The positive impact of exercise on skin

Find Joy in Exercise for Better Skin Health and Overall Wellness

Have you ever noticed that when you love doing something, you don’t worry about fitting it into your schedule? As entrepreneur and motivational speaker Harvey MacKay once said, “Find something you love to do, and you’ll never work a day in your life.”

Creating a healthy, balanced lifestyle means discovering what truly makes you happy. Too often, we get lost in advice and forget to give ourselves permission to enjoy life. Knowing yourself is the key to making exercise and movement a lifelong habit.

What Does It Mean to Find an Exercise You Enjoy?

Finding an exercise you love means having fun while staying active! Ask yourself: “What type of fitness can I see myself doing for the rest of my life?” For some, the answer comes easily; for others, it may take a bit of creativity and self-reflection to uncover the activity that sparks joy.

Overcoming Exercise Fears and Excuses

Don’t be afraid to try something new. Fear is natural, but it shouldn’t hold you back. Consider common worries such as:

  • “I’m afraid I can’t keep up.”
  • “I’m afraid I’ll make a fool of myself.”
  • “I don’t know how to use the machines, and I hate asking for help.”

Remember, fitness is a journey, not a destination. If you’re concerned about keeping up, start at your own pace. The truth is, everyone is at the gym for the same reason—to improve their health and find balance.

For more helpful tips on improving your skin health, visit ourHealthy Skin Tips page.

Regular Exercise and Skin Health

Exercise isn’t just great for your body—it can also help manage chronic skin issues. Regular movement reduces stress, which in turn lowers the risk of problematic skin breakouts. The increased blood flow from exercise nourishes your skin cells and aids in removing waste products, resulting in a healthier, more vibrant complexion.

For additional skin health tips, check out how eating a rainbow of fruits and veggies benefits your skin.

Exercise Has Many Other Benefits

  • Improves mood and boosts energy levels.
  • Helps you sleep faster and more soundly (just don’t exercise too close to bedtime).
  • Supports heart health by lowering LDL cholesterol and raising HDL cholesterol.
  • Strengthens muscles and builds stronger bones.
  • Helps reduce anxiety and depression.

What’s Your Excuse?

If you’re making excuses not to exercise, it might be because you haven’t yet found the activity that brings you joy. Common excuses include:

  • “I’m too tired to exercise.”
  • “I don’t have time.”
  • “I’m too old, and I’m out of shape.”
  • “Exercise is boring.”

If traditional exercise feels boring or exhausting, try activities that genuinely excite you—whether it’s a walk in nature or a group fitness class. Focus on finding joy, and the rest will follow.

The Bottom Line: Exercise and Skin Health

Regular exercise not only benefits your overall health but also plays a crucial role in enhancing the appearance of your skin. When you engage in physical activity, your heart pumps more blood, delivering essential oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells while helping to remove toxins. This improved circulation supports cell regeneration, resulting in a brighter, more vibrant complexion. Additionally, exercise reduces stress—a key contributor to skin issues like acne and inflammation—promoting a clearer, more balanced skin tone.

Aim for 30-40 minutes of moderate activity or a brisk walk daily to support both your body and your skin. Always consult with your doctor before starting any new exercise regimen, particularly if you have health concerns or are new to regular physical activity.

In health,
The holistic skin health team