Wednesday, October 19, 2011

How Exercise Complements Skin Care Routines

By Cheryl Jones


Exercise complements any skin care routine, because it increases circulation, and combats stress-aggravated facial conditions. To maximize benefits, exercisers should ensure that they lower their sun exposure as much as possible, in addition to taking steps to prevent acne. Even people with rosacea, if they take some preventive measures, will enjoy the complexion-enhancing benefits of exercise.

Exercise increases blood flow to the skin. With increased blood flow, complexions receive an increase in oxygen and nutrients, which help to keep cells vital. Increased blood flow also carries waste products, like dangerous free radicals, away from the cells. Increased blood flow helps to increase the rate of new cell growth, and to encourage the production of natural moisture and oils. These changes help to keep complexions firm and supple, which prevents the formation of wrinkles.

Exercise eases stress, which aggravates certain types of conditions. Sebaceous glands, which produce oil, are often aggravated by stress hormones. Stress hormones, in turn, aggravate conditions like acne and eczema, which may negatively affect the appearance of the face.

Protecting skin during exercise is crucial. Exercisers must take precautions, to reduce their sun exposure, both to protect their complexions, and reduce their risk of cancer. By moving their exercise routines to off-peak hours, which means avoiding the sun between 10 AM and 4 PM, exercisers will minimize their exposure. Also, wearing a hat to shade the face, along with as much clothing as is comfortably possible, will keep the sun at bay.

Sunscreen has advantages and disadvantages. Obviously, sunscreen protects the skin, but it also may come off with sweat, and flow into the eyes, causing stinging pain. However, by purchasing pH-balanced products, exercisers will ensure that they do not experience stinging. Also, if exercisers worry that sunscreen will make them acne-prone, they should look for gels or other oil-free sunscreens, or powders which offer SPF protection.

Exercisers should also work to prevent the development of acne from exercise. Washing the face immediately after exercise will help to prevent breakouts. In addition, staying hydrated, and avoiding wearing makeup while working out, will decrease the incidence of acne. Also, wearing comfortable, light clothing will help to prevent acne, while tight nylon or spandex may aggravate the condition. Spandex and nylon trap moisture, which may trigger bacterial growth, and encourage acne development.

Rosacea sufferers may worry that exercise will aggravate their condition. However, choosing certain exercises, like swimming, or exercising in cooler environments, will prevent many rosacea flare-ups. To prevent flare-ups after exercise, people with rosacea should apply cold compresses to the face. If rosacea sufferers choose swimming as a form of exercise, they should be certain to moisturize afterward, to avoid the drying effects of chlorine.

Exercise will improve anyone's overall appearance, by toning the entire body, and giving skin a healthy glow. Improving heart health, and gaining better muscle tone, are reason enough to lace up those workout shoes. The added benefit of a beautiful complexion, thanks to the skin care benefits of exercise, should be enough to get anyone out of their chair, and off to the gym.




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