Workout Those Wrinkles - The Link Between Skincare and Working Out

We all know that regular exercise is great for you - from your appearance to your mood… it’s all good. But did you know, it's also great for your skin? Read on to learn more about the connection between skincare and working out.

As you are toning up your muscles, you’re also reversing signs of aging on your skin. By getting your heart pumping you’re actually nourishing your skin. 

“Anything that promotes healthy circulation also helps keep your skin healthy and vibrant,” says Ellen Marmur, M.D. and associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

Without going too deep into the white lab coat stuff, by getting your heart going you carry oxygen to your skin cells which provides them with nutrients. It also helps flush out not-so-good stuff like free radicals which can break down collagen and elastin and speed up signs of aging.

Pretty cool, right? But before you hit the treadmill, here are a few tips to stop a workout turning into a break-out.

• Don’t wear makeup to the gym – we know, it’s bad enough to be your sweatiest in front of strangers without adding the vulnerability of going barefaced, but makeup such as powders, concealers, and foundations can get trapped in pores and cause blemishes and irritation.

• Cleanse your face before your workout – At the very least, keep some Lexi Facial Cleanser in your gym bag to remove as much makeup as possible. If you don’t want to go totally sans makeup add a little mascara and tinted lip balm or anything that doesn’t cover skin and pores. 

• Don’t wait to wash up – Stuff like dirt, oils, makeup, and sweat can all get trapped in pores after a workout and cause blemishes or make conditions like acne or skin sensitivities worse. 

• Don’t forget sun protection if you are working out outdoors. Sun damage accounts for 80%-90% of signs of aging! 

With those skincare and working out tips in mind, you're ready to hit the gym. Because while you burn-it-to-earn it, you’re also helping your skin get into great shape.