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Does a 20-Minute Brisk Walk Boost Firmness &b Elasticity? IPSA's New Beauty Habit for "Exercise × Skin"
"People who exercise often have beautiful skin."
There is research backing up this impression. That is the "Study on Physical Activity Levels and Skin Condition"[1] conducted by Shiseido. Based on this research, IPSA within the Shiseido group is proposing a new habit focused on the relationship between exercise and skin.
This time, we asked Hiroko Maruta, who is in charge of product development at IPSA, about the recommended forms of exercise for healthy skin, what those with low activity levels can do in terms of skincare, and the latest insights from their research.
PROFILE
Hiroko Maruta
IPSA Co., Ltd. Product Development
High Activity Levels Clearly Smooth the Skin's Texture
IPSA believes that the "vital beauty" that radiates from lively, expressive skin is a person's true beauty, and that beautiful skin is born of this vitality itself.Based on this philosophy, IPSA turned its attention to the relationship between exercise and beautiful skin.
"According to our awareness survey[2], about 90% of respondents agreed: 'I think there is a strong link between exercise and its positive effects on the skin' or 'I believe exercise has some kind of benefit for the skin.' However, consistently doing strenuous activities like sports can be difficult for many people."
In the "Study on Physical Activity Levels and Skin Condition," it was found that higher daily activity levels lead to better skin texture. Conducted in October 2015, the study compared two groups of women in their 30s (homemakers) over seven days: a low-activity group and a high-activity group.
The activities compared in this study included everyday tasks such as window cleaning, floor wiping, vacuuming, cooking, dishwashing, hanging laundry, putting on makeup, showering, and getting dressed. Interestingly, vacuuming was found to burn more calories than stretching or pilates. If you tend to have a sedentary lifestyle from desk work, try paying more attention to how much physical activity you get throughout your daily routine.
20 Minutes a Day: Alternating Between Brisk & Normal Walking Increases Beauty Factors
Why does higher daily activity improve skin texture?
"Up until now, better blood flow from increased activity was thought to play a role, but a clear answer was lacking.
This time, the focus turned to myokines—hormones secreted from skeletal muscle during exercise. The latest research indicates that one kind of myokine, GDF11, may influence fibroblasts (the source of firmness and elasticity in skin), suggesting it could be involved in improving skin firmness and elasticity.
GDF11, a type of myokine, has been shown to increase even with moderate-intensity exercise. In the skin, it's believed that receptors on fibroblasts receive myokines, prompting the proliferation and activation of these fibroblasts and boosting the expression of collagen genes.
Although high-impact exercises like sports can be challenging, alternating 3 minutes of brisk walking with 3 minutes of regular walking for about 20 minutes has been found to increase myokines (GDF11) immediately after exercise—regardless of whether you usually exercise. Since this is an easy habit for anyone to adopt, those who feel their activity level is low are encouraged to try it out."
As interest in myokines grows, IPSA has been advancing research specifically focused on GDF11.
"Myokines are anticipated to have beneficial effects on various parts of the body, and it's now known that they also influence the skin. However, the exact mechanism by which myokines reach the skin was previously unclear.
Our research has revealed that myokine (GDF11) promotes the proliferation and activation of fibroblasts, which are the source of skin firmness and elasticity. That's why we've focused on receptors that efficiently 'catch' myokine (GDF11), and are developing research around this. At IPSA, our R&D is centered on capturing GDF11 effectively."
How Can You Leverage Physical Activity? Key Points for Skincare
For those who want to use their activity levels to improve their skin condition—or those who are less active—what should you keep in mind when it comes to skincare?
"To harness your activity, delivering GDF11 properly to the skin is crucial. To do this, we've focused on broadening the capillaries that 'circulate' myokine (GDF11), and discovered that extracts from Meliaceae plants are effective. We also found that extracts from Araliaceae and Apiaceae plant families support the expression of genes for receptors that catch GDF11, making it easier for fibroblast receptors to do their job.
In addition, regardless of activity level, making the most of your inherent skin potential—such as caring for skin firmness and elasticity, and optimizing your skin’s hydration and oil balance—remains essential for anyone interested in skincare. If you're not very active, poor circulation can become an issue, so integrating massage or stretching into your daily routine is highly recommended.
It is also important to increase the number of receptors on fibroblasts so that they can catch GDF11. IPSA has confirmed that araliaceous and celery plants are effective as plant components that promote gene expression of receptors that receive GDF11.
And, as a basic rule, always protect yourself from UV rays when exercising or playing sports outdoors. Be sure to apply sunscreen before heading out and reapply as needed. Letting sweat sit on your skin for a long time can also lead to dryness and irritation, so always wipe it off or wash your face after being active."
Knowing that activities like vacuuming or alternating brisk and regular walking for 20 minutes can positively impact your skin may boost your motivation to be more active. Why not aim for clear, firm, elastic skin by combining moderate activity with the right skincare routine?
When your skin’s texture is refined, it reflects light beautifully, enhancing its clarity and glow. By staying active, you can bring out your natural radiance and true beauty.
[1] Test conducted in October 2015. 17 women in their 30s: inactive group (9 participants with low activity measured by activity meters over a 7-day period), active group (8 participants with high activity measured by activity meters over a 7-day period)—comparison of cheek skin texture between inactive and active groups.
[2] Survey by Shiseido: Research data on exercise and skin. August 2021 web-based quantitative survey, women aged 20-69, n=325 (Japan, USA, China [Shanghai area], France, South Korea, UK, Germany, Thailand, Italy). IPSA has extracted data relevant to the areas where their business operates (Japan, China, Thailand) from this survey.
Text by Rie Tsugita (Beauty Expert / Writer)
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