Achieving healthy skin is deeper than just pursuing a good skin care routine. Healthy skin derives from living a balanced lifestyle which includes key components of diet, mindfulness, and exercise. 

In this post we are going to focus on exercise as a way to achieve healthy skin.

Blood Flow

Move your body and get the blood flowing, literally. Poor circulation can affect the skin in a variety of ways- paleness, dryness, itchiness, slowed healing for wounds and blemishes, and increased risk of infections. Your blood carries more than just oxygen; it also carries toxins and waste products- essentially cleansing the skin from the inside. Inefficient flow inhibits the waste removal system and healing process our circulation provides us.

Increasing your blood flow aids in cell regrowth and cell regrowth is vital to produce collagen. Collagen is a protein that serves as one of the main building blocks for your bones, skin, hair, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It is what keeps your skin from “sagging”.

Upholding a daily practice of movement and exercise will improve your circulation and ultimately the health of your skin. 

Endorphins 

Endorphins are neurotransmitters that are released by the brain to alleviate pain and promote pleasure. The benefits of endorphins include: pain reduction, increased pleasure, reduced stress, anxiety, and depression, improved mood, and self-esteem. If your body does not produce enough endorphins, you’re at an increased risk of: body aches, depression, anxiety, addiction, and trouble sleeping. Exercise has been proven to boost endorphin levels! 

Lowered Stress Levels

Research has shown that exercise helps decrease the effects of stress, and reduces levels of the stress hormones, cortisol and adrenaline. To respond to stress, the body releases cortisol which in turn increases blood sugar levels. Increased blood sugar causes glycation, a process in which sugar bonds to a protein such as collagen and damages it- ultimately leading to skin aging. Stress is inevitable, but chronic stress is manageable through daily practices, such as exercise. 

If exercise is already part of your daily routine, keep at it; your skin is healthier because of it! If exercise is something that you struggle with- whether you just do not like it, or there are restraints in your life that discourage it, please contact me and let's talk! I would love to work through your schedule and restraints with you, share health tips, and find a movement that you find joy in!