Why Exercise is the Best Thing for your Skin

By Jason Bowers, Personal Trainer, Nutrition Consultant

According to Dr. Hans Seyle, considered the father of modern stress studies, the four most damaging emotions to our bodies are mental tensions, frustrations, insecurities, and aimlessness. The American Medical Association agrees, reporting that 80% of all diseases are either stress-related or stress-prolonged. All too often, these emotions end up literally written all over our faces, in the form of wrinkles, dry or leathery skin, or as blemishes. How do we stop it? Only be reducing the amount of total stress on your system, both physical and emotional, can you reduce this type of skin damage.

The best way to reduce stress, and therefore take better care of your skin, is to exercise regularly. Get your heart rate up every day, and both you and your skin will be feeling better in no time! Exercise forces blood to flow to the surface of the skin, ensuring that it is properly nourished and receives a consistent supply of oxygen. Exercise also stimulates the lymphatic system, which can only be moved by vigorous physical activity. The lymphatic system includes the lymph nodes and the vessels that connect them; this system collects wastes from the
tissues, filtering out dangerous substances, and produces infection-fighting cells to help protect the body. Without physical activity, the lymph stagnates, allowing toxins to accumulate and forcing them out through organs such as the skin, where they appear as acne, rashes, or dry, scaly spots.

Perhaps more importantly for lasting skin health, exercise has the added benefit of inducing post-workout relaxation — far better to sweat out your daily frustrations than to let those toxins build up inside of you. Exercise can provide a powerful outlet for the release of emotions such as anger, disappointment, and frustration, and can amplify your powerful and healthy positive emotions. Whether you hit the boxing ring or lay down a yoga mat, the emotional benefits are undeniable.

Just remember to pat, dry, or wash the sweat off of your face and body as soon as possible after working out; the last thing you want is for the toxins your body processes out through the skin to be reabsorbed, or for the bacteria you may pick up from a gym or other public location to sit on your skin. I enjoy using Thieves soap to ensure my skin is clean, and often recommend it to others.

Exercise makes you feel and look better….. Who could ask for more?!