Exercising benefits your heart, lungs and mental health – fairly common knowledge these days. But did you know exercise benefits your skin too, and can even help your skin stay younger looking longer?
Exercise increases blood flow throughout the body, including to your skin. According to dermatologist Ellen Marmur, MD, in a WebMD article, she cites, “Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to working cells throughout the body, including the skin. In addition to providing oxygen, blood flow also helps carry away waste products, including free radicals, from working cells.” Since exercise improves circulation, it makes it easier to cleanse skin from the inside-out, keeping skin healthy and vibrant looking!
If you exercise outdoors, be aware that the sun can have reverse effects on skin. You don’t want to spoil all the hard work you put into looking and feeling great! UV exposure from the sun can damage and age skin that’s not well protected. Following tips from SunAWARE, a non-profit helping prevent and detect skin cancers, will help you avoid sunburn and get the maximum benefits exercise provides.
A – Avoid unprotected UV exposure and avoid peak sun hours (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.).
W – Wear sun protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, tights/pants, and wide-brimmed hat and UV sunglasses. This may seem warm, but numerous companies, including Coolibar, are manufacturing lightweight, moisture wicking UPF materials. Sun protective clothing actually keeps you cooler since your skin is not in direct contact with the sun.
A – Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to all exposed skin. Reapply after sweating, swimming or as recommended on the label. Athletes: look for a sport sunscreen that’s oil-free.
R – Routinely examine your skin for changes. Seek a dermatologist if you notice anything suspicious.
E – Educate on the need to be SunAWARE.
Exercising may exacerbate existing skin problems such as acne, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis. However, the benefits far outweigh the possible skin side-effects from exercise. Additionally, by working with your dermatologist, you’ll likely find solutions to battle your skin issues while getting all benefits exercise has to offer.