Yes, going to the gym can give your skin a glow. This "post-workout glow" is a real phenomenon, resulting from increased blood flow and collagen production stimulated by exercise.
How Exercise Improves Skin
Increased blood flow during exercise delivers oxygen and nutrients to skin cells, while simultaneously removing impurities. This process leads to a brighter, more radiant complexion. The elevated heart rate also boosts collagen production, a key protein responsible for skin elasticity and repair. Increased collagen production helps repair damaged skin cells, contributing to healthier-looking skin. Many sources (SELF, CLn Skin Care, American Academy of Dermatology, Vogue India, Quora, Quora, Sond Skin, Reddit, Foreo, Total Body Concept) confirm this effect. As one source states, "The high heart rate increases collagen and new cell formation, leaving you with glowy skin popularly known as the 'post workout glow'."
Benefits Beyond the Glow
While the immediate post-workout glow is noticeable, regular exercise offers long-term skin health benefits beyond just a temporary radiance. It contributes to overall skin health by improving circulation and promoting cellular renewal.