Beauty Benefits of Exercise:

Need an excuse to go the gym? 

Here’s another reason to get moving:

Regular exercise is one of the keys to healthy skin.

Have you ever considered the powerful effects of exercise on your skin or hair?

There’s a whole host of beautifying benefits that come from regular exercise.

Working out not only helps your figure but also improves your complexion.

Learn why exercise may be one of the best skin remedies for acne, wrinkles, dull skin and more.

1. Get an instant glow

Forget fancy lotions and expensive potions, exercise is one of the best ways to nourish and revitalize tired skin cells. Before you invest in another treatment mask, try taking a brisk walk or jog. By getting your heart pumping and increasing circulation your skin receives a delicious dose of oxygenated blood that boosts detoxification and cell renewal. Did someone say gorgeous post-workout glow? “We tend to focus on the cardiovascular benefits of physical activity, and those are important. But anything that promotes healthy circulation also helps keep your skin healthy and vibrant,” says dermatologist Ellen Marmur, author of Simple Skin Beauty.

2. Reduce cellulite

Besides whipping your prized pegs into a shapely silhouette, yoga might help smooth out those spongy thighs. “Cellulite is a symptom of reduced lymph circulation.”  For those of you who skipped biology class, lymph is the bodily fluid that contains white blood cells. “Yoga helps lymph flow more freely through fatty areas, flushing toxins and reducing cellulite.”

3. Reverse the ageing process

Jumping on the treadmill or cross trainer for 30 minutes can be an instant way to blow off tension by boosting levels of soothing brain chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. What’s fascinating, though, is that exercise may actually work on a cellular level to reverse the toll of stress on our ageing process. In a study conducted in 2011, researchers from the University of California found that stressed-out women who exercised vigorously for an average of 45 minutes over a three-day period had cells that showed significantly fewer signs of ageing compared to women who were stressed and not active.

4. Wrinkle Reduction

Working out also helps maintain healthy levels of the stress-related hormone cortisol. “Elevated cortisol levels are linked to increased sebum production, which means more acne breakouts.”  Too much cortisol can also cause the collagen in the skin to break down, which can increase wrinkles and sagging. “Exercise actually supports the production of collagen. The boost in this protein helps to keep your skin firm, supple, and elastic.”

5. Sleep better

Exercising helps you sleep better by increasing your total sleep time. Sleeping is an essential component when it comes to looking better when you wake up. In deep sleep the body secretes a growth hormone that helps repair and rebuild body tissues, playing a big part in maintaining collagen matrix and promoting that glow of youthfulness that comes from a great night’s sleep.

6. Improves your posture

Working out helps strengthen all the muscles in your body, especially those that help support you — the ones in your back, core, buttocks, hamstrings, and chest. As these muscles become stronger it helps improve posture. And since, while working out, you are required to pay attention to your posture it makes you more aware of the way you stand, walk and sit — all in all, helping improve your posture.

8. Healthier Hair

Regular exercise improves blood flow to your scalp, keeping your hair stronger and healthier. Your hair follicles are nourished by the oxygen-rich blood flow that rushes antioxidants to the area, destroying free radicals before they can damage your hair.  The improved blood flow helps keep your hair stronger and healthier. This blood, full of nutrients, stimulates the hair follicles and promotes growth. “Exercise is also a big stress reliever. Lower stress means your hair is less likely to be brittle and fall out.”

8. Combat spots

Don’t let dermatological conditions like acne, rosacea or psoriasis keep you cooped up on the couch. Raising a sweat actually helps flush cellular debris out of the system, correcting the hormonal imbalances that can cause adult acne. Of course, if you’re prone to spots and blemishes, experts encourage a few extra skincare steps to make sure your complexion gets more bang for its buck. “Make sure you keep gentle, fragrance-free cleansing wipes in your gym bag, drink plenty of water as you exercise to avoid dehydration and above all, never work out wearing makeup.”  “If you’re an exercise junkie and also suffer from adult acne, try to incorporate some yoga into your routine to bring down your stress adrenal hormonal levels. This will help clear the skin because stress hormones and acne are very much related.”

9. More confident about the way you look

Exercising not only helps you feel better mentally but also helps you look good. The glowing skin, weight loss, and beautiful hair help you feel better and more confident about the way you look.