How Exercise Helps You Age Well—Inside and Out

Over the years, I have grown to love exercise. I was never opposed to it. I just wasn’t the get up at 5 am and head to the gym kinda person. But there were a few years that I made that happen. I started to enjoy exercise during my freshman year of college. A friend and I would run in the early mornings on the gorgeous campus of UCSD. They were also years that I was an “exercise instructor” to family and friends. I enjoyed step aerobics at home with a fun video. I also had a wonderful exercise machine that I loved. I enjoyed all of these, but I was never completely consistent. I thought of exercise as a way of losing weight. I didn’t realize it had the power of helping me age well—inside and out.

Let’s dive into the four major skin benefits of staying active:

1. Less Stress = Happier Skin

Stress is a silent skin saboteur. It raises cortisol levels, which can trigger acne flare-ups, worsen eczema, and increase inflammation.
I’ve seen it firsthand — years ago, several of my teen clients went off to college with flawless skin, only to return at winter break with breakouts. The difference? Stress.
Regular exercise is one of the most effective stress-busters, helping keep cortisol levels in check so your skin (and mood) stay calmer.

But let’s be heart healthy. Exercising to reduce stress lowers your chances of heart disease and stroke. It also helps you to sleep better. Sleep is when your body repairs and recovers.

2. A Circulation Boost That Brings the Glow

When you work out, your heart rate rises, increasing blood flow and delivering oxygen and nutrients to skin cells. This revitalizes your complexion from the inside out.
Think of it as an internal facial — circulation sweeps away cellular waste and leaves your skin looking healthier and more vibrant.

This circulation boost helps your blood and oxygen flow. If you are feeling numbness in your hands and feet, or experiencing a lot of muscle cramping, it could be a sign of poor circulation. Exercise is a natural muscle relaxer.

3. Better Sleep = Better Skin Repair

“Beauty sleep” is real. During deep sleep, your skin goes into repair mode, producing new collagen and repairing damage. Exercise improves both the quality and quantity of your sleep, which means more overnight renewal and fewer breakouts.

Sleep will also help with mood swings, sugar cravings, memory and learning consolidation, emotional regulation, brain fog, problem solving skills, brain detox and repair. Our society underestimates the power of sleep. Without it, many health conditions, including dementia, could arise.

4. A Natural Face Sculpt

You may notice toned legs or arms after consistent exercise — but the benefits extend to your face, too. Strength and endurance activities can help refine your jawline, slim cheeks, and maintain firmness over time. It’s like nature’s contouring.

Making Exercise Work for You

You don’t have to spend hours in the gym (unless you love it). The best exercise is the one you enjoy enough to keep doing.

Here are a few of my favorites that don’t feel like workouts:

Disneyland walking marathons (my old annual pass helped me reach 20,000+ steps without even thinking about it)
Botanical garden strolls (brisk perimeter walk first, then a slow wander through the flowers)
Dance sessions at home to my favorite vinyl or CDs
Stability ball, yoga, and Figure 8 workouts for core and flexibility
Walking the dog (I used to do a 60 – 90 minute walk with my basset hound. It kept him slender, active, and healthy)
It’s always more fun to exercise with a partner
Hydrate often with water
Modify as needed (your safety is most important)
Chair exercise is a wonderful alternative if you are not mobile

And if you’re over 40, adding in strength training (like squats, planks, stretching, and rows) helps maintain muscle, protect bones, and keep metabolism strong. I think we should also include pelvic exercise since 60% of American women experience urinary incontinence. Very few seek professional help. If you are a silent sufferer, please have a conversation with your doctor. I should do a blog post about this in the near future.

Skincare Tips for Exercisers

Wear sunscreen if you’re outdoors (bonus points for sunglasses and a hat)
Skip makeup before workouts to prevent clogged pores
Cleanse right after — use facial wipes if you’re on the go, then follow with your regular cleanser at home. Royal Jelly Boost Wipes are my faves.
Moisturize your face and body to lock in hydration after sweating

The Takeaway

Exercise might not replace your serum, but it’s an incredible partner to your skincare routine. By moving your body regularly — in a way you love — you’ll help reduce stress, boost circulation, improve sleep, and tone both your body and face. And, you just may add more years to your life and have a better quality of health with each birthday.

So let’s commit to doing this together. Whether it’s dancing in the living room, strolling through a park, or lifting weights at the gym — find what moves you and stick with it. Exercise goes well beyond skin and weight-loss. Let’s aim for aging well holistically — supporting our skin, body, mind, and spirit for the inside-and-out glow that lasts a lifetime. Tell me, which of these exercises you will include into your life.

Your skin will thank you. Your body will, too.

Purple Essence By Evelyn, your partner in aging well and achieving your best self.