The appearance of your skin tells someone a lot about you. Depending on the care you give to your skin, it may be a faulty first impression, especially if you battle with acne, blackheads and other skin imperfections. While makeup is usually the first go-to, you are only compounding the real problem: the toxins embedded deep within the skin and other internal organs and tissues. These toxins are embedded within the pores of the skin, which cannot freely open and close to release built-up bacteria and excess oil.
Getting Hot and Sweaty
So how can hot yoga help give your skin that supple hydrated shimmer of youth? Our skin is responsible for keeping our bodies at optimal temperature, so when you are in a hot environment, you sweat. When we sweat, we are not only cooling our bodies, but we are pumping out the bacteria, excess alcohol and even cholesterol that is stored in our bodies.
Furthermore, the increase in heat during hot yoga results in more moisture in the air, which helps stimulate the skin’s pores to loosen up and release excess sebum (skin oil) that often results in black heads, white heads, and enlarged pores. The external heat combined with the muscle strain of maintaining asanas (yoga poses) improves blood flow to the skin by helping increase blood circulation, which helps yield a strong supply of oxygen and nutrients to the skin’s surface.
Emotional Release
This is one of the many reasons I love hot yoga. During my frequent visits to Pure Yoga in New York City, I also find it to be a great release of stress, helping me feel rejuvenated, both inside and out. Exercising regularly allows you to flush your body with endorphins, which are body’s natural “feel good” hormones. When you feel good, you look good.
Gaining the Most out of Hot Yoga
While hot yoga itself is important in releasing embedded toxins in the body, the excess sweat can also be a detriment to people with oily skin who are prone to acne and rosacea. Therefore, follow these important steps to help your skin gain the most benefit from hot yoga sessions while reducing excess oil and redness in the skin:
- Wash your face and remove any makeup before the hot yoga session, as this can irritate and clog the pores of your skin.
- Drink plenty of water during the session to help expedite the detoxification process and remain hydrated.
- Wash your face immediately after the session to remove any sweat that could cause acne.
- Maintain a healthy sleep schedule to allow your skin’s natural defenses to recharge and work efficiently during hot yoga sessions.
Hot yoga is a great workout to include into your exercise and skin care routine! So, don’t hide from the heat- embrace it! Your skin will thank you for it.
