- More than 20% of U.S. citizens engage in daily physical activities, which can contribute to dry skin.
- Excessive sweating, frequent sauna use, and prolonged vigorous exercise could lead to skin dehydration.
- Overuse of shower gel and exposure to harsh environmental conditions can strip the skin’s natural oils.
- Avoiding long hot showers, hydrating regularly, and using mild soaps can help maintain skin health.
- Applying argan oil, using a humidifier, and drinking green tea can offer additional skin protection and hydration.
Physical activity is essential for keeping ourselves fit and healthy. Exercise helps shed extra weight, improve mood, and keep your heart healthy. However, did you know that physical activity can also lead to dry skin? Intensive exercise regimes can deplete your skin’s natural moisture levels and cause dry skin. Here’s what you need to know about physical activities in the U.S., how these physical activities can contribute to dry skin, and ways to improve your skin health over time.
Physical Activities in The U.S.
It’s estimated that more than 20% of the U.S. adult population engages in physical activities such as running, cycling, or walking for at least 30 minutes daily. This is a great way to increase your heart rate and stay fit and healthy. However, it’s essential to remember that physical activities can have a negative side effect – dry skin!
Physical Activity & Dry Skin
There are various ways that physical activity can contribute to dry skin. Here are some of those ways:
1. Sweating Excessively
Physical exercise leads to sweating. While sweating is good for your health as it helps regulate body temperature, excessive sweating can lead to dehydrated skin. Excessive sweating can remove the natural oils from your skin’s surface, leaving it dry and flaky. To avoid being prone to dry skin, rehydrate your skin after a workout by drinking ample water and using an alcohol-free toner.
2. Using Saunas
Saunas and steam rooms are popular after-workout destinations. However, frequent use of these facilities can lead to dry skin. These environments may cause your skin to deplete its natural oils, leading to dryness, dullness, and itchiness. To keep your skin hydrated, limit your visits to these facilities and rehydrate your skin appropriately.
3. Decreased Blood Flow
Engaging in prolonged periods of physical activity can cause blood vessels to constrict and reduce blood flow to your skin. This constriction can restrict the delivery of nutrients and oxygen needed to keep the skin looking healthy and moist. To prevent skin dryness, avoid prolonged periods of vigorous exercise. Get up, stretch, and take breaks to increase blood flow.
4. Overusing Shower Gel
After exercising, people are tempted to get in the shower and feel refreshed. While showers are an excellent way to remove sweat and grime, overuse may lead to dry skin. Shower gels and soaps can remove natural oils from the skin surface, leading to skin dryness. To avoid this, use mild soap, limit shower durations, and use lukewarm water.
5. Environmental Factors
Biking, running, and hiking can expose your skin to harsh environmental conditions, damaging the skin’s natural barrier. These conditions include cold and dry air, wind, and high humidity. To protect your skin, make sure you wear protective clothing. Additionally, apply moisturizing cream before exposing your skin to harsh environmental conditions.
How to Improve Skin Health
There are various ways to improve and maintain your skin’s health, especially if you’re an avid athlete. Here are some solutions:
Hydrate Regularly
Hydrating yourself regularly with water throughout the day is essential for maintaining healthy skin levels. It will help replenish lost moisture in your body caused by physical activities and environmental factors. Additionally, using a humidifier at night can help improve the moisture levels in your skin and promote healthy skin.
Avoid Long Hot Showers
Long hot showers may feel soothing after a workout, but they harm your skin’s health. Hot water strips away our natural oils, leaving your skin dry and irritated. Limit your shower times to 10 minutes or less to prevent this, and use lukewarm water.
Apply Argan Oil
It’s good to apply some oil before and after your physical activity. There are many argan oil benefits for the skin. These benefits include hydration, antioxidant protection from the sun, and nourishment of skin cells. Applying this oil before and after physical activities can help keep your skin healthy and moisturized.
Use a Humidifier
A humidifier is another great way to keep your skin healthy when engaging in physical activities. These devices promote optimal humidity levels indoors, helping improve and maintain your skin’s moisture.
Drink Green Tea
Green tea has many great benefits for the body, including improving the health of your skin. This beverage contains antioxidants that help protect your skin from environmental damage. Drinking green tea regularly can also help keep your skin hydrated and reduce signs of dryness and wrinkles.
Physical activities are a great way to stay fit and healthy, but you must be aware of their risks to your skin. Following the tips above’s essential to keep your skin hydrated and protected while engaging in physical activities. With proper care, you can enjoy all the benefits of exercise without worrying about dry skin!
