Yes, breathing exercises can improve skin health, primarily by reducing stress.
How Breathing Exercises Benefit Skin
Stress significantly impacts skin health. When stressed, our bodies release cortisol, a hormone associated with inflammation and various skin problems like acne, eczema, and premature aging. Breathing exercises, particularly slow, deep breaths, help manage stress by reducing cortisol levels. This reduction in stress, in turn, contributes to healthier skin. [^1, ^2, ^3]
- Reduced Stress and Cortisol: Deep breathing techniques activate the parasympathetic nervous system, counteracting the "fight or flight" response and lowering cortisol levels. [^1, ^2]
- Improved Blood Circulation: Proper breathing enhances circulation, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to skin cells, promoting a healthier complexion. [^4]
- Insulin Regulation: Some research suggests a link between breathing exercises and improved insulin regulation, potentially impacting skin health positively. [^5]
Types of Breathing Exercises for Skin Improvement
While various breathing techniques exist, focusing on slow, deep breaths is beneficial for stress reduction. Examples include:
- Diaphragmatic breathing: Deep belly breathing that fully engages the diaphragm.
- Box breathing: Inhaling, holding, exhaling, and holding for equal counts (e.g., 4 seconds each).
Important Considerations
While breathing exercises offer benefits, they're not a standalone solution for skin issues. A holistic approach combining healthy lifestyle choices, a balanced diet, and skincare routines is crucial for optimal skin health. Severe skin conditions require professional medical advice.
[^1]: You can actually breathe your way to better skin or, at the very least, incorporate breathwork into your daily skincare routine. Reduced Stress – When we experience stress, our bodies release cortisol. This is part of our “fight or flight” response.11-Oct-2022
[^2]: How Breathwork Can Improve Skin Health (Plus, 3 Breath Exercises ...
[^3]: Dr. Bowe poetically describes “the slow boil of ongoing, unremitting stress from life in general” as a “big-time skin villain,” noting that deep…
[^4]: Effects of slow breathing exercise on cardiovascular functions ...
[^5]: Breathing to younger skin: 'reversing the molecular mechanism of ...
