This is a blog post that speaks to my heart. Hi, I’m Sarah and when I’m not creating cool content, filling clients coffee mugs or filming the latest dermal needling procedure here at Papillon, you will find me leading fitness classes at Barre Belle. I have a dance background, so moving and grooving is just in me and now I can combine my job with my daily fitness routine. It’s a given that exercise is great for your body, mind and soul, but did you know it is even great for your skin? Our clinic stresses the importance of feeling good from the inside out and your skin is usually a good indication of what is going on inside your body.

Exercise can have such a positive impact on your energy, mood, cardiovascular health and as I explain further here; your skin. When you work out, your heart beats faster, which in turn causes circulation to increase throughout your entire body. That rosy cheek post workout glow is actually all those extra blood cells flowing through your skins living layers. The best part is all those extra blood cells bring more oxygen and nutrients to the skin.  These all help repair sun damage and free radical build up (by the way, free radicals are harmful particles from the environment that can accelerate the appearance of aging). For even more protection from free radicals, we carry ZO Skin Health’s “Radical Night Repair Cream“. This night cream provides antioxidant protection to neutralize free radical damage within the skin.

According to Vogue Australia, all those jumping jacks and squats also promote the production of fibroblasts, the skin cells responsible for collagen. Collagen is that magical protein that is often associated with glowing, plump, gorgeous skin. It provides elasticity to the skin, helping it appear more youthful and healthy. If you don’t like to work out, this alone should be a convincing factor to finally go and join that noon hour workout class.

In case you are still not convinced, exercise even reduces stress and inflammation in the body. It does this by lowering the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol can cause skin conditions such as acne and eczema because the excess cortisol encourages sebum production, in turn causing blockages in the pores and destruction of collagen. However, try not to over-exercise as that can put the body under more stress and actually have the opposite effect of increasing cortisol levels.

Sweat is not necessarily bad for your skin either. It helps dispel all the dirt and oil residing in your pores. As we start to warm up, our pores dilate and the sweat flushes out those acne and black head causing irritants. Just remember to wash your face right after your work out so that dirt and oil does not get trapped in your pores all over again. If a sink to wash up is not available, I like using micellar water wipes I just keep in my gym bag, then follow up with my bi-monthly Hydra-Facial at the clinic.

Best of all exercise can lead to a better nights sleep. The more you sleep, the better your skin can repair and rebuild cells over night. See ya later under eye circles. Now always remember your Colorescience SPF when exercising outdoors and to rehydrate with water during and after. Healthy, glowing skin loves lots of water. See you at the barre Papillon beauties.

Reference
“Why Exercise Can Be Good For Your Skin” (April 21, 2016)
www.vogue.com.au/beauty/skin/why-exercise-can-be-good-for-your-skin/news-story/fe22fd6cc0b670b3d98d3e17addddf91?