The Skin-First Case for Exercise: 3 Moves That Change Your Complexion
Exercise! It's simple, essential, and oh-so-important for that radiant vibe we all love.
Hey, it’s Christine.
In today’s issue:
The three powerhouse exercises that do more than change your body—they redefine your skin
Why it works (and what it looks like at a cellular level)
A jaw-dropping stat that will make you rethink your beauty routine
A gentle glow habit you can try today
Exclusive 20% OFF code from our sponsor Obvita Organics
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PILLAR SPOTLIGHT
The Glow Trio: Three Simple Ways to Move for Radiance and Health
Okay, glow seekers, let's dive into this week's pillar: Exercise! It sounds simple, right? But movement can be medicine — for your skin, your energy, and your mood. Today, we’re exploring three simple, science-backed exercise styles that care for your body and beauty at once.
Your skin is alive. It responds to what you eat, how you rest — and how you move. The right kinds of movement can help your skin look brighter, feel firmer, and recover more easily. But the benefits go far beyond beauty.
The secret? Choose movements that nourish you from the inside out — improving strength, circulation, hormone balance, metabolism, mood, and more. We’ll start with a simple trio that works together: strength training, jumping or bouncing, and short bursts of higher-intensity movement.
Why it matters
Skin is living tissue. It needs oxygen, nutrients, and gentle stress to stay strong. The right movement:
Feeds skin with fresh blood and oxygen.
Supports collagen and elastin—the scaffolding that keeps skin smooth.
Energizes skin cells, so nightly repair feels easier.
Helps balance stress signals that can show up on your face.
This is not about more hours. It’s about smarter minutes.
Over the next three issues, we’ll explore each one in depth. Today, here’s your map.
1. Strength Training
What it is: Using weights, resistance bands, or even just your own body weight to challenge your muscles. Think of it as building a strong, supportive frame for your body — the same way a sturdy structure supports beautiful architecture.
Benefits for health:
Increases muscle mass, which naturally raises metabolism.
Supports healthy hormone balance.
Helps maintain bone density and joint stability.
Improves posture, which can prevent aches and stiffness.
Benefits for beauty:
Supports firmer-looking skin by stimulating healthy tissue below the surface.
Helps maintain the natural lift of your face and body over time.
Simple examples:
Bodyweight squats or lunges.
Push-ups or wall push-ups.
Light dumbbell presses.
Resistance band rows.
How often: 2–3 times per week, resting at least a day between sessions.
2. Jump
What it is: Gentle, rhythmic impact to keep your muscles, bones, and connective tissues springy. These quick movements also wake up your circulation and help keep tissues elastic.
Benefits for health:
Strengthens bones and joints.
Improves balance and coordination.
Supports cardiovascular health in short, playful bursts.
Benefits for beauty:
Encourages a natural “bounce” in skin and connective tissue.
Boosts circulation for a fresh, healthy look.
Simple examples:
Hopping in place.
Jumping rope.
Hopping from stair to stair.
Using a rebounder (mini trampoline).
How often: 1–2 times per week, just a few minutes at a time. Keep movements light and comfortable.
3. HIIT (Short Bursts, Full Rest)
What it is: “High-intensity interval training” — short periods of energetic movement followed by full recovery. This style challenges your heart and lungs without long, draining workouts.
Benefits for health:
Improves cardiovascular fitness quickly.
Supports insulin sensitivity and metabolic health.
Boosts endurance for daily activities.
Benefits for beauty:
Sends a rush of oxygen-rich blood to your skin.
Helps balance certain hormones that can affect skin tone and clarity.
Simple examples:
Walking or running up stairs, then resting until your breath is back.
Cycling hard for 20–30 seconds, then pedaling slowly.
Fast uphill walking, then strolling to recover.
How often: 1–2 times per week, 4–6 rounds per session. Warm up before you start, and rest fully between efforts.
Putting It Together
You don’t need hours each day. Just a few focused sessions each week can support both your long-term health and your skin’s natural vitality.
A simple starting plan:
Two strength sessions per week.
One short jumping session.
One HIIT session.
Gentle walking or stretching on other days.
Remember: consistency matters more than perfection. Start where you are, move in ways you enjoy, and adjust as your body adapts.
Sources available upon request

GLOW TIP
From The Inside Out…
Before you begin, drink a glass of water and, if you’re indoors, cleanse away any heavy makeup or sunscreen so your skin can breathe.
After you finish, do a quick rinse with lukewarm water to remove sweat and refresh your complexion. While your skin is still slightly damp, press in a nourishing antioxidant serum — vitamin C or a gentle botanical blend works well — then lock in hydration with a light moisturizer. If you’ll be outside again, reapply sunscreen.
Why this helps: Exercise warms the skin and opens small blood vessels, increasing nutrient flow. By pairing movement with mindful skin care, you support your skin’s natural repair process and keep your barrier calm and balanced.

SURPRISING STATS
12 weeks of regular training in older adults was linked with younger-looking skin structure and improved skin cell energy markers.
A 16-week strength program in midlife women increased dermal thickness and supported genes linked to collagen and elastin.
During vigorous movement, skin blood flow can increase up to 8 times, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to skin cells.
Short, true intervals may help lower glycation, a process that stiffens collagen and can dull skin over time.


QUOTE OF THE DAY


The information in Glow by Calla Skin is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Christine is a licensed spa professional in Florida and New York State, not a doctor. Always consult a healthcare professional before making health-related decisions.