There are a lot of compelling reasons to make regular exercise a part of your life, beauty benefits are one of them. Exercise helps prevent the development of numerous chronic diseases and keeps you mobile for longer. In other words, exercise is the proverbial fountain of youth.
When it comes to beauty, there’s more to exercise than losing weight or getting muscle definition. Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. Here are five non-weight related beauty benefits of exercising regularly.
Beauty Benefits #1: Clearer Skin
Many people experience acne as a result of clogged pores, caused by external dirt and grime or the build-up of sebum— the natural lubricant your skin produces. When you exercise, you sweat and detoxify your skin and cleanse your pores from the inside out.
Keep a skincare kit on hand for after your training sessions. Use a cleansing wipe to prevent the build-up of sweat after it dries, and a small bottle of argan oil. Read more about the benefits and best ways to use argan oil for acne.
Beauty Benefits #2: Healthier Hair
Exercise— especially cardio— is a fantastic way to improve your circulation and get your blood flowing. This blood flow can stimulate the follicles in your scalp, increasing hair thickness and growth rate. Ensuring that you’re getting enough protein to support your fitness goals will also improve the quality and growth rate of your hair.
That being said, you don’t have to run on the treadmill for hours to reap the benefits for your hair. Schedule a couple of brisk walks each week or relax and unwind with a flow yoga session as a low-impact option that your hair and body will love.
Beauty Benefits #3: Effective Stress Management
Anxiety and depression affect as many as 40 million Americans each year— and that’s before the pandemic. Furthermore, 77% and 73% of people report that stress impacts their physical and mental health, respectively.
Exercise is an extremely effective way to combat and reduce stress levels. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins that cause a sense of elation and joy. Getting your blood pumping is a great way to channel that stress and get it out of your system.
Using exercise for stress management has an exponential effect. Less stress means better sleep and fewer hormonal issues that cause acne and hair loss. The feeling of inner peace and contentment will be evident in your appearance.
Beauty Benefits #4: Better Sleep
Exercise has been proven to help correct insomnia and sleep disruptions. Scientists haven’t yet been able to pinpoint an exact reason why, but it could be related to stress management and the expenditure of pent up energy.
When you get enough sleep, your body has a chance to recover and do its best work. You’ll see the impacts of your sleep in brighter skin, less dark circles, and less acne. Your rest plays an integral role in hormonal regulation. If you’re prone to hormonal breakouts, getting in a good sweat session followed by a sound snooze may be the key to correcting them.
Beauty Benefits #5: Improved Confidence
There’s nothing more beautiful than confidence and self-love. Many exercise enthusiasts feel better in their skin, regardless of their physical appearance. There’s joy in getting stronger and pushing your body to the limits. Being able to lift something heavy or run faster than before, or even get into a challenging pose in yoga can brighten your mood and self-esteem.
Exercising regularly can help you stand a little taller and shine a little brighter, creating confidence that transcends physical appearance— and that’s a beautiful thing.
Regular exercise can help you look and feel more beautiful, and no one method is better than another. Find something you enjoy doing that gets you moving and commit to getting it done.
