There are so many benefits to starting a workout routine. Exercise gets you fit, improves muscle tone, enhances metabolism, and even brings down stress. And if that’s not enough, here is yet another reason to hop on the treadmill: exercise is good for the skin. Regular, moderate exercise can keep your complexion clear, healthy, and acne-free!
Can exercising help with acne?
Yes, it can. A consistent workout routine can do wonders for your acne-prone skin. Here are three ways that regular exercise keeps pimples away.
1. Exercise is good for blood circulation.
Does your workout get the heart pumping? That’s a good thing. It promotes blood supply through the body, even to the tiny blood vessels in the skin. Not only does the skin look fresh and rosy afterwards, but improved blood circulation also promotes quick healing of any inflammation caused by acne. It could even prevent future breakouts.
2. Exercise increases oxygen supply.
Working out regularly enables you to breathe in more air. More air inhaled means more oxygen for the body. More oxygen in the body is good for heart function, blood pressure, and organ health. It also enhances the health of your blood vessels and skin tissue, resulting in a complexion that looks and feels great.
3. Exercise brings down stress levels.
Whenever you jog a mile, take a kickboxing class, or lift weights, it can lift your mood. Why does this happen? Exercise decreases the levels of stress hormones in the body. That’s good news for your skin, for too much stress is known to aggravate breakouts.
(Exercise offers one route to clear skin. Want more? Here are 10 tips for a spotless complexion!)
Exercise to keep your skin free of pimples
If you are new to exercise, kickstart the habit with activities that you enjoy. This will motivate you to stick with the regimen. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
- Get outside. The fresh air will do you good. You could start with something simple, like brisk walking. Other options include swimming, cycling, or even training for a marathon.
- Find a friend. Can’t get yourself to do exercise for the sake of exercise? Rope in a friend (or a bunch of friends) and play your favourite sport. It could be tennis, badminton, or football… whatever you like.
- Try yoga for acne reduction. Whether you begin the day with sun salutations or do pranayama (the breathing technique) to ease stress, yoga can do good things for your skin. You could start with simple poses like lotus and cobra, and work your way up.
Skincare tips for your workouts
If your acne struggle is a daily affair, you may need to follow some precautions. Here’s what to do and what not to do before, during, and after your session.
- Don’t wear makeup to a workout.
Perspiration opens up the pores, allowing oil and debris to flow out naturally. But any cosmetics you apply pre-exercise will clog the pores and prevent the skin from breathing. Hair products like gels or leave-in conditioners could also run onto the face as you sweat, sometimes resulting in forehead pimples.
- Don’t scrimp on sunscreen outdoors.
Always slather on sunscreen before heading outside for exercise. Protection from sun damage is essential for happy skin. However, heavy SPF creams can clog the pores and worsen your acne. So, look for a lightweight formula that suits your skin type.
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Do wipe down gym equipment.
The equipment at a public gym can be home to all sorts of hidden germs. If you touch the equipment and then wipe the sweat off your face, you risk transferring bacteria to your skin. A safer option is to wipe down the equipment before use.
- Do wash up after every session.
Letting the sweat settle on your skin is a bad idea. Post workout, hop in the shower and wash off the perspiration. This keeps the skin clean and prevents the growth of acne bacteria that could cause breakouts. The shower will also keep body acne away. If you can’t get to the shower, use towels to soak up the sweat.
Keep up the good work
Use your exercise habit as a springboard to create a skincare routine. Make sure to cleanse, tone, and moisturise every morning and night. As for your pimple problem, invest in a good acne-control product like Clearica Anti-Acne Cream. This will clear away both acne bacteria and pore blockages, and gradually reveal pimple-free skin.
Fact is, you don’t need expensive beauty products. A little bit of skincare, coupled with a healthy lifestyle and regular exercise, can help you achieve a flawless complexion.
Disclaimer: This page is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a recommendation or for diagnostic purposes. Please consult your dermatologist or doctor before acting on any of the information provided here.