Can Running Keep Your Skin Looking Younger?
We have all read many articles extolling the virtues of running for weight loss and for improving our cardiovascular systems, but how often do we see an article on how running affects our largest organ, our skin?
Removes Toxins
Perspiration due to running will help remove toxins from our skin. Toxins build up under our skin from living everyday life. It can come from the food we eat, pollution in the environment, the medicines that we take, and from the everyday products that we use. Our bodies deposit these toxins under our skin (and other places), and the increased cardio activity from running will take the toxins away.
Encourages Formation of Collagen
Collagen keeps the skin supple and reduces wrinkles. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen. Running will also make your skin thicker due to the increased blood flow.
Increased Blood Flow Helps Bring Important Nutrients to the Skin
The same antioxidants and vitamins that are advertised in the skin treatments that we see all around us can be found in a healthy diet. And because these nutrients come from the blood supply, as opposed to a topical treatment, you know that your skin cells are benefiting from these nutrients.
Helps You Relax
According to an article by dermatologist David Goldberg, MD, running helps the whole body relax. This means that it helps your skin relax too. As a result of relaxed skin, crow’s feet and other types of wrinkles tend to relax as well and it could even keep them from forming in the first place.
Regulates Diet
I find another benefit of running is that it regulates my diet. My personal experience is that if I go running after work, but before I eat, I find myself less hungry or not hungry at all. A real weight loss benefit; but not only that , if I run regularly I find myself craving fresh fruits, instead of a lot of junk food. That not only keeps the weight off, but supplies my skin with extra nutrients to keep it in the best shape it can be.
Keeps Bad Habits Away
Finally, if you run regularly you will find it hard, if not impossible, to smoke or use alcohol to excess. Both alcohol and smoking have been shown to age the skin greatly.
Kevin Hawkins is an avid runner with a deep interest in nutrition and self-improvement. In 2010, he ran in 45 competitive races.
