ELLE Wellness Deep Dive: Can You Breathe Your Way To Glowing Skin?

You know the feeling when someone tells you to “just breathe” in the middle of a crisis, and you roll your eyes so hard you practically see your past lives? Yeah, same. But what if I told you that the secret to clearer, glowier skin could be as simple as breathing? Yep, no complicated 12-step skincare routine—just the air you’re already inhaling. Sounds too good to be true but it could be your path to glowing skin. 

The Beauty-Wellness Connection

Skincare isn’t just about what you slather on your face anymore. It’s about gut health, stress management, hydration—and apparently, how we breathe. We’re in the era of holistic beauty, where everything is connected. So, if something as simple as changing the way we inhale and exhale could enhance our glow, you bet I’m all in.

When we breathe deeply, we increase oxygen flow, which promotes blood circulation and cell regeneration. More oxygen = better skin function. This means healthier, brighter, more youthful skin. Think of it like this: your skin is basically a houseplant. If you neglect it, forget to water it, and leave it in a dark corner, it’s going to wilt. But if you give it fresh air, hydration, and sunlight, it thrives. Your skin is the same! Deep breathing is like giving it an instant refresh, helping it heal, regenerate, and glow from within.

Stress, Anxiety, and the Never-Ending Breakout Cycle

We’ve all been there. You get a breakout, freak out about it, stress even more, and suddenly—boom—your skin retaliates with another breakout. It’s a vicious cycle. When we’re anxious, our breathing becomes shallow, which keeps us in a constant state of fight-or-flight. This affects digestion, increases cortisol, and even causes poor sleep—all of which contribute to bad skin days. But controlled breathing can literally tell your nervous system to calm down. It slows your heart rate, relaxes your body, and shifts you into a more balanced state. Less stress = better skin.

You Can Do It Anywhere, Anytime

Unlike a pricey facial or a complicated skincare regimen, breathing is free, requires zero equipment, and can be done anywhere. Stuck in traffic? Breathe. Waiting in line for coffee? Breathe. Staring at your phone at 2 AM, resisting the urge to buy yet another moisturiser? Breathe. If you’re new to breathwork, start small. Try the 4-7-8 method: inhale for four seconds, hold for seven, and exhale for eight. Do this a few times a day and see how your body (and skin) responds. Spoiler alert: you’ll probably feel a little more chill, a little less puffy, and a lot glowier.

Think of it as an extra tool in your skincare toolbox. Pair deep breathing with good hydration, a balanced diet, and a solid skincare routine, and you’ll be well on your way to a naturally radiant complexion.