How Exercise Helps Your Skin
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What you put in and on your body indisputably affects your skin, but so can the way you move it. Oscar nominees Julianne Moore, Reese Witherspoon, and Laura Dern all have age-defying, glowing complexions, and while they have access to the best skincare products and treatments, there’s another common factor at work: exercise. Moore practices yoga, fellow yogi Witherspoon is constantly snapped running, and Dern’s a SoulCycle fan.
“Muscles are made up of 70 percent water whereas fat is only 10 percent water, so the more muscle mass you build up the more water is stored in your body, contributing to overall hydration,” says Dr. Howard Murad, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Murad skincare. Clearly the luminous ladies of the Oscars red carpet are well aware of this fact. “Those who regularly exercise have clearer, more hydrated and youthful-looking skin. It is important to understand that every cell in the human body is connected and by improving our overall health, the health of the skin will improve also,” says Murad. Exercise releases a flood of endorphins that can last hours or even days, helping improve one’s mood and reducing stress, which is a catalyst for breakouts, fine lines and wrinkles and premature aging. Another bonus: Murad says working out “nourishes the skin with oxygen, fresh blood and nutrients, while sweating flushes out toxins.”
The idea that sweat is bad for the skin and causes things like acne is a myth. “People don’t get actual acne from working out,” says Murad. “Acne has to have a comedone that forms from the sebaceous gland. What people have is oral occlusions, which is when your sweat glands get clogged from a combination of oil, sweat, and makeup mixed together, causing red bumps that look like acne.” Washing your face with a gentle cleanser and leaving it bare or using toner before a workout should prevent these blemishes.
Working up a sweat can actually be extremely beneficial for the skin. “Because your circulation is increased during sweating, many of the toxins and impurities are able to exit your body by way of your open pores,” says Murad. “Think of it as cleansing your skin from the inside. Sweating regularly, if followed by proper cleansing, will help you to achieve softer, smoother skin.” This should come as no surprise seeing as most facials include steam to prepare the skin for a deep cleaning. An exfoliating cleanser or cleansing wipes—Murad Clarifying Wipes contain witch hazel to tighten the pores—can remove sweat and surface oil post-workout.
Regularly sweating it out is also anti-aging. “Exercise builds muscle and attracts water to our cells. As we age, our skin becomes more dehydrated and fragile and starts to sag,” says Murad. “So the longer we keep our muscles strong, the more hydrated our cells will be, which will lead to a firmer, smoother complexion.” The best part is, almost any type of workout will have these results, except for contact sports, like boxing or wrestling, that could be potentially damaging. “Yoga and hiking are great ways to not only exercise your body, but also calm your mind and spirit, which plays a big part in skin and overall health. Our skin is truly a reflection of how we live our lives.” This is one celeb secret that’s easy to get on board with.
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