I hear it all the time “I just need a cleanser that will get rid of my acne” or “I need an eye cream to help with my dark circles.” While skincare products offer amazing benefits and can help reduce visibility of concerns, there is so much more to healthy skin then just a product.
I promise I will dive deeper into choosing proper products another time, as this will need its own exclusive discussion. Today I want to focus on other lifestyle factors that can help improve your skin health.
Exercise
Several studies show that exercise provides amazing benefits for your skin health.
What can consistent exercise do for your skin?
Enhances Blood Flow – delivers oxygen and nutrients to skin cells while removing waste products. This process supports cell repair and contributes to healthy complexion.
Boosts Collagen Production – Aerobic exercise has been shown to stimulate collagen synthesis by activating dermal fibroblasts, improving skin elasticity and firmness. Resistance training also supports collagen production through increased growth hormone release.
Hydration & Barrier Support – Increases skin hydration, as studies have shown higher moisture retention in active individuals. This supports a strong skin barrier, which is essential for maintaining healthy skin.
Stress Reduction – Reduces stress hormones like cortisol, which can damage collagen & worsen inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, eczema, & psoriasis. Stress-relieving workouts like yoga or mindful movement also enhances skin resilience.
Detoxification – Sweating during exercise helps flush out impurities & harmful bacteria from the skin, reducing pore congestion & promoting a natural glow.
Don’t forget!! It is important to wash your face post workout to help reduce breakouts. If you struggle with back acne, it is important to properly cleans that area as well.
Nutrition
When it comes to food its always important to look at food as a way to nourish & heal your body. Studies show regular consumption of processed foods can affect your skin health in many ways, such as increased acne breakouts, premature aging, inflammation, redness, dehydration, weaken the skin barrier, & exacerbate oxidative stress leading to increased hyperpigmentation.
Making changes to the foods we consume, can help provide essential nutrients that support skin repair, hydration & protection against environmental damage.
Improved Hydration & Elasticity
Fruits & Veggies such as cucumbers, watermelon, or leafy greens are high in water content and help keep skin hydrated, plump, & elastic.
Whole foods like avocado provide healthy fats that maintain the lipid barrier, locking in moisture.
Reduced Inflammation
Antioxidant rich foods, such as berries, spinach, & broccoli are packed with vitamins C & E, these help neutralize free radicals that cause inflammation & premature aging.
Omega-3 fatty acids combat inflammation, which can help reduce redness & acne flare-ups.
Enhance Collagen Production
Citrus fruits, bell peppers, & strawberries contain Vitamin C, which boosts collagen synthesis, helping maintain firm & youthful skin.
Protein rich foods provide amino acids necessary for collagen & elastin production.
Improve Skin Tone & Clarity
Whole grains such as quinoa, brown rice & oats help stabilize bloods sugar levels, reducing insulin spikes that can trigger acne.
Foods rich in zinc (pumpkin seeds, chick peas) & selenium (Brazil nuts) help manage oil production & fight acne-causing bacteria.
Protection Against Premature Aging
Healthy fats such as olive oil, nuts, seeds help maintain the skin barrier & combat dryness, keeping skin soft & smooth.
Carotenoids found in carrots, sweet potatoes, & kale, provide natural sun protection & promote a healthy glow. Yes, you still need to apply sun screen for optimal protection.
Detoxification & Brightness
Whole fruits, vegetables, & legumes, support gut health by promoting detoxification, which can help clear up dull, congested skin.
Green tea is high in polyphenols, it reduces oxidative stress & promotes a clear complexion.
By choosing whole, nutrient-dense foods, you nourish your skin from within, supporting long-term health, hydration, & a youthful appearance. This also helps reduce the risk of inflammation & oxidative stress, common causes of skin concerns.
Stress Management
Managing stress effectively plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin. Stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that can increase oil production, leading to acne, clogged pores, & other skin issues. Prolonged Stress can weaken the skin barrier, making it more vulnerable to irritation, dehydration, & environmental damage. Additionally, chronic stress can accelerate collagen breakdown, contributing to premature aging & wrinkles.
Stress management techniques like mindfulness, meditation, & regular exercise help regulate cortisol levels, reducing the severity of stress-related skin conditions. For example, deep breathing & relaxation exercises can activate the body’s relaxation response, improving circulation & supporting skin repair.
Quality sleep is also essential, as it promotes skin regeneration & reduces inflammation caused by stress.
Skincare Treatments
Regular skincare treatments, such as facials, chemical peels, & exfoliation, play a significant role in promoting & maintaining skin health. These treatments provide benefits that go beyond what at-home routines can achieve. Here’s how they help:
Deep Cleansing & Detoxification
Professional treatments remove dirt, oil, & dead skin cells from deep within the pores, reducing buildup of toxins & minimizing acne & blackheads. Promoting clearer & healthier looking skin.
Improve Texture & Radiance
Treatments like exfoliation & peels remove dead skin cells & promote the regeneration of fresh skin cells, leading to smoother texture, brighter complexion, & more even skin tone. Over time they help fade dark spots & hyperpigmentation.
Hydration & Nutrient Infusion
Facials & similar treatments often incorporate hydrating masks & serums that deliver essential nutrients & antioxidants, boosting the skin’s ability to heal, retain moisture, & resist environmental damage.
Anti-Aging Benefits
Regular professional care helps combat signs of aging by stimulating collagen production, improving elasticity, & reducing the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles. Preventative care can maintain youthful skin & protect against premature aging.
Customized Solutions For Skin Concerns
Professional Treatments are tailored to individual skin needs, addressing issues such as dryness, sensitivity, acne, or pigmentation. This personalized approach ensures optimal results for specific concerns.
Stress Relief & Circulation Boost
Many treatments promote relaxation & improve blood circulation, which enhances nutrient delivery to the skin & support a natural, healthy glow.
By incorporating regular skincare treatments into your routine, you can enhance your skin’s health, appearance, & resilience while enjoying the relaxation & self-care they provide.
Achieving optimal skin health requires a comprehensive approach. By integrating regular exercise, balanced nutrition, effective stress management, professional treatments, & a skincare routine tailored to your specific needs, you can cultivate healthy , radiant & glowing skin.
The information contained within this blog is for information purposes only. It is not intended to be used as medical advice and is not a substitute for medical services. The statements made within this e-product have not been evaluated by Health Canada or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You should always consult with a health care professional before starting on any health plan or taking supplements. By reading this piece of work, you are not entered into a practitioner / patient relationship with the author.
References
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/353227255_Possible_involvement_of_CXC_motif_chemokine_ligand_10_in_exercise-induced_collagen_production_of_mouse_dermal_fibroblasts
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/3-tips-to-naturally-restore-collagen-and-keep-your-skin-tight
https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/11/1/13