Physical activity to rejuvenate the complexion?

Physical activity is beneficial for the heart, body, and mind and is strongly encouraged by the World Health Organization (WHO). Indeed, a sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of heart diseases, cancers, type 2 diabetes, and can intensify depressive symptoms, hence the importance of regularly practicing physical activity. In addition to its benefits on overall health, the sport also has numerous virtues for the skin and can notably help slow down skin aging. Some evidence also suggests that it could enhance skin complexion.

As a reminder, the complexion becomes dull due to an accumulation of dead cells on its surface, caused by a slowdown in cellular renewal. The buildup of dead cells causes a thickening of the stratum corneum, which is then no longer able to properly reflect light, giving the skin a grayish and tired appearance. Several factors can cause the dysfunction of cellular renewal, among which a slowdown of blood circulation, common in winter. Indeed, when microcirculation slows down, the supply of oxygen and nutrients to skin cells becomes more limited, which can impact the efficiency of cellular renewal. Thus, among the solutions to combat dull complexion, we find in particular the stimulation of blood circulation.

Engaging in physical activity is an effective method to enhance blood circulation.

A study, conducted with 115 volunteers, recently demonstrated the benefits of physical exercise on microcirculation. For this, scientists divided the participants into different groups, based on their physical condition. Various parameters, reflecting the efficiency of their blood circulation, were evaluated. It was observed that participants in the "active" group had a systolic wave amplitude, a rheographic index, and a pulse transit time higher by 7.9 to 24.5% compared to those in the "inactive" group, indicating a more intense arterial blood flow. Moreover, the elasticity coefficient was 10.2% lower in the active individuals, indicating less rigid vessels better adapted to circulation. These various elements suggest that people engaging in physical activity tend to have better microcirculation, which could be beneficial for maintaining a radiant complexion.

The mechanism at work is fairly straightforward: during physical exertion, the oxygen needs of the various organs in the body increase. In order to allow for better blood flow, and thus a better supply of oxygen, the blood vessels dilate. Moreover, this adaptation of the blood vessels' diameter helps to limit the increase in body temperature: during exertion, the skin's vessels dilate, allowing the heat produced by the muscles to dissipate. Conversely, in cold weather, these vessels contract to limit heat loss at the skin level. These findings suggest that by improving microcirculation, regular physical activity could help combat dull complexion.

However, it is important to temper these positive results: at present, no clinical study has shown a link between physical exercise and the radiance of the complexion.

To assert that exercise is necessary or sufficient to rejuvenate the complexion would be an oversimplification. Indeed, while improved microcirculation could potentially help prevent skin dullness, this depends onother biological and environmental parameters. For example, a varied and balanced diet, including antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E, is essential for the proper functioning of keratinocytes and fibroblasts. The amount of sleep also plays a key role: during the night, cellular renewal intensifies, which promotes the elimination of dead cells.

Other factors, such as air pollution and smoking, increase the production of free radicals in skin cells. Indeed, oxidative stress can alter the DNA of organelles, particularly that of keratinocytes, which can disrupt their ability to proliferate and cause a slowdown in cell renewal. Finally, cosmetic habits, such as regular exfoliation and daily skin cleansing, directly influence the state of the stratum corneum and the skin's ability to reflect light.

Although exercise can promote blood circulation, thereby providing a better supply of oxygen and nutrients to skin cells, it alone cannot offset the negative impact of other factors.