What Happens To Your Skin When You Work Out?

We’re well-versed in the body benefits of working out - but did you know that regular exercise can also improve the health of your skin? Getting your blood pumping does more than build strength and keep you trim. It can boost your glow, reduce signs of aging, combat problem skin and even minimize puffy eyes and dark circles.

So, what actually happens to your skin when you exercise?

YOUR BLOOD STARTS PUMPING

Exercise raises your heart rate and increases blood circulation, delivering much-needed oxygen and essential vitamins and nutrients to tired skin cells. The result? Your glowing post-workout skin. Dermatologist Dr. Ellen Marmur says, “Anything that promotes healthy circulation also keeps your skin healthy and vibrant” (Women’s Health and Fitness). Over time, regular exercise promotes efficient circulation, improving your skin’s overall health and extending your glow long after your workout. For an extra boost of radiance, we recommend using our award-winning Bright Skin Masque. Apply after cleansing for a bright, luminous complexion.

YOU PRODUCE MORE COLLAGEN AND ELASTIN

Collagen and elastin give skin its strength and elasticity, making it appear firm, plump and youthful. As we age, our bodies’ natural ability to produce these proteins declines, causing creases, wrinkles and sagging skin. The stress hormone cortisol accelerates this process, breaking down the collagen and elastin our bodies are able to produce. Working out regularly can counteract the aging process by reducing cortisol levels, releasing healing endorphins and promoting the production of these essential proteins. To help reduce the visible signs of aging, we recommend using our Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum. The combination of citrus fruit oils and leafy greens in this advanced serum diminishes the look of fine lines and wrinkles and prevents further signs of age from appearing.

YOU RAISE A SWEAT

Believe it or not, sweat does wonders for your skin. Sweating is your skin’s natural way of detoxing, clearing pores of debris and flushing your body of toxins. Think of a sweaty workout as “a steam clean for your pores from the inside out” (StyleCaster). As sweat is released from your pores, any gunk and grime clogging your skin cells go with it. That said, it’s important to cleanse your skin following a workout so debris doesn’t settle onto its surface and seep back into your pores. We recommend using our Charcoal Exfoliating Cleanser to clean and refresh your skin in one easy step. 

YOU ACTIVATE YOUR LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

One cause of puffy, tired eyes is lymphatic congestion - an accumulation of toxins in the sinuses due to a sluggish lymph system. By increasing blood circulation, exercise boosts lymphatic flow, allowing the lymph system to more effectively clear the body of wastes and toxins and reduce the fluid retention that causes your puffy eyes and dark circles (Livestrong). As a quick fix for tired eyes, we recommend our Hibiscus Ultra Lift Eye Cream. This Advanced Instant Lift fX eye treatment de-puffs eyes, smooths wrinkles and minimizes the appearance of dark under-eye circles in only two minutes.

What Eminence products are in your gym bag? Tell us in the comments below.