Exercise in Dermatology: Exercise’s Influence on Skin Aging, Skin Cancer, Psoriasis, Venous Ulcers, and Androgenetic Alopecia
August 2021
in “
Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology
”
Studysummary In this study, researchers reviewed the literature on the preventive and therapeutic roles of exercise in various skin diseases and assessed whether there are sufficient data to recommend exercise for each condition.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
The study reviewed the effects of exercise on various skin conditions, finding sufficient evidence to recommend exercise for reducing skin aging, preventing psoriasis, and improving venous leg ulcers. Regular high-intensity aerobic exercise reduced skin aging by decreasing the thinning of the stratum corneum and increasing Pgc-1α expression, while vigorous exercise was linked to a reduced risk of psoriasis. Exercise also enhanced venous leg ulcer healing, especially when combined with progressive resistance exercises. However, evidence was insufficient to recommend exercise for preventing skin cancer or managing androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Exercise might increase androgen release and oxidative stress, potentially worsening AGA, but causality was not determined. More rigorous studies are needed to clarify exercise's impact on these and other skin conditions.
