Exercise your way to healthy skin.

It’s the London Marathon this weekend, and though none of the Pai team is quite fit enough to be taking part, we will be keeping a close eye on this Sunday’s runners – and their skin in particular.

You see, as well as being great for the body, exercise can also make a big difference to the look and feel of our skin.

Cardiovascular exercises such as running, cycling and aerobics pump oxygen-rich blood around our bodies and cause our blood vessels to dilate, giving skin a plumped, healthy glow.

While the sweaty look may be a bad one in the short term, shedding liquid in this manner flushes surface dirt from pores, detoxifying the skin and potentially preventing break-outs or reactions.

That being said, certain easily aggravated skin conditions can be triggered by intensive activity.

Urticaria, for example, often breaks out when the body overheats, and rosacea can appear worse when blood flow increases.

Rosacea is also notoriously worsened by exposure to sunlight, so if you’re exercising outdoors be sure to keep your cheeks in the shade by wearing a cap.

In the cases of these conditions, lower impact activities like yoga may be more suitable – and with its emphasis on relaxation, yoga is also the ideal exercise for acne sufferers.

Proven to lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone that triggers the production of sebum, yoga may prevent the breakouts which more intensive exercise can often cause.

However, if you do have combination skin and are more marathon-runner than meditator, follow these simple rules to best maintain a clear complexion:

1.    Never wear make-up when working out – it mixes with sweat and blocks pores, making those break-outs a lot more likely.

2.    Shower immediately after exercising. Physical activity encourages cell renewal, which is a good thing providing the excess dead cells are washed away, keeping pores clear and revealing the fresher skin underneath.

3.    Avoid tight fitting clothes or head-gear - which can cause Acne Mechanica, a form of acne caused by heat or constant pressure. Opt for loose fitting cotton clothes instead, which will also stop the skin from suffocating or over-heating.