It’s no secret that working out is good for your body. It keeps you healthy, toned and looking great. But what you may not know is that working out also affects your skin. There are many pros for your skin health and a few cons to contend with. But don’t worry — we got you. We will highlight the positives and provide you with solutions to the negatives.
In addition, we’ll drop some hot tips, including a couple must-have products that should be in your skincare routine set while keeping the gym game forefront of your personal care regimen.
The Pros
- Healthier-Looking Skin – One of the many benefits of working out is increased blood flow. This increased circulation helps carry away toxins and waste products and delivers more vital nutrients to the skin. Combining these factors can help your skin look healthier and more radiant.
- Better Hydrated Skin – You lose water through sweat when you work out, so it’s essential to drink plenty of fluids to replenish and keep yourself hydrated. This will help keep your skin looking its best by keeping it hydrated and preventing dryness. If you look up any tip list for better skin, drinking more water is always there.
- That Post-Workout Glow – That increased blood flow we mentioned before leads to what some folks call a post-workout glow. You know the look when your skin is flushed and has a healthy sheen. But, it’s not just a glow. It’s also an indication that you’re getting more oxygen to your skin, which is excellent for overall health and appearance and for earning compliments on how good you’re looking.
- Clearing Out Your Pores – If you’re walking into your workout with clean skin, the sweat from your workout can clean out your pores and help you prevent acne. This is because sweating helps to remove the dirt and oils that can cause breakouts. So give your face a quick wash beforehand and remove any makeup to ensure your skin is prepped for the purge.
- Less Stress – When you’re stressed, it often shows on your skin in the form of wrinkles, fine lines and sallowness. But one of the benefits of working out is that it can help reduce stress levels. This, in turn, can help keep your skin looking younger and more relaxed. In addition, some studies suggest that increased stress hormones can cause adverse changes to your sebaceous glands. These glands produce oil, which can lead to acne. So by dropping your stress levels, you’re doing yourself a favor.
The Cons (with Fixes)
- Outdoor Workouts Risk Sun Damage – If you’re the type of person who enjoys exercising outdoors, it’s essential to take precautions against sun damage. Too much exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer, wrinkles, age spots and other skin problems. So make sure to use sunscreen (with a high SPF) when you’re working out in the sun and wear a hat or other protective clothing. These days, they make a variety of lightweight, UV protection workout clothes that can help keep you safe while you break a sweat.
- Sweat Can Cause Acne – As we mentioned before, one of the benefits of sweating is that it can help clear out your pores and prevent acne. But if you’re someone who already struggles with acne or insists on wearing makeup at the gym, sweat can cause more breakouts. So, to avoid this, make sure you remove all your makeup before working out and try to make a face rinse part of your post-workout routine.
- Chafing – If you’re not careful, working out can cause skin irritation and chafe in the form of redness, rash and even blisters. This is especially a problem in hot weather or if you’re working out in tight clothes. To help prevent this, make sure you’re well-hydrated, apply a barrier cream to problem areas before working out and change into dry clothes as soon as you finish your workout.
- Dehydration – Along with being responsible for that post-workout glow, increased blood flow is also responsible for the feeling of dehydration. So if you’re not careful, you can end up feeling really lousy after your workout — and looking it too. Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after your workout to avoid this. Water is always a good choice, but if you’re looking for a little more flavor, try coconut water or sports drinks that contain electrolytes
- Preexisting Conditions – If you have any preexisting skin conditions, such as rosacea, eczema or psoriasis, working out can sometimes aggravate or trigger them. So if you’re dealing with a skin issue, it’s essential to be aware of how exercise might affect it and take measures to prevent any problems. Speak to your doctor or dermatologist for the best way to manage any outbreaks. Ultimately, if you’re keeping your body healthy and improving your immune system, you’re going to have a positive effect on your skin — no matter what condition it’s in.
Skin in the Game
So, as you can see, working out has both pros and cons for your skin health. But with a few simple precautions, you can quickly negate the negatives with a bit of savvy know-how and the right cruelty-free skincare products. This lets you enjoy all the benefits that come with working out — like a stronger heart, better mood and reduced stress levels — without having to worry about the impact on your skin. So what are you waiting for? Get moving!
