How Does Working Out Affect Your Skin?
It’s no secret that current and aspiring pro cheerleaders live active lifestyles. Some of you may have noticed your skin looking even more beautiful because of working out. Then there are others that experienced the opposite.
The thing is, both effects are indeed caused by exercising. Yet, the reasons why some experience positive effects while others experience negative ones aren’t well-known. Now, we’re going to talk about exactly why that happens.
Reasons to Workout for Skin Health and Appearance
1. It makes your skin look younger
As you exercise, your increased heart rate causes more oxygen and nutrients to be delivered to your skin. When this happens, collagen production is boosted and new cells are made making your skin more elastic, youthful, and even-toned.
2. Existing toxins are rinsed off
Sweat can purge harmful chemicals and dirt off your body. By sweating, you wash off the dust accumulated in your pores during the day which prevents acne. That includes liquids that can be bad for your skin such as fragrances, shampoos, and conditioners.
3. You get that post-workout glow
You may have wiped your sweat off with a towel or took a bath after working out, but you will still sweat a little after. In this fresh sweat is also your fresh natural oil. That is why you have that shiny glow. This effect lasts for an hour or a little more after exercising.
The Negatives and How to Avoid It
4. Sweating and overheating can make skin conditions worse
Check yourself if you have a skin condition called “rosacea”. If you have it, increased body temperature through exercising might trigger your skin to redden with pus-filled bumps.
This means that outdoor workouts will be less ideal for you. However, you can still exercise indoors with an air conditioner or fan cooling you down.
5. Shared fitness spaces can cause infections
Gym equipment or shared clothing and towels may house bacteria, ringworms, or diseases from other people. As much as possible, bring your own gym essentials. Ask the gym attendant for sanitizing tools before using the gym equipment, especially if the equipment is visibly sweaty.
6. Workout may cause scalp issues
You’ll need to shampoo your hair after working out, but, doing that twice a day will strip your scalp of natural oils which is bad. Not shampooing after every workout is also bad because unwashed sweat will cause dandruff. Instead of using normal shampoo after exercising, use dry shampoo.
7. Breakouts will happen
Skin problems like acne will happen if you have bad pre and post-workout habits. Always remember to wash your face first before starting your workouts especially if you wear makeup. This will prevent the clogging of your pores.
After your session, take a shower. You may not notice it, but you touch your skin to wipe the sweat off and the hand you used also touched the dirty gym equipment. And even if you wiped your sweat off with a towel without touching your body, your pores still house a little dust and bacteria from the air.
8. Your skin will sag
Workouts will make your skin elastic, but, if you do a lot of continuous high-impact exercises, your skill will sag faster. Imagine a slow-mo footage of a running person, have you noticed that their skin bounces up and down?
When that happens a lot to you, your skin’s elasticity and connective tissues break down. As much as possible, do less jogging. Try swimming, cycling, and other HIITs. You can also wear fitted sports attire especially if you have a blessed bosom.
9. Rashes
Sweaty skin rubbing against each other causes thinning out which makes both surfaces prone to rashes. In worse-case scenarios, chafing happens. Avoid this by using antiperspirant sprays on areas between your thighs and other places with high skin-to-skin contact and moisture.
The spray will leave a fresh, dry, and smooth feel. You’ll be able to finish your sets without fearing the risk of inflammation this way.
Practicing good workout hygiene is as effective as using skincare products to keep your skin beautiful. That means keeping your pores free of dirt before, during, and after a workout. It’s easy to follow this rule. Wash your face regularly. Always remove your makeup when no longer needed. Avoid touching your face when you’ve been touching surfaces with a high chance of having bacteria.
Check these blogs out for more tips on skin beauty!
- The Best Nutrients for Healthy Skin You Shouldn't Miss
- How to Get Rid of Back Acne for Good
- How to Boost Collagen for Your Pro Cheer Skin
- 8 Tips to Tan Yourself Properly (And Avoid Tan Lines)
- Skin-Smoothing DIY Face Scrubs You Can Make at Home
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