The importance of circulation for the skin

Glowy, healthy, radiant skin - these are the ultimate #skingoals. Topical products and regular skincare routine help, obviously. But another important factor is blood circulation. How does blood circulation impact the skin, and why is it important? How can you improve it?

How does circulation affect the skin?

Our circulatory system impacts our whole body and organs, skin included. It is a network of capillaries and blood vessels that transports nutrients and oxygen-rich blood to all of our organs. Our skin needs oxygen, vitamins, and other nutrients to function at its optimum. Likewise, the circulatory system carries away all the waste and toxins produced by our organs, in this case, the skin.

How do we know if our circulation isn't working as it should?

Many factors can affect circulation. In some cases, you might be anaemic. Or poor circulation can be due to elevated cholesterol levels and plaque in the blood vessels. If you are worried about your blood circulation, it is best to make an appointment with your GP to find the root cause of the problem and treat it.

How does poor circulation manifest on the skin?

• Pale, lifeless, and sallow complexion
• Skin can be slower to heal
• People with skin conditions might experience more frequent flare-ups
• You might be more prone to spots and blemishes
• Skin can be more prone to free radical damage that, in turn, leads to premature signs of aging

How can you improve your circulation to help the skin?

There are a few ways to get that blood flowing. The most obvious one is regular exercise. It improves your cardiovascular health, gives your immune system a boost, and it is beneficial for your mental health. Oh, and yes, it gives you a radiant complexion, too. 2020 was a challenging year for all of us, and we understand setting time aside for exercise can seem low on the list of priorities. But, you'll feel so much better for it, promise. Even a brisk 30-minute walk can do wonders.

Facial massage

Given we are living through lockdown 2.0 full body massage is probably not on the cards for the foreseeable future. But, you can always try giving yourself a facial massage. It is a fantastic way to relax the tense muscles in the face because let's face it, most of us are squinting into various screens all day long. Also, anyone else prone to clenching their jaw, or is it just us? Facial massage gives your skin a lift and helps with lymph drainage. By doing a facial massage, you increase the blood flow to the face. In turn, this means more oxygen and nutrient-rich blood gets to the skin resulting in a healthy glow.

Lifestyle changes

Few simple lifestyle changes can help the circulatory system. One would be including more veggies and fruit into your diet. A balanced diet is one of the most effective ways (together with regular exercise) to help your circulatory system function properly and keep your arteries and veins healthy. Likewise, make sure you stay hydrated throughout the day.