6 Ways Exercising Can Help Clear Up Your Skin And Steer Clear Of Breakouts

You know those days where you're really just like, feelin' yourself?

Confidence through the roof, great hair day -- nothing can bring you down.

And then, bam. You wake up the next morning with a giant zit that's daintily located in the middle of your forehead.

Dope. Sexy AF. Honestly wondering what I did to deserve this cruelty.

Acne is the worst, and while there is an array of medical and natural remedies out there, your solution might be stuffed in the back of your closet, right next to your old pair of running shoes.

Sure, you know that incorporating that daily sweat sesh is great for your heart and lungs. But science is beginning to reveal that regular exercise is a great step toward a glowing complexion.

Lace up your sneaks and prepare to work your booty off. Here are six ways your next workout could prevent those pesky pimples.

1. Increased Blood Circulation

Right now, your heart is pumping four to five liters of blood per minute.

During exercise, that number increases by about fourfold.

Damn. Pump it up, baby.

Through this increased blood flow, skin cells are more effectively nourished because they are receiving the oxygen they need in a more efficient way.

Plus, regular exercise can help flush cellular debris out of the system through this amped up blood flow, which leads to fewer breakouts.

It's basically like a natural detox for your cells.

2. All That Oxygen

You know the glorious glow you get after a hard workout?

That's science doing its damn thing, fam.

Now that you know your workout sesh provides your body with a heavy dose of oxygenated blood, you should know the wonders this O2 does for your skin.

According to Total Dermatology, your skin's blood vessels lie close to the surface of your face. When you work out, the vessels dilate, and with the help of that freshly flowing oxygen, boom -- you've got a post-workout *glow up* girl.

Who needs a facial when you can reach for the free weights, amirite?

3. Less Stress

It's pretty widely known that stress leads to annoying acne.

But, don't skip SoulCycle now, because apparently, as little as five minutes of exercise can help ease your anxiety.

You know those endorphins pumping after your midday run? They're working to reduce your stress levels and decrease cortisol (the primary stress hormone).

Peace out, pimples.

4. Vitamin D

Take your workout outdoors for a healthy dose of vitamin D. Trust me, it'll do wonders for your skin.

Vitamin D is also known as the “sunshine vitamin,” and it plays a huge role in keeping breakouts at bay.

Take your afternoon stroll outside, and bring a friend. Remember to wear sunscreen!

5. Happy Hormones

Hormonal imbalance is also a major acne trigger, but your fitness routine can play a huge role in healthy hormones.

From circuit training to yoga flows, exercise lowers blood cortisol and adrenaline levels, and boosts gamma-aminobutyric acid — a hormone that's linked with fear and anxiety.

Oh, and don't neglect the heavy weights -- incorporating these into your routine increases testosterone and human growth hormone, which will leave you glowing with a youthful radiance.

Do you even lift, bro?

6. Higher Overall Confidence

I don't know about you, but whenever I wrap up a kickass workout, I feel confident AF.

I thought it was just the sheer joy of achieving my #FitnessGoals, but a recent study showed that people who worked out felt better about their self-worth and overall confidence levels.

That radiance and charisma are seriously contagious, so the next time you get an unwelcome visitor on your forehead, ditch the concealer and throw some commandos into your HIIT circuit.