Exercise. Just the thought of the word can invoke many feelings inside us all. Excitement, elation, maybe even dread… Whatever they may be, one thing not up for debate — the multitude of health benefits that exercise provides. Scientific evidence has long supported that exercise is great for weight loss, cardiovascular health and overall well-being; but did you know it’s also KEY to healthy skin and a radiant complexion? Yes, the post-workout glow is real!
Think of exercise as a deep cleanse of your skin from the inside out. Working up a sweat increases blood flow and gets your lymph moving which in turn oxygenates and nourishes your skin as well as removes toxins. This production of healthy circulation also releases endorphins and amps up collagen in your skin, producing that coveted dewy glow that we are all after. Another added benefit of adding some strength training into your routine is the appearance of visibly tighter, more toned skin due to the increase in lean muscle mass gained during those regular sweat sessions. Now I know you’re thinking “what’s the catch?” Well… reaping all of these benefits can’t come without a few cons – so let’s dive into those next.
With exercise comes sweat…sweat can clog pores and contribute to exercise induced acne know as Acne Mechanica. This type of acne happens due to excess heat, pressure or friction on the skin, during your workout. To prevent this, try wearing looser fitting clothes while working out and or avoiding motions that cause a lot of friction between the inside of your arms and legs. People prone to acne report a higher instance of breakouts while working out as well, so if you are experiencing these symptoms, products with salicylic and mandelic acid will help to combat this and keep your pores clear. Some great products that I can recommend are the Ultra Clear Foaming Cleanser, Treatment Lotion and Purifying Face Mask from Ultraceuticals; an award-winning cosmeceutical brand from Australia. Below is a before and after of a real patient who saw these results in just 90 days of being on Ultraceutical’s Ultra Clear program.
In addition to at-home skincare products, if you’re looking to take your acne treatment further, professional help may be the next step to consider. One of our favorite treatments to perform on acne-prone patients is our SKN BAR Signature Facial, which includes a deep cleanse, extractions and a peel to help address acne. Scheduling regular treatments will provide you with drastic results that will leave you feeling confident in and out of the gym.
In addition to acne, other skin conditions, like rosacea, eczema and psoriasis, can definitely flare up due to exercise. While the benefits of exercise still outweigh the “cons” in regard to these skin conditions, we recommend a few tricks to combat flareups. Try working out in a cool climate if possible. Also, keep cool water available and use it not only to hydrate yourself but to splash it on your face when needed. Lastly, if you’re lucky enough, try and score that coveted spot next to the fan during your next workout session.
Finally, remember while working out outside — or any place with windows — you need to protect your skin. A broad band SPF of 30+ should be applied every 2 hours. Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection face shield SPF 50 is an amazing option! The formula has a great feel, non-greasy and comes is 3 different tints. They are also reef safe and contain only zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. SPF should be the only thing applied after you cleanse and moisturize your skin prior to exercise.
If you’re one of the many that experience skin issues that are highlighted when exercising — we’d love to help you! Schedule a complimentary consultation today with one of our aesthetic experts and we’d be happy to address your concerns with you and set you up with a skin journey customized just for you!
alesha
Licensed Aesthetician, SKN BAR Rx
