Understanding the interconnection of our workout habits, skincare routines, and long-term health is a critical step in overall wellness. Exercising has both positive and negative outcomes for the skin, but with proper awareness and post-workout care, you don't need to let appearances get in the way of staying fit.  

Benefits of Exercise for Skin Health

With home and outdoor exercise habits at an all-time high, many have wondered about the effects of physical activity on the overall health of our skin. While some assume the impact is negative, research has actually shown a number of direct benefits to the skin as a result of vigorous workouts. 

First, exercise increases heart rate and blood flow, helping to transport nutrients and oxygen throughout the body at a faster rate, thus speeding the process of healing and cell replication. That same increase in blood flow can hasten the flow of waste products out of the body's systems, helping you naturally cleanse yourself of toxins more rapidly and efficiently. 

Countless studies have linked regular exercise with decreased stress levels, which is very good news for your skin, considering that numerous chronic inflammatory conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne can be triggered by stress hormone imbalance. Other research has indicated that exercise can not only help you feel more youthful, but also look younger; regular workouts can help turn back the clock on your skin. Finally, we must remember that our skin is another organ, and requires the body's energy and attention. By maintaining overall health and wellness, we can ensure that our skin has adequate immune protection and energetic resources to keep us looking and feeling great. 

Post-Workout Skincare Routines

While the health of your skin clearly benefits from regular exercise, taking care of your skin after a workout is also important. When you exercise, your body perspires, and the more sweat your body releases, the more dehydrated it becomes. This can lead to dry and easily damaged skin, which can be exacerbated by other factors, such as sun exposure if you're exercising outdoors. Intense physical activity can also lead to chafing, irritation or rashes, which should be addressed or mitigated before you repeat that particular form of exercise. 

Some of the best options for post-workout skincare include hyaluronic acid (HA), a powerful moisturizing agent produced naturally within our bodies. Responsible for keeping key areas of the body lubricated and hydrated, such as the joints, eyes and skin, hyaluronic acid is a critical component of skin protection that unfortunately decreases as we age. After an intense workout, take a rejuvenating shower and apply hyaluronic acid-containing products to the areas of your skin most prone to dryness. 

Hyaluronic acid is able to biochemically bond with water, helping to retain moisture on the skin and forming a protective barrier for wound healing, while also reducing inflammation, discomfort and itchiness. For any active person, from pro athletes and marathon runners to weekend cyclists and part-time gym members, your post-workout routine should not ignore the impact of exercise on your skin. 

An Easy Moisturizing Solution

If you're seeking to add a non-abrasive and anti-inflammatory option to your skin routine, the Day and Night Cream from NeuLuna is an ideal choice. Relying on hyaluronic acid as its primary ingredient, this twice-daily skin serum has been carefully engineered to manage chronic skin conditions and provide proactive protection. 

This patented offering from NeuLuna boasts a cutting-edge transdermal delivery system that facilitates the deeper penetration of nutrients, delivering fast results from its readily absorbed components. Visit our NeuLuna website to add a final touch to your workout routine, because as the biggest organ in the human body, our skin and its long-term health simply cannot be ignored.