The Impact of Physical Activities and Exercise on Acne
Introduction
Acne, a common skin condition, affects millions of people struggling with pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. The condition can be caused by various triggers, including hormones, stress, diet, and genetics. However, few experts explore the impact of physical activities and exercise on acne. This article aims to explore the benefits and drawbacks of physical activities and exercise on acne.
How Exercise Affects Acne?
It is widely believed that incorporating regular exercise into your routine can significantly reduce the risk of acne. Physical activities and exercise help to keep your body in a healthy state and circulate blood and oxygen to the skin. Moreover, exercise offers a range of physical and mental health benefits, including improved mood, increased energy levels, and reduced stress. These effects positively impact your skin, leading to better skin health.
Physical exercise and activities have numerous skin benefits. For example, it enhances your overall skin tone and complexion by increasing blood flow to the skin and encouraging better collagen production. Additionally, exercise improves skin elasticity by regulating the production of sebum- a natural oil that protects the skin from dryness. Hence, physical activities and exercise can contribute to acne prevention, clearing acne and reducing inflammation.
The Right Type of Physical Activities and Exercise for Acne
Not all physical activities and exercise may result in acne prevention. Some types of exercise cause unwanted sweat and heat that can irritate your already-pimples skin and cause further breakouts. High-intensity workouts, such as weight lifting, running or cycling outdoors, and hot yoga, can cause excessive sweating and irritation.
Luckily, certain physical activities and exercise are beneficial for preventing and treating acne. Low-impact exercises like walking, yoga, and pilates, have been shown to reduce stress levels and inflammation, which are the leading causes of acne.
Additionally, incorporating more physical activities into your routine can provide a range of health benefits besides preventing acne. These health benefits include weight management, better circulation, improved heart health, and much more.
Considerations and Precautions
Before starting any exercise regimen, it is necessary to consult your doctor or dermatologist. Some skin conditions may worsen due to triggering factors of your planned exercises. For example, people with eczema and psoriasis may have flaring skin when exposed to hot temperatures, and certain yoga postures may exacerbate their condition.
Besides consulting your doctor and starting with low-impact exercises, it is also essential to keep your skincare routine in check. Always remove make-up before beginning exercises and ensure you are clean and dry once you’ve completed.
Conclusion
Physical activities and exercise can significantly impact your body, mind, and skin health. When it comes to treating and preventing acne, incorporate low-impact workouts such as walking, yoga and pilates, and avoid high-intensity workouts that can cause excessive sweating and further irritation. Always ensure you consult your dermatologist and incorporate a regular skincare regime to keep your skin look healthy and glowing.