Exercise and your skin: what you need to know

Whether you're pounding the pavement or perfecting your downward dog, exercise affects your skin in ways you might not expect. Regular exercise delivers a 700% increase in cutaneous blood flow, flooding your skin cells with oxygen and nutrients that no topical product can match. The trickier news? Some skin conditions can flare up when you work out.

Here's what actually happens to your skin when you work out, and how to make sure it works in your favour.

The skin benefits no one talks about

Exercise transforms your cardiovascular system and mental state. But regular exercise is associated with increased blood flow to the skin, elevated skin temperature, and improved skin moisture. Every heartbeat during exercise dilates your blood vessels, creating a direct delivery system for oxygen and nutrients to flood your skin cells.

And that post-workout glow? It's real. Exercise augments the total spectrum power density of cutaneous blood perfusion by a factor of approximately 8, and vasodilation demonstrates an enhancement of approximately 1.5-fold. In plain English: your skin gets a massive circulation boost that would put any fancy facial to shame.

Even more fascinating is what's happening with your sweat. Yes, sweat. If our skin becomes injured by a small cut, a scratch, or the sting of a mosquito, antibiotic agents secreted in sweat glands, such as dermcidin, rapidly and efficiently kill invaders. This natural antibiotic is active against many well-known pathogens such as tuberculosis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, or Staphylococcus aureus. Your sweat glands manufacture their own antibiotic defence system with every workout.

For those worried about premature ageing, here's something else to consider: regular exercise can also mitigate age-related skin changes by promoting mitochondrial biosynthesis. Your skin cells essentially get better at producing energy and repairing themselves.

When sensitive skin meets sweat

Some skin conditions don't respond well to exercise. If you have rosacea, urticaria (hives), or other easily aggravated conditions, exercise can be a trigger. Here's what's happening and how to manage it.

Rosacea and exercise

Sixty-three percent of respondents reported that exercise had caused a flare-up, and 45% had modified their exercise routine as a result in a recent survey of 512 rosacea patients. The heat and increased blood flow that benefit healthy skin can trigger the characteristic flushing and burning in rosacea-prone complexions.

You can still exercise with rosacea. 37% responded that walking was also the least aggravating exercise, in addition to yoga (21%), swimming (12%) and pilates (10%). The key is keeping your core body temperature from spiking too dramatically. 44% changed where they worked out for better temperature or airflow, while others exercised less intensely or for shorter periods.

If rosacea is your concern, our Anthemis Chamomile Gentle Gel Cream is formulated specifically to calm reactive skin. The German chamomile CO2 extract soothes inflammation while ceramides strengthen your barrier.

Exercise-induced urticaria

Exercise-induced hives happen when your body overheats, causing mast cells to release histamine. The result? Itchy welts that can appear anywhere on your body during or after exercise.

Managing this means being strategic about when and how you exercise. Decrease exercise in extreme temperatures, either cold or hot. Indoor workouts with good ventilation or early morning outdoor sessions can help keep your body temperature stable.

Managing stress-related conditions

For conditions triggered or worsened by stress (think acne, eczema, psoriasis), the right type of exercise can actually help. An examination of the anxiolytic effects of exercise for people with anxiety and stress-related disorders: a meta-analysis found significant benefits. Yoga particularly stands out since it combines movement with relaxation techniques that actively lower cortisol, the stress hormone that triggers sebum production and inflammation.

Your skin-friendly workout routine

Whether you're managing a specific condition or just want to keep your skin happy, these strategies work:

Before you exercise:
Never work out in makeup. When foundation mixes with sweat, it creates the perfect storm for clogged pores and breakouts. A quick cleanse with our Light Work Rosehip Cleansing Oil removes everything without stripping your barrier.

Choose your kit wisely:
Tight synthetic fabrics trap heat and moisture against your skin. Opt for loose-fitting cotton or moisture-wicking materials that let your skin breathe. This is especially important if you're prone to body acne or have recently shaved or waxed.

After your workout:
After your workout, it's best to take a quick shower to rinse all of the sweat from your body. Physical activity speeds up cell renewal throughout your body, which is brilliant for skin health. But those dead cells need washing away to prevent clogged pores.

For face cleansing post-workout, our PHAZE gently removes sweat and debris while the polyhydroxy acids help prevent breakouts without irritating sensitised skin.

The outdoor exercise factor

Exercising outside adds another variable: UV exposure. UV radiation from the sun can break down collagen and elastin in the skin, leading to premature aging. If you're running, cycling, or doing outdoor yoga, sun protection is non-negotiable.

Our British Summer Time Glow SPF30 provides mineral protection without the typical zinc oxide heaviness. It won't sting your eyes when you sweat, and the lightweight formula means no pore-clogging during your workout.

Schedule outdoor workouts for early morning or evening to avoid peak UV hours. And if you're wearing a cap for sun protection (smart move for rosacea-prone skin), make sure it's not too tight. Constant pressure from headwear can trigger its own form of acne.

Finding your balance

Exercise is brilliant for your skin, your mood, and your overall health. The trick is finding what works for your specific skin type and concerns. Whether that's swapping high-intensity cardio for strength training, moving your workout indoors, or simply being more strategic about your post-exercise routine, small adjustments can make all the difference.

Remember: not all exercise impacts are positive; for instance, swimming in chlorinated pools may harm the skin barrier function. If you're a regular swimmer, following up with a rich moisturiser like our C-2 Believe can help counteract the drying effects of chlorine.

Your skin shouldn't be the reason you skip exercise. With the right approach and products, you can have both: the health benefits of regular physical activity and skin that looks and feels its best.