By LABRAINS in collaboration with Dr. Liāna Žarinova and MyFitness

A balanced fitness routine, combined with proper skin care, a balanced diet, and other healthy daily habits can be a significant factor in maintaining healthy facial skin over the long term. Physical activities not only improve overall body health but also make a significant contribution to keeping skin beautiful and healthy.

• During physical activity, heart rate increases, which improves blood circulation throughout the body, including the skin. This boosts the supply of oxygen and nutrients, promoting skin cell renewal and a healthy appearance.

• Regular physical activity helps reduce stress, which is important because stress often triggers various skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, rosacea, acne, and others. Prolonged stress increases the level of cortisol – a hormone that maintains inflammatory processes and accelerates the breakdown of elastin and collagen fibers. This can lead to skin aging and deterioration of skin condition.

• Exercise improves sleep quality, which is crucial for skin regeneration processes. During sleep, active skin cell regeneration and synthesis occur. “Beauty sleep” is not just a phrase or a myth – it is a vital factor in maintaining healthy skin.

• Biochemical processes in our body, hormone balance regulation, and the promotion of well-being are enhanced. After exercising, people often feel motivated to adopt other healthy daily habits such as eating a balanced diet or quitting harmful habits like smoking. Smoking narrows blood vessels, reducing blood flow and limiting the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the skin. This promotes a duller skin tone and accelerates aging processes.

• During physical activities, the “happiness hormone” endorphin is released, bringing joy, uplifted mood, and an energy boost. This motivates engagement in additional activities that can positively impact the skin, such as:
  > Visiting a cosmetologist or undergoing beauty treatments;
  > Doing facial fitness exercises or massages at home;
  > Attending seminars to gain new knowledge about skin care.

• Avoid touching your face during workouts → Gym equipment, towels, and hands can transfer bacteria to the skin.
• Use a clean towel → Blot sweat instead of rubbing (rubbing increases irritation & barrier damage).
• Stay hydrated → Dehydration affects skin elasticity & oil balance.
• Shower after exercise → Sweat buildup on the body can cause back acne & irritation. Use Oil-to-Milk Cleanser or Nordic Mud Cleanser on areas prone to breakouts.
• Don’t skip moisturizer post-gym → Even acne-prone skin needs moisture to prevent dehydration-induced oil production.

To repair disorganized lipids, we need moisturizers with ceramides, squalane, plant-based oils, and a lamellar structure that mimics the skin’s natural lipid barrier.

Hydration is Key for Both Acne and Dermatitis

Many acne-prone individuals avoid oils, thinking they will make their skin more oily. But without proper hydration, the skin overproduces sebum, leading to more breakouts. Similarly, dermatitis-prone skin lacks essential moisture and becomes irritated.