiking and yoga appear to offer optimal antioxidant effects, as well as the other beauty-boosting aspects of exercise mentioned in the article. One important caveat—exercise is good for your skin, but only if you also protect skin against sun damage. Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed skin before heading outdoors.
While we are always supportive of healthy ways to look your best, the other physiological benefits of exercise, such as reduced risk for cardiovascular disease and better bone density retention, as well as its ability to relieve stress and lift mood are enough of a reason to adopt a regular exercise routine. Looking great? That’s just a seriously wonderful side effect!
For specific skin concerns, such as fine lines and wrinkles, sagging skin, pigmentation problems, or acne, professional treatments will provide the most immediate and dramatic improvements. If you are in the Eugene, Oregon area and would like to discuss options to address any of these issues, please give us a call. We will be happy to help you at a complimentary skin evaluation and consultation.
To learn more about how exercise can improve your appearance and promote skin health, read the full article here.