Walking for Healthy Skin Habits: How a Daily Walk Fits Your Routine

You do not need a gym membership to build a healthy habit. A daily walk is free, easy to start and good for your overall health. Walking alone will not give you glowing skin, but regular movement, fresh air, better sleep and less stress are all part of a healthy lifestyle, and your skin is part of that picture.

Why walking is a good habit

  • It is easy to start at any age and fitness level.
  • It gets you moving if you sit all day.
  • It can help you unwind after a busy day.
  • Many people sleep better on days they are active. See sleep and skin.
  • It is a good time to step away from screens. See screen time habits for skin.

How to start

  1. Start with 10 to 15 minutes a day.
  2. Add a few minutes each week until you reach 30 minutes on most days.
  3. Walk at a pace where you can still talk.
  4. Wear comfortable shoes.
  5. Pick a regular time, such as after dinner or early morning.

Best time to walk

Early morning and evening are usually cooler and have gentler sun, especially in summer. In cities with high pollution, check the air quality and choose a time when it is better, or walk indoors in a mall or on a terrace. See pollution and skin.

Protect your skin on daytime walks

  • Apply sunscreen to the face, neck, ears and arms before walking in daylight. See how to apply sunscreen properly.
  • Wear a cap or carry an umbrella in strong sun.
  • Use lip balm.
  • Wear sunglasses if it is bright.

Water

Drink a glass of water before you go and after you return. Carry a bottle on longer or hotter walks. Read how much water for healthy skin.

After your walk

  1. Wash your face if you sweated.
  2. Change out of sweaty clothes.
  3. Moisturise.
  4. Stretch your legs gently.

For more after-exercise tips, see our post-workout skincare routine.

Make it stick

  • Walk with a friend or family member.
  • Take the stairs and walk to nearby shops.
  • Walk after meals for 10 minutes.
  • Track your days on a calendar.
  • Listen to music or a podcast if it helps.

Common mistakes

  • Doing too much too soon and getting sore.
  • Walking in peak afternoon sun in summer.
  • Skipping sunscreen on daytime walks.
  • Wearing worn-out shoes.

A note on health

If you have a heart, lung or joint condition, are pregnant, or have not exercised in a long time, talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise routine. Stop and get help if you feel chest pain, severe breathlessness or dizziness.

Exercises made for you

The Theraglam Glow Scan turns 3 photos and a short quiz into a personal skin routine with helpful ingredients, a diet and water plan, exercises with pictures, face massage moves and a daily to-do list. Also see exercise for glowing skin at home.

Quick questions

Morning or evening walk? Whichever you can stick to. Avoid the hottest part of the day in summer.

Do I need sunscreen for an evening walk? Not after sunset. Before sunset, yes.

Start my Glow Scan: 3 photos and a short quiz become your personal skin, diet and face massage plan, sent by email within about 2 hours. Rs 599, one time.

Glow Scan and this article give skincare and lifestyle guidance, not medical advice. For a skin or health condition, please see a doctor or dermatologist.

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