More and more of us are embracing the fitness and wellness craze – not just for January but as a way of life. You’re probably familiar with hashtags such as #fitnotthin#yogaeverydamnday and #gohardorgohome accompanied by pictures of sweat drenched fitness queens in “Flying Warrior” pose. It’s well established that there’s a whole lot more to exercise than shedding those post-Christmas pounds. There are heaps of beauty benefits too. Here are some more reasons to keep that January exercise resolution going all year…
It boosts your circulation for glowing skin
Next time you hit the treadmill or head to a spinning class check out the effect it has on your skin afterwards – it may look like you’ve just had a facial. The increased blood flow floods the skin with vitamins, oxygen and minerals which gives it a healthy flush and helps it heal and repair itself faster in the bargain. It also encourages pores to really open up – so if you’ve invested in a hardworking serum, applying it before exercise will ensure it gets thoroughly absorbed.
It will make you stress less
Not only is increased stress rubbish for you in general, but it wreaks havoc on your skin too. The stress hormone cortisol causes your sebaceous glands to produce more oil – so you’re more likely to break out in spots. It can also lead to tense facial muscles and premature wrinkles (great!). Luckily exercise is a good way to counteract all that, thanks to all those stress-busting endorphins it releases. What’s more it forces your mind to focus on what your body’s doing, as opposed to worrying about the past or future – akin to a mini meditation session.
It helps you get your beauty sleep
Whether it’s a calming yoga class or a gruelling weight session – it’s a good idea to go for your workout in the late-afternoon or early evening. Not only does it help calm the mind (see above) which is essential for a good night’s sleep, but also raises the body temperature, after which it then decreases causing the body to go into sleep mode. And getting a decent forty winks isn’t just beneficial for your overall health, but it means fewer dark circles…
Detox naturally
You’re probably familiar with the phrase “sweat it out”. Well you obviously do sweat while you exercise – primarily to cool the body down, but you also rid the body of toxins at the same time. Just make sure you thoroughly cleanse your face of all make up before your workout – as the sweat combined with foundation can clog pores and have an adverse effect on your skin. (Skyn ICELAND’s Glacial Cleansing Cloths are packed full of conditioning and soothing ingredients and perfect to pop in your gymbag. £13 Marks and Spencer)
