Sport and skin: the misconceptions.

No. In fact, it would be the opposite. Satoshi FUJITA and his colleagues have found that the practice of aerobic and resistance training significantly improves the elasticity of the skin and the structure of the upper dermis compared to the time before the exercise. Resistance training also improved the thickness of the dermis. After training, the expression of genes related to the dermal extracellular matrix increased in dermal fibroblasts.

These results demonstrate thatphysical exercise has a beneficial effect on reducing skin ageing. According to some research, exercise could promote the increase of mitochondrial biogenesis, which would support the maintenance of skin structure. Furthermore, during physical activity, blood circulation increases, which stimulates the skin's fibroblastic cells and promotes the production of collagen, a dermal fibre essential for maintaining skin elasticity.

No. We tend to think that sport would dehydrate our skin due to perspiration. However, the opposite is true: sport could increase skin hydration. In a study, Aibara HIROMI and her team observed that increased physical activity is linked to significantly higher skin hydration. The higher the levels of activity, the higher the hydration. However, no difference was observed in terms of water loss (TEWL). Nevertheless, the results suggest that exercise habits can help prevent skin dryness.

According to researchers, it is hypothesised that skin functions, such as skin hydration and barrier function, decrease due to deletions in mitochondrial DNA, for instance, because of UV rays. An increase in the production of free radicals is then observed, which leads to cellular damage that disrupts the cells' ability to maintain optimal skin hydration through homeostasis. Therefore, it would be beneficial to encourage mitochondrial biosynthesis in order to preserve the cellular capacity to control hydration. Through endurance exercise, the cytokine IL-5 is produced, which promotes the biosynthesis of mitochondria. Consequently, the structure of the skin improves, leading to better hydration.

Yes and no. There have been few studies conducted on this subject. In a study measuring the impact of a combination of a strict diet and exercise in women, Kiyoji TANAKA and his team did not observe any change in the degree of stretch marks. Therefore, exercise does not seem to have any particular effects on the appearance of stretch marks. However, due to the lack of scientific evidence, we cannot make a definitive statement on this matter. Further studies are needed to clarify these findings.

Indeed. Exercise would represent the primary treatment for adipose cellulite, characterised by an unfavourable alteration of the skin and subcutaneous fat tissue, typically in the pelvic region (particularly the buttocks) and the abdomen. The increase in blood flow in the subcutaneous fat tissue following physical training enhances the breakdown of lipids (lipolysis) and accelerates local fat loss in certain areas of the body.

It appears that the combination of regular physical activity and other therapeutic methods (diet, infrared waves, extracorporeal shock waves, and lower back pain) is more effective. However, it is unclear what type of physical training (endurance, resistance, or combined training) and what the optimal duration, intensity, and frequency of exercise are to achieve the best results. Therefore, future well-designed and extended studies should be conducted to determine these aspects.

Yes. Numerous studies have shown that perspiration can continue for up to an hour after physical activity, during rest. This is explained by the fact that the body temperature, which increases during exercise, remains high after exertion. Sweat is then produced by the body for thermoregulatory purposes, to cool the skin and return to a normal temperature. It is therefore recommended to take a shower at least one hour after exercising for optimal shower efficiency.

Yes and no. Thearnica is renowned for its calming properties. However, no study has truly proven a significant impact of the topical application of arnica against muscle soreness. Shona PAPALIA and her team found that the topical application of arnica did not affect the expression of muscle damage markers or the response to the acute phase after eccentric exercise, but it could affect the perception of pain 72 hours after the exercise.

However, the symptoms of muscle soreness are primarily felt 24 to 48 hours after exercise. Therefore, the subject requires further study to confirm the effect of arnica on muscle soreness. Conversely, another study led by Terence CHANG showed that an arnica massage increased leg pain 24 hours after the exercises.

Regarding wintergreen essential oil, there is very little scientific literature on the subject. Therefore, its effects are currently unproven scientifically. Consequently, we cannot take a stance on these ideas.