The benefits of weightlifting for younger-looking and healthy skin

For Better Skin, Try Lifting Weights: A

Surprising Link Between Exercise and Skin

Health

In the quest for youthful and radiant skin, people often turn to serums and lotions, but there might be a surprisingly effective solution: lifting weights. A recent study published in Scientific Reports revealed that both aerobic exercise and weight training can significantly improve the underlying health of facial skin cells and tissue. However, resistance workouts seem to offer unique benefits beyond those of endurance exercise.

The Link Between Exercise and Skin Health

According to the findings, exercise of any kind is beneficial for skin health. Mark Tarnopolsky, a professor and physician at McMaster University in Canada, who has extensively researched exercise and skin health, agrees that exercise can have a positive impact on skin cells at a cellular level. The study, overseen by Satoshi Fujita from Ritsumeikan University in Japan, particularly highlighted the pronounced effects of lifting weights.

The research primarily involved middle-aged Japanese women, but its implications are relevant to anyone concerned about their skin's well-being, regardless of age or gender, especially those not engaged in weight training.

Endurance Exercise and Skin Health

Many might question how physical activity can benefit the skin. While exercise is commonly associated with reshaping muscles and improving cardiovascular health, its effects on the skin have been less explored. Some people may even fear that high-impact activities like running could stretch and damage the skin's structure and appearance.

However, past research by Tarnopolsky, which involved skin biopsies, showed that active individuals displayed healthier skin characteristics compared to sedentary individuals. Active people had a thinner stratum corneum (the outer layer of skin) and a thicker dermis (a deeper, structural layer), both associated with younger-looking skin. Additionally, their skin cells had more and healthier mitochondria, the energy centers of cells, which contributes to youthful skin.

Furthermore, when sedentary individuals engaged in jogging or cycling for three months, their skin showed positive changes, including a thinner outer layer and an increase in mitochondria, indicating a rejuvenated appearance.

The Impact of Weight Training on Skin Health

While the previous study primarily focused on endurance exercise, Fujita and his team investigated the effects of resistance workouts on skin health. They collected 56 middle-aged, sedentary women and used ultrasonography and other methods to evaluate the elasticity, thickness, and structure of their face skin. Blood tests were conducted, and isolated facial skin cells were analyzed in Petri dishes.

The women were divided into two groups: one started cycling for 30 minutes, twice a week, while the other engaged in weight lifting for the same duration and frequency. After 16 weeks, the researchers conducted a new round of tests.

Both groups showed improved skin elasticity, denser extracellular matrix, and increased activity of genes responsible for skin collagen production—a clear sign of skin rejuvenation. However, only the resistance training group experienced a significant increase in the thickness of the dermal layer, which indicates stronger and more resilient connective tissue.

Fujita acknowledges that they are uncertain why endurance exercise did not have the same effect on the dermal layer. While the study did not evaluate the participants' skin appearance, the positive changes in skin health suggest potential improvements in wrinkles and overall appearance.

A Compelling Reason to Start Lifting Weights

The study's results indicate that lifting weights can be an effective way to improve skin health. Combining resistance and aerobic exercises could have an additive effect on skin rejuvenation. However, the study's limitations, including its size and duration and the lack of a control group, require further research and validation.

Nonetheless, the findings are compelling enough to encourage many individuals to adopt regular exercise habits. Fujita emphasizes the importance of protecting the skin with sunscreen and proper clothing during outdoor workouts to prevent UV damage.

He personally testifies to the benefits, stating that his regular strength and aerobic training has left his skin smooth even at the age of 53.