Head to the Gym for Healthier Skin!

We all know that regular exercise is good for us.  It can reduce the risk of serious disease, help us to lose weight, improve our cardiovascular system and can boost our mental health.  But did you know that exercise can also play a big part in improving the condition of our skin too?

Regular exercise improves blood circulation and this provides nourishment for our skin, as our blood carries both nutrients and oxygen to our skin cells. When our blood is oxygenated, our skin gets that fabulous healthy glow which can last for several hours after a workout. This is because the skin is filled with blood vessels that lie close to the surface. When we exercise or work out, these vessels dilate and give the skin a glowing, vibrant appearance.

Increased blood flow also helps to get rid of unwanted waste in our systems including free radicals, naturally flushing them out of our bodies. Sweating also clears dirt and other toxins out of our skin’s pores.

Exercise is also a proven stress-beater and reduced stress levels are good for certain skin conditions, for example acne and eczema.  Regular exercise can reduce the stress hormone cortisol, which is often a cause of acne and having too much cortisol in our bodies can also increase collagen breakdown, something that we don’t want as a collagen is essential for supple, healthy and glowing skin.

Exercise often helps us sleep better too and this is also good for the skin – and of course it helps tone our muscles, which can improve our bodies’ overall appearance.

So, there are lots of good reasons to put on your gym or running gear and join a fitness or spin class, jump on the cross trainer or treadmill or get out in the fresh air for a run.

But there are a few things to be cautious about too. If you are exercising outside be careful of sun exposure, as this can cause the skin to age rapidly. While fresh air is good for you, we suggest wearing a really good SPF cream, for example Heliocare SPF50 (ask in clinic for details) and to try and exercise early or late in the day in the summer months when the sun is at hottest and therefore its most dangerous.

There are also some skin conditions that do not take kindly to exercise, for example psoriasis, where salt due to sweating or dryness from showering or washing can cause this condition to flare up.

If you would like information on any of our skin care treatments and the benefits they can bring, just call us on 0330 1331 272.

Disclaimer: Please be aware that results and benefits may vary from patient to patient taking into consideration factors such as age, lifestyle and medical history.