Exercise: The Key to Healthy Skin

Regular exercise and physical activities like weight training, yoga, and aerobic exercises have been known to improve physique and aid in weight-loss. People workout regularly so that they can develop a more toned and leaner physique. They do this by burning fat through exercise. Working out also promotes greater muscle density, bone strength, and helps reduce the risk of breaking bones as one gets older. Recent medical studies suggest that regular exercise and physical activities may also be beneficial to overall skin health and clean the skin of acne and other impurities. Adding exercise in a daily routine is essential for skin care.

Exercise improves the skin by improving the blood circulation in the body and, therefore, provide oxygen and other nutrients to the skin cells. As one sweats, the body removes toxins through the open pores of the skin. This process effectively cleanses the pores from dead skin cells, dirt, and excess sebum. Sebum is the oil secretions of the sebaceous glands and may clog pores that cause the production of acne. This substance is scentless but its bacterial breakdown may produce odors. In addition to these benefits, exercise enables the kidneys and liver to function properly. These developments makes the elimination of toxins from the body more effective and efficient. It is always best to take a shower after a workout since bathing washes away any waste material and bacteria that is present on the skin. It also prevents the buildup of bacteria that is attracted to sweat. These bacteria may cause body odor and the development of acne.

Drinking enough water after working out may guarantee proper hydration of the body and help reduce skin dryness and is important factor in skin care. However, it is advised to drink the right amounts of water because too much or too little may bring unwanted effects. Needless to say, water is essential in eliminating body toxins and in replacing all the water that was lost from sweating during exercise.
A better physique and healthy-looking skin are not the only benefits of exercise and physical activities. They also have emotional and mental benefits. These activities are good for stress relief and in keeping the mind active and focused. This is possible because of moderate or intense physical activities may prompt the body to produce substances called endorphins. These substances are produced by the brain that may elevate one's mood and eliminate feelings of stress and anxiety. This effect is called by many health experts as the “runner's high.

Furthermore, individuals who want to engage in exercise and other physical activities should consult health professionals or train with a professional instructor. Because improper or too much training may do more harm than good. Extreme exercise may increase the production of stress hormones like cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. These hormones aid the body switch to more efficient fat-burning metabolism to preserve glycogen in the muscles and aid blood vessels in the delivery of oxygen to the muscles.

Stress overload can occur if an individual does not reduce the intensity of training even for short periods. This may cause an increase in white blood cells that eliminate bacteria, viruses, and even cancer cells. When the intense exercise is finished, the number of immune cells may decrease. It is theorized that any viruses or bacteria present in this stage may multiply and cause infection which may weaken the immune system. Exercising is critical in overall health and skin care. Adding them in one's lifestyle may lead to the development of healthy-looking skin.