We all know that regular exercise is a great way to keep trim and toned, but it can have a beneficial effect on your overall wellbeing and the way you look as well. Do you know that exercise is great for your skin and hair? Seriously, exercise should be number one in your beauty regime.
Clearer skin
Experts have found that a good session at the gym encourages the body to maintain healthy levels of cortisol, a hormone related to stress. Excess cortisol can cause an increase in sebum production, which can result in oily skin or acne – but exercise regulates this production and keeps your skin clearer.
Anti-wrinkle defence
Another by-product of exercise is the increased production of natural collagen within the body. As all beauty buffs know, collagen is the element that gives skin its firmness and elasticity. A good dose of collagen helps fight wrinkles and fine lines, so opt for a cheap gym membership instead of splashing out on an expensive anti-wrinkle cream.
Fresh looks
The most obvious benefit of exercise is an increase in circulation (so going red in the face is a good thing!). An increase in blood flow nourishes the skin by delivering more oxygen, and this can help draw toxins out of the body. “It gives you that great post-workout glow”, Noelle S. Sherber, M.D., explains.
For acne sufferers, this can create a noticeable improvement, although you do need to make sure you keep skin clean and make-up free when exercising to avoid pores becoming blocked. Pop a pack of gentle cleansing wipes into your gym bag and use them as soon as you finish exercising to get rid of sweat and keep your skin fresh.
Beautiful healthy hair
Hair also benefits from the increase in circulation, as the nutrients from the blood flow stimulate follicles and growth, making hair less prone to breaking and splitting. The biggest benefit from regular exercise is stress relief – and we all know what stress can do to your skin and hair! Amy Dixon, exercise physiologist and celebrity trainer, comments, “Lower stress means your hair is less likely to be brittle and, worse, fall out”.
Cellulite-proof
Exercise can do wonders to your body shape creating a perfect silhouette. Regular workouts and yoga classes are great for getting rid of cellulite. According to Atma Joann Levitt from the Kripalu Centre for Yoga and Health, “cellulite is a symptom of reduced lymph circulation. Yoga helps lymph flow more freely through fatty areas, flushing toxins and reducing cellulite”. Start preparing for wearing a bikini right now.
Better posture
Good posture is the result of having strong core muscles that stabilise your torso, no matter what you’re doing, shopping or driving a car. Poor posture results from weak core muscles and causes low back pain. The good news is that regular exercise helps improve your posture lowering the risk of osteoporosis and arthritis. Try such exercises as roll-ups, sit-ups, crossovers, crunches, leg extensions and others to strengthen your core muscles.
Better sleep
Experts believe that afternoon exercise helps deepen your sleep and reduce the time it takes you to fall asleep. While you’re in deep “beauty” sleep, your body works to produce hormones that repair body tissues providing enough collagen and making you glow. Remember that exercising right before sleep can actually make it harder for you to fall into the dreamland, while morning and afternoon exercising helps relieve stress and boosts your mood.
The verdict
All things considered, the effect exercising has on one’s wellbeing and beauty is tremendous. As for the form of exercise you take, any kind of movement is better than nothing. Be aware that swimming and water sports can dry out the skin and hair due to the chemicals that are used in pools, while too vigorous workout sessions should take no more than 20 minutes at a time.
Whether it’s a long lazy walk, a five minute jog or a relaxing session of yoga, get moving to see the benefits!
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