Updated at: 14-02-2023 - By: Sienna Lewis

The health benefits of working out are numerous, so it’s not unexpected that exercise can also have an effect on your skin. Even though your skin is your body’s largest organ, your lifestyle choices and workouts all have an impact on it.

We talked to two dermatologists to find out how working out can affect your skin in both positive and negative ways.

Exercise may actually help keep your skin feeling and looking healthier

Dr. Marisa Garshick, a dermatologist in New York City and the chief medical correspondent for Certain Dri, an over-the-counter antiperspirant, noted that frequent exercise can improve your skin’s overall appearance.

Exercising increases the heart rate and blood circulation, which helps the skin receive oxygen and nutrients, promoting collagen formation and new skin cell growth, which keeps the skin glowing and is also beneficial in the fight against aging, she explained.

After cleansing your skin before exercising, sweating while exercising can help clear your pores “as long as you remove anything that can potentially clog the pores [such] makeup or other skin-care products,” she explained.

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Increased blood flow during exercise could lead to a ‘post-workout glow’

The “post-gym glow” is real and can remain for several hours after your workout, according to our experts. If you’ve ever noticed that your skin has a special glow after a jog or yoga session, you’re not alone.

A combination of increased blood flow, dewy appearance from sweat, and endorphins released during exercise is likely responsible for the post-gym “glow,” according to Dr. Kathleen Cook Suozzi, an assistant professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine and a dermatologist at the Yale Dermatology Center.

Outdoor workouts can up your risk for sun damage if you’re not careful

No matter what time of day or what the forecast says, if you’re going to work out outside, make sure to apply sunscreen liberally to all exposed skin before venturing out.

Garshick recommends using a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapplying every two hours at the absolute least, if not more frequently. Make sure your sunscreen has water-resistant characteristics if you sweat heavily, and apply more frequently than normal.

When it comes to your face, she recommends using “oil-free and water-resistant” sunscreens to avoid the sunscreen clogging your pores or dropping off when you sweat.

Exercise can sometimes cause chafing and rashes on different areas of your body

According to Garshick, friction and moisture buildup in specific creases or areas of the skin can cause chafing and rashes.

Using an over-the-counter antiperspirant or applying a thick coating of moisturizing ointment to the area where you experience chafing will help alleviate the problem of excessive sweating.

On addition, Suozzi advised people to dry off the skin folds in their inner thighs, buttocks, and under their breasts to avoid certain rashes. You may get a condition called intertrigo if these places remain wet for long periods of time, which are red itchy spots, commonly linked to yeast overgrowth on the skin,” she said.

Working out might exacerbate rosacea

According to Garshick: “Exercise may be a trigger for some rosacea patients, which worsens with increased blood flow to the skin, resulting in redness.”

Oral drugs, lotions, and lasers are just a few of the long-term options available for treating rosacea, according to the dermatologist. It’s best to look for serums that can help lessen the appearance of redness in the short term for post-workout flare-ups, according to the dermatologist.

If you wear makeup during a workout, you may clog your pores

As Garshick pointed out, “makeup can block your pores and prevent sweat from escaping, resulting in acne and other skin problems.”

In order to avoid post-workout breakouts, she advised removing your makeup and thoroughly cleansing your skin. A gentle cleanser or makeup remover, such as micellar water or a makeup wipe, is recommended by her.

Skipping that post-gym shower can cause or exacerbate acne

According to Garshick, even after a low-impact workout, even if you remove all of your makeup and aren’t drenched in sweat, you’ll still want to change out of your gym clothes and head straight to the shower.

We know that sweat can attract bacteria and clog pores when it lingers on the body for an extended period of time, so if it isn’t properly washed out, it can lead to breakouts and acne,” she said.

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Exercise might also cause scalp issues for some

According to Garshick, “more exercise might lead to scalp discomfort or itchy for certain people.”

A condition known as seborrheic dermatitis, which can cause dandruff, scaly patches, or redness on various parts of the body, but most commonly on the scalp, can be caused by an oily scalp.

Anti-dandruff shampoo, according to Garshick, can often help with this. According to the Mayo Clinic, this ailment can oftentimes go away on its own.

Working out in shared spaces may expose you to certain skin infections if you’re not careful

Ringworm, plantar warts, and impetigo—which is caused by germs entering a cut or abrasion and frequently resulting in skin sores—can all be acquired at communal facilities, according to Dr. Suozzi.

Fortunately, many of these illnesses may be treated with over-the-counter medications or a visit to a doctor. Garshick argues that skipping a workout because you’re afraid of contracting an illness from gym germs is a bad idea.

To avoid spreading germs, Garshick recommends washing the equipment you’re using and not exchanging towels with other people. Gym-goers, according to Suozzi, should clean their yoga mats after each usage, use hand sanitizer frequently, and wear shoes in communal showers.

The stress-relieving properties of working out can also benefit your skin

Working out has been shown to reduce stress and improve mental health when done on a regular basis. Although it may not seem like there is a connection between your workout regimen and the appearance of your skin, there is.

Exercising has been proved to alleviate stress, which can lead to breakouts and skin irritation, according to Garshick. Eczema, rosacea, and even hives flare up as a result of stress.

As a result, according to Garshick, regular exercise can help clear your skin.

Does The Gym Workout Affect Facial Features?

Even if you don’t go to a gym, doing out at home will improve your face, especially your skin. Regular physical activity not only enhances one’s overall health but also enhances the appearance of one’s skin. According to dermatologists, this is the case.

