THE IMPACT OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON SKIN AGING: THE ROLE OF OXIDATIVE STRESS AND ADAPTIVE MECHANISMS - NARRATIVE REVIEW

Zofia Leszczyńska; Krystian Kaczmarek; Agnieszka Benecka; Alicja Benecka; Jakub Pietrończyk; Vladyslav Romaniuk; Wiktoria Zawada; Natalia Prankiewicz; Urszula Szuleta; Iga Tartas; Zuzanna Wieczorek

doi:10.31435/ijitss.3(51).2026.6540

Authors

Zofia Leszczyńska J Strus City Multispecialty Hospital, Szwajcarska 3, 61-285 Poznań, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-4584-1130
Krystian Kaczmarek J Strus City Multispecialty Hospital, Szwajcarska 3, 61-285 Poznań, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6026-1608
Agnieszka Benecka J Strus City Multispecialty Hospital, Szwajcarska 3, 61-285 Poznań, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-9295-7471
Alicja Benecka Prof.S.T.DąbrowskiHospitalinPuszczykowoS.A.,Kraszewskiego11,62-040Puszczykowo,Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-5110-8028
Jakub Pietrończyk University Clinical Hospital in Poznań, Przybyszewskiego 49, 60-355 Poznań, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-6566-7537
Vladyslav Romaniuk Prof. S. T. Dąbrowski Hospital in Puszczykowo S. A., Kraszewskiego 11, 62-040 Puszczykowo, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0002-9674-4188
Wiktoria Zawada J. Strus City Multispecialty Hospital, Szwajcarska 3, 61-285 Poznań, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-5871-2640
Natalia Prankiewicz University Centre of Dentistry and Specialized Medicine, Bukowska 70, 60-812 Poznań, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-5865-7063
Urszula Szuleta J. Strus City Multispecialty Hospital, Szwajcarska 3, 61-285 Poznań, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-1795-7439
Iga Tartas J. Strus City Multispecialty Hospital, Szwajcarska 3, 61-285 Poznań, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-5602-2259
Zuzanna Wieczorek J. Strus City Multispecialty Hospital, Szwajcarska 3, 61-285 Poznań, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-9952-780X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.3(51).2026.6540

Keywords:

Skin Aging, Physical Activity, Oxidative Stress, ROS, Photoaging

Abstract

Skin aging is a multifactorial process driven by intrinsic mechanisms and environmental exposures, with oxidative stress playing a central role in cutaneous deterioration. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), generated both endogenously and through external factors such as ultraviolet radiation and pollution, contribute to collagen degradation, impaired barrier function, and structural skin damage. This narrative review summarizes current evidence regarding the relationship between physical activity and skin aging, with particular emphasis on oxidative stress–related mechanisms. Regular moderate exercise appears to have beneficial effects through improved cutaneous blood flow, enhanced antioxidant defense, mitochondrial adaptation, and stimulation of collagen-related pathways. Physical activity may also improve skin hydration, elasticity, and dermal structure. However, excessive or poorly adapted exercise may increase ROS production and inflammatory responses, potentially accelerating tissue damage. Outdoor physical activity additionally exposes the skin to environmental stressors, particularly UV, highlighting the importance of adequate photoprotection. Overall, the effects of exercise on skin aging appear dose-dependent and context-specific.

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