Workouts and Your Skin

There are a variety of mental and physical benefits to working out. Your skin is one of the things that can benefit if you follow these tips!

Glowing Skin 

Glowing skin is a highly sought-after skin benefit from working out. Working out increases the blood flow to the skin, causing radiant, flushed skin. This blood flow also clears impurities in the skin and provides oxygen and nutrients. 

Sweaty Skin

Sweating during a workout is one solid way of tracking the intensity of your workout. It is a healthy way for your body to release build-up, dirt, and other impurities that might have found their way onto your skin. Ensuring your skin is free of makeup and clean before your workout is an essential tip to keep the sweat from clogging your pores. 

Sleep and Stress

Working out regularly can also lead to better sleep. Burning calories can reduce anxiety and stress, thus resulting in a lower likelihood of developing skin conditions that can be caused by or exacerbated by stress. Reducing stress can help you sleep better, reducing even more stress.    

Protect your skin during and after 

As we mentioned before, make sure your skin is free of makeup before you work out. If you’re exercising outside, make sure you apply a water-resistant, non-comedogenic sunscreen and wear appropriate sun-protective clothing. Clothing with a moisture-wicking label will help prevent clogged pores and keep you dry. Make sure your clothing is loose-fitting, as tight clothing can cause skin irritation. The right shoe will also make a difference. Properly fitted shoes can help reduce blisters and other common foot injuries. If the weather is cold, make sure to wear appropriate cold-weather workout gear and use petroleum jelly/moisturizer in addition to sunscreen to help prevent windburn or capping.   

Post-workout 

Once your workout is over, there are still things you can do to keep your skin in top form. Taking a shower following your workout is one way to clear the sweat from your body. Workout sweat, oils, and bacteria on your skin will wash off and help unclog your pores. If you cannot shower, either wash your face or have some face wipes with salicylic acid handy and change into clean clothes.   

We’d love to help you with any skin concerns you have or help you take preventative measures for getting and maintaining healthy skin. Call our office at Dermatology of North Asheville at (828) 253-2533 to schedule an appointment.