It’s that time of year again… new year, new me! After some likely over indulgence over the festive and new year period, most of us like to start the year with good intentions of improving our health with increased exercise. Aside from the obvious physical and mental benefits, exercise also positively effects our skin health.

In moderation, exercise can help:

• Improved blood circulation: Physical activity increases blood flow so more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the skin. This improved circulation can result in a healthy, radiant complexion.
• Detoxification: Sweating during exercise helps the body eliminate toxins and impurities, which can contribute to clearer skin.
• Stress reduction: Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, which can help reduce stress. Lower stress levels helps to improve skin conditions that are exacerbated by stress such as acne and eczema.
• Collagen production: Exercise can stimulate collagen production, promoting skin elasticity and firmness. This helps the skin look youthful as it reduces the appearance of wrinkles and finelines.
• Hydration: Regular exercise usually encourages improved hydration which is essential for maintain skin suppleness and preventing dryness.
• Skin cleansing: Sweating helps flush our dirt and debris, and with a good skincare regime, can reduce risk of acne breakouts.

While exercise can have many benefits for the skin, it’s essential to maintain a good post-exercise skincare routine.

1. Cleanse: After exercising, cleanse your skin to remove sweat, dirt and excess oil. Use a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser suitable for your skin type and don’t use make-up removal wipes as they aren’t effective at cleaning the skin.
2. Hydrate: Apply a moisturiser to replenish lost moisture, especially if you’ve had a sweaty workout!
3. Sunscreen: If you exercise outdoors, protect your skin from UV damage by applying sunscreen with at least SPF 30 – even in winter/ cloudy days.
4. Shower promptly: If you’ve been in a swimming pool or exposed to chlorine – rinse off as soon as possible to prevent skin irritation.
5. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during and after exercise to maintain hydration from within.
6. Avoid make-up: Try to avoid wearing make-up during exercise as it can clog pores and increase risk of breakouts.

It’s worth noting that excessive exercise or overtraining can sometimes have negative effects on the skin. Extreme physical stress can lead to issues like acne mechanica (exercise-induced acne) or other skin conditions. So therefore, it’s essential to strike a balance and ensure you’re caring for your skin both during and after your workouts.

Dr Salma

SAYA Aesthetics