Does Exercise Affect Your Skin? What the Research Says

July 24, 2026

Exercise is one of the best-evidenced things you can do for your health. The effect on your skin is less talked about, but researchers have started to look at it.

What the research shows

A dermatology review looked at how exercise influences the skin, including skin ageing, alongside conditions like psoriasis and hair loss (Yeh et al., 2022, PMID 34416293). In one study, endurance exercise was found to attenuate age-associated changes in the skin of both humans and mice, and the researchers pointed to a signalling molecule released by working muscle, IL-15, as part of the mechanism (Crane et al., 2015, PMID 25902870). This is early research rather than a reason to expect a facial from your workout, but it is an interesting direction.

Does sweat cause breakouts?

Sweat itself is not the same as acne, but sweat that sits on the skin under a cap, tight clothing or a full face of makeup can mix with oil and debris and leave skin feeling congested. The fix is not to skip the workout, it is to cleanse gently afterwards rather than letting it linger.

Skincare around a workout

Before: if you can, take makeup off so skin can breathe and sweat freely.
After: cleanse with a gentle wash to lift sweat and oil, then rehydrate.
Keep it simple. There is no need to strip the skin with anything harsh.
If you exercise outdoors during the day, sunscreen still matters.

At Verdo we stock the Medik8 Gentle Cleanse, the Medik8 Hydr8 B5 hydrating serum for afterwards, and the Pure Fiji Citrus and Mokosoi Shower Gel for a post-workout shower.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. The studies cited are from peer-reviewed journals and are provided for educational context. Individual results vary. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional or dermatologist before changing your routine. Verdo Cosmetics makes no therapeutic claims about the products or services mentioned.

Frequently asked questions

Is exercise good for your skin?

Exercise is strongly linked to overall health, and research is beginning to look at the skin specifically. One study found endurance exercise attenuated age-associated changes in the skin of humans and mice, pointing to a muscle-released molecule called IL-15 (Crane et al., 2015). This is early research, so treat it as a general wellbeing benefit rather than a proven skincare treatment.

Does sweating cause acne?

Sweat itself is not acne, but sweat trapped on the skin under makeup, hats or tight clothing can mix with oil and leave skin congested. Cleansing gently after a workout, rather than letting sweat sit, is the simple fix.

Should I wash my face before or after exercising?

If you can, remove makeup before so skin can sweat freely, and cleanse gently afterwards to lift sweat and oil. Avoid harsh, stripping products, and rehydrate with a light serum or moisturiser.

Do I still need sunscreen when exercising outdoors?

Yes. If you are outside during the day, daily sun exposure adds up, so sunscreen still matters even when you are moving. Reapply if you are out for a long session and sweating heavily.

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