SWEAT YOUR WAY TO GREAT SKIN

Exercise can be the route to better skin if you’re wise to the negatives. Here’s the proof...

IT IMPROVES SKIN TEXTURE

Exercise reduces stress, which lowers cortisol – the hormone that spikes when you’re feeling tired and overworked. ‘When cortisol levels are out of whack, it can lead to an overproduction of oil and collagen breakdown,’ says Dr Hale. Keeping cortisol in check with exercise can mean fewer breakouts, tighter pores and firmer skin.

IT DETOXES PORES

Think of sweating as the steam portion of a facial. ‘It causes pores to dilate and pushes out oil and bacteria,’ says Dr Hale.

IT GIVES YOU A NATURAL GLOW

When you exercise, your heart beats faster and pumps more blood. ‘Much of that increased blood flow goes to the brain, and the face reflects this upward surge by flushing,’ says Dr Hale. Cue that bright, lit-from-within look.

IT FIGHTS PUFFINESS

Working out tones your body over time, but it can also have an immediate impact on your skin.

‘It helps clear out excess water so you look less bloated,’ says Dr Frank.

IT DELAYS THE SIGNS OF AGEING

‘Studies show that exercise boosts skin-cell energy, increasing cell metabolism and collagen production,’ explains dermatologist Dr Joshua Zeichner. The result? A firmer, plumper complexion with fewer lines.