Regular exercise is important for all organs, internally and externally. Healthy hearts, lungs, brains and skin require our physical movement. Exercise increases oxygen levels and circulation to nourish skin cells, while flushing toxins from our bodies. Exercise also decreases stress and cortisol, improving overall physical and mental health, general skin appearance and a multitude of skin conditions.

Of course, regular exercise without proper skin protection accelerates aging and opens the door to a host of skin issues.

Wear Sunscreen

If you don’t know the importance of this one by now, you may never, ever know it.

One reason to wear sunscreen besides increased risk of skin barrier breakdown and skin cancer is 80% of skin aging can be prevented by always wearing sunscreen.

Wear Sun Protective Clothing, Hats, Sunglasses

There are so many really cool options out there. Google: sun protective clothing.

young slender ethnic sportsman in earbuds warming up and listening to music with pleasure on street in city

Wear Loose, Moisture-Wicking Clothing

Trapped moisture and friction is a recipe for unpleasant skin issues:

Chafing, folliculitis, acne, ringworm (which is not an actual worm, but a fungus), jock itch, yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, dermatitis, skin darkening are on the list.

Reapply Sunscreen

Yes. You read this one correctly.

If you are sweating, swimming, fishing, sailing, diving, snorkeling, skiing, flying, running, walking, hiking, skipping, planting, bird watching, playing or doing anything outside for extended periods, reapply sunscreen every two hours.

Tan skin is not healthy.

ethnic smiling woman wiping face with cotton pad

Wash Your Face Before + After Working Out

Avoid clogging pores with trapped sweat and bacteria. Wash your face before and after working out. It’s also a good idea to shower and change into clean, dry clothes after your workout.

silhouette photography of man at beach during sunset

Avoid Over-Heating

This seems to be a real challenge in the eight months of summer here in south Texas. A few suggestions for those who are able: workout indoors, embrace swimming as your your new favorite form of exercise, wait until the sun goes down.

For the rest of us, just cool off as quickly as you can, when you can, and stay hydrated the best you can.