Top Ten Skin Sins: Not Getting Enough Sleep or Exercise

Many Americans are always on the move, but ironically, few of us are actually moving according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 35 percent of adults in 2009 reported getting regular exercise. This low statistic is cause for concern considering how vital frequent physical activity is to maintaining optimal health and, not to mention, optimal skin.

Contrary to popular belief, great skin starts from the inside out—not the outside in. So focus on your health and start by breaking a sweat. For adults 18 to 64-years-old, the CDC recommends at least 2.5 hours of moderate aerobic exercise a week in addition to a few muscle-strengthening activities. If that sounds impossible to fit into your busy schedule, understand that moderate aerobic exercise can mean something as simple as taking a brisk walk or as fun as a dance class—not necessarily braving the gym.

How does exercise help your skin? It increases blood circulation. The more you move, the more your blood has a chance to transport oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells, which means a more luminous appearance.

Another thing Americans don’t seem to be getting enough of is sleep. In their 2010 Bedroom Poll, The National Sleep Foundation found that only 42 percent of respondents reported getting a good night’s sleep almost every night. As for the rest, they reported squeezing in a refreshing rest only a few times per week, to a few times per month, and for some, almost never. As a result, many Americans are not feeling or looking their best.

Sleep promotes cell turnover, which is when dry, UV-damaged, skin cells are replaced with fresh ones. Furthermore, it allows skincare products that contain vitamins and retinoids to perform at their best since sunlight can reduce their potency.

What These Two Have in Common:
Both adequate exercise and sleep promote healthy skin in their own way, but what they have in common is that they reduce another skincare culprit—stress. Stress makes the skin more sensitive and reactive, meaning that preexisting conditions like psoriasis, rosacea, and acne can become worse, or issues like dryness and irritation can crop up. To prevent these concerns, and   camouflage them should they occur, consider these tips:

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