How to Get Healthy, Glowing Skin with Exercise

What is it about having radiant, glowing skin that makes people gravitate to you?

It’s probably because glowing, healthy skin is such a mystery to so many. In fact, there’s an entire makeup industry built around faking it – bronzers, highlighters, luminous foundations… whatever it takes.

But what if there was an easy way to get glowing skin, naturally?

Well, there is! Here’s the big “not-so-secret” secret of how to get glowing skin: it all starts with a healthy body.

Yes, you can actually exercise for glowing skin!

How To Exercise for Glowing Skin

Regular exercise has so many benefits – for your body, mind, and soul – but also for your skin health. As much as you may feel icky when you’re bright red, puffing, and sweating up a storm, here’s the good news: Your skin cells are getting nourished while you sweat.

You see, exercise increases blood flow through the blood vessels of the body.

This includes the blood vessels that scrape the skin’s surface. That’s why you get red and flushed. Blood is delivered to the skin’s surface to cool it down, and this blood flow is rich with oxygen and nutrients.¹

But this blood flow isn’t enough to cool the body alone, so sweat kicks in to help. At this point, all you can think about is how sweaty and red you feel, but after your body has cooled down, you’re left with a healthy glow which can really last!²

The Best Exercise for Glowing Skin

One of the best ways to exercise for radiant, glowing skin is through any activity that increases your blood circulation. Get your “glow on” with one of these high-intensity skin health activities:

• Running
• Cycling or spinning
• Jumping rope
• Boxing
• Total body fitness classes
• Zumba
• Strength training

Can Exercise Really Sweat Out Toxins From Your Skin?

Some people like to think that sweating it out in the gym can also sweat out toxins. Unfortunately, this isn’t entirely true.

Yes, the body can sweat out some small amounts of toxic material, but studies have shown no proof that these toxins can in any way affect your short-term health. The liver and the kidneys still filter far more toxins from your body than your skin ever could.³

So, if you’re seeking other ways to achieve glowing, healthy skin, the following activities are far more reliable.

More Activities for Glowing Skin

While high-intensity regular exercise is great for really ramping up your heart rate and boosting blood circulation, there are also a few low-intensity activities that can also help boost your glow.

Obtain a natural glow with one of these low-intensity activities:

When you become stressed, your body’s “stress hormone” cortisol rises.

Now, high cortisol levels can increase your skin’s oil production (leading to blemishes), affect the skin’s protective barrier (allowing moisture out and toxins and bacteria in), and increase the symptoms of many dry, itchy skin disorders.⁴

So, relaxation can actually work to give you healthy skin cells (with a healthy glow!) by reducing the stress in your life. These activities are all great stress-busting choices:

• Yoga
• Meditation
• Tai Chi

Other Ways That Regular Exercise Makes You Look Good

→ Self-confidence boost – When you take care of your body, your self-esteem also tends to glow, which naturally makes people feel more drawn to you.

→ Improved height and posture – While exercise can’t actually make you grow taller, exercises that stretch and strengthen muscles can help correct bad posture.

→ Less Stress and Anxiety – There’s nothing like stress to snatch away your inner glow. But exercise has the ability to alleviate anxiety and bad moods (and release all that built-up cortisol) to more quickly put a smile back on your face.⁵

→ Better Sleep Quality – High levels of cortisol, can really mess with your sleep. This can lead to insomnia – and a tired face is not a glowing face. But as you’ve seen, exercise can be an effective cortisol-releaser.⁶

Healthy Skin is Just Around the Corner

Now that you know how to get glowing skin through both high-intensity exercise and low-intensity relaxation, healthy skin has never been closer. Skin care isn’t just about cleansers, moisturizers, and serums. Exercise should most definitely play a big part in your skincare routine.

Remember: Skin health is directly related to your body’s health. So make sure that you exercise and eat well as part of your skin care program.

Learn More:
Best Clay Mask for Your Skin Type

Sources
1.https://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/diet-fitness/exercise/sports-physiology11.htm
2.https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/wellness/1994/06/21/sweat-how-your-body-says-cool-it/bd45dc44-a491-449e-b224-43e7f9323787/?utm_term=.e33b4265e94d
3.https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/18/well/live/can-you-sweat-out-toxins.html
4. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071109194053.htm
5.https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/exercising-to-relax
6.https://www.zrtlab.com/test-specialties/sleep-disturbances/