Working exercise increases your heart rate, which in turn improves your blood circulation, giving oxygen and nutrients to your organs and to your skin. In this way, the body’s collagen production can be boosted, leading to healthier skin and a more radiant appearance. In addition, it has anti-aging properties.

It’s also a good idea to wash your face before going to the gym, and to limit the use of make-up and other skincare products during training, especially for women.

The so-called “post-workout glow” can only be achieved through improved blood flow, which can only be achieved through exercise. If you’ve ever looked in the mirror after a yoga session or a jog, you’ll notice a distinct shine. It can go on for a long time.

In part, this is due to the release of endorphins (happy hormones) and the increased blood flow caused by the workout’s intensity.

Does Working Out Make Your Face Look Younger?

Do you realize that exercising can make your face appear younger? Of course. The anti-aging benefits of exercise have been scientifically demonstrated. Is it true that doing out makes your face appear more attractive? Definitely.

Exercising can not only make your skin appear younger, but it can also slow down the aging process in those who stick with it.

Crow’s feet, drooping skin, and wrinkles are all signs of aging. To explain why this occurs, we must look at the skin’s layers. It’s common for people to see an increase in the thickness of their stratum corneum (the top layer of the skin or epidermis) around age 40.

This is the visible and palpable component of the skin. As you become older, this may become dry, flaky, and dense due to its composition of primarily dead skin cells and collagen.

As we age, the dermis, the layer of skin beneath the epidermis, thins down and loses its flexibility and cellular composition, giving the skin a more translucent appearance, as well as causing it to sag and become wrinkled. It’s a natural occurrence that affects everyone.

The Best Workout Routines

In order to retain a healthy shine to your skin, there is no one-size-fits-all workout plan. The specifics are as follows.

Running

During a run, your body removes any toxins that could harm your skin. This includes removing dirt, oil, and other pollutants that have built up beneath the skin’s surface.

Swimming

Swimming is the next activity. With a cardiovascular workout, swimming can also raise your heart rate and enhance blood circulation, which can be seen in your face after the activity. However, be aware of the water’s chemical composition, as this can have the opposite effect.

Pilates

Flexibility, core strength, and endurance are all tested in this workout. You may be able to improve your mental health and well-being by participating in this workout. In addition to relieving stress, it has been shown to improve the health of one’s skin.

Resistance Training

Resistance training, on the other hand, makes use of your own body weight to increase the difficulty of your workouts while also promoting a healthy glow to your complexion. In addition, it has anti-aging properties. Age-related skin thinning leads to an increase in the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles. In addition, these workouts serve to increase the creation of collagen, which makes the skin appear softer and thicker.

Weight Training

Stress-relieving aspects of exercise are reflected in improved physical features. As you work out, you will lessen your stress levels if you do it regularly. These things also have an impact on your cognitive abilities.

Scientifically speaking, the answer to the question “does working out make your face appear better?” is that it improves one’s complexion in general. You’ll get a natural glow from any exercise routine.

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It is possible that regular exercise can assist in fat redistribution. To achieve a more toned and full-looking face, this can be done.

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When you exercise, your body produces chemicals that reduce inflammation, which is why you feel and look better when you do so. Additionally, this results in a more equal skin tone and less blotchy skin.

Enhancement of heart and blood vessel health: Your heart and blood vessels are important in delivering oxygen to your skin cells and removing waste products from your body’s cells. Brighter skin can be achieved through better nutrient delivery.

Exercising raises your metabolism, allowing you to eat healthier. As a result, you begin to want for more nutritious fare. More energy and nutrients are required by the body while it is functioning harder. You may find yourself consuming a wider variety of vegetables and proteins as a result of more physical activity.

Changes in hormone levels can be long-term side effects of regular exercise. Stress hormone cortisol is reduced by regular exercise, which has a number of negative impacts. Sagging skin can be reduced by decreasing cortisol levels, which makes your skin appear more firm and tight. Exercise, on the other hand, increases the formation of collagen, which counteracts the effects of stress.

Downsides to Working Out

What role does exercise play in altering one’s appearance? Gym face: Have you heard of it? Intense activity causes a reduction of facial volume. Imagine sprinting on a paved street to have a better grasp of the concept. Consider the weight and impact of each step you take on the ground. With each stride, you feel your skin being jolted and your entire body jerking. It’s inevitable that the loss of collagen and elastin will occur over time as a result of repeated jarring, making you appear older than you are.

The consequences of running can be minimized by following a few simple guidelines. The following disclaimer: I’m not a fitness expert! As an alternative, running on the treadmill or along the ground would provide for better shock absorption when possible. Choosing running shoes with good shock absorbents is essential. Try incorporating other types of exercise, such as weight training, yoga and dance and Pilates into your schedule to round out your workouts.

Facial Exercises for Anti-aging

For more information on the benefits of facial cupping, check out my earlier piece on the topic. Small suction cups that may improve skin tone and elasticity caught my attention in a previous article. These cups can be used to stimulate and excite your cells by manipulating your skin. Many videos on facial yoga are also available on Facerobics, as well.

These facial workouts, like most things, are best done in moderation. There’s no hard evidence that these campaigns are effective. Perhaps in the far future, when we are all 80 years old, we can compare notes on which strategy was the most effective.

For reading the Freckle blog, we appreciate you! If you’re interested in learning more about skin care, please sign up for our mailing list. You may also find out about new products and services on my website and YouTube channel.