Exercise is a proven stress-reducer, and those benefits extend far beyond the mental. Stress triggers the adrenal gland to produce excess amounts of cortisol -- aptly dubbed the stress hormone -- which causes inflammation throughout the body. In the skin, this exacerbates inflammatory conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and even acne. "Exercise reduces cortisol levels, so regular exercise can improve those conditions by reducing the body's response to stress," explains Greenfield. The bottom line: Hit the gym when you want to calm your mind and your skin.
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It Can Cause Breakouts
When it comes to acne, exercise can be a bit of a double-edged sword. As mentioned, it reduces cortisol (which increases both oil production and inflammation, two key components of acne), but sweat can clog your pores and lead to breakouts. There's even a condition known as helmet acne, where you get pimples along the forehead from wearing a helmet while biking or playing sports, notes Lio. Happily, you can stay acne-free simply by cleansing your skin immediately post-workout. We totally get that sometimes there's just no time to wash your face after spin class, but there's always time for a face wipe. Choose ones with glycolic or salicylic acid, which will wipe away the acne-producing components of sweat and keep your skin clear, says Greenfield. Our pick: Garnier SkinActive Clean + Purifying Oil-Free Cleansing Towelettes, $5.99. And don't forget the skin below your chin. If you can't get out of your sweaty tank and sports bra right away, wipe down your back and chest to avoid unsightly blemishes from popping up on your bod, too.
