Exercise and Skin
Is exercise good for your skin?
Some benefit for skin ageing in one trial; a mixed picture otherwise
Partly. In a 16-week trial of middle-aged women, both aerobic and resistance training improved skin elasticity and the structure of the upper dermis. Reviews call exercise a double-edged sword, since irritation and sun exposure can follow.
What a trial found
A 16-week study compared aerobic and resistance training in 61 healthy, sedentary, middle-aged Japanese women, with 56 available for analysis. Both improved skin elasticity and the upper dermal structure, and resistance training also improved dermal thickness. It is one study in one group of women.
The other side
A 2025 narrative review describes how activity may help skin through circulation and stress regulation, and warns that intense exercise or exercise without protection can cause irritation, redness and even skin cancer. It recommends sunscreen, sun-protective clothing and sensible post-exercise skin hygiene.
What we don't claim
We found no trial showing that exercise helps acne, oiliness or dark spots, so we do not claim it. Exercise is good for your heart, mood and stress for reasons that have nothing to do with your face.
Questions people ask
We did not find evidence for that, so we do not claim it. Gentle cleansing after exercise is the sensible habit.
Research
Selected studies and reviews on exercise and skin. Each link opens the abstract on PubMed. This is background reading, not a substitute for advice from a dermatologist.
- Resistance training rejuvenates aging skin by reducing circulating inflammatory factors and enhancing dermal extracellular matrices.Nishikori S et al. Sci Rep, 2023 · PMID 37353523Note: 16-week trial in 61 women.
- The Effects of Physical Activity on Skin Health: A Narrative Review.Li F, Li S, Xie H Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol, 2025 · PMID 40933392Note: Narrative review.
General information, not dietary or medical advice. These guides describe what studies found and how strong the evidence is. Talk to a doctor or dietitian if you have a condition, are pregnant or are changing your diet or supplements.