What Is Runners Face? How to Look After Your Skin as a Runner

There has been a discussion around running and aging for a long time. While exercising regularly has been shown to reduce aging, many people think that running causes the appearance of your skin to change. So in this article, we see if this is actually true or whether it is a myth?

We also discuss the phrase – “Runner’s face” and what it actually is and how it relates to a runner. So keep reading on if you want to know the truth about running and aging of the face.

What Is Runners Face?

If you have been involved in the running community for some years, you would have most likely heard the term ” runner’s face”. It is often talked about on a Sunday pack run, and sometimes it generates some interesting conversations after a run. So what is runner’s face?

The most common answer to that question is the face you make when you run, or during the final meters of an event where you are giving everything. However, this is actually not what a runner’s face is.

Instead, it is when your face starts to age and starts to look gaunt. The skin on the face also starts to become saggy, which ends up making you look much older than you are.

Some people believe this is from the constant pounding of the body and bouncing of the cheeks, causing the skin on your face to sag.

Others think it is caused by sun damage and low body fat, which is far more realistic than your cheeks getting worn down by bouncing.

Can Running Cause Runner’s Face?

If you have been a runner for some years, or you are just starting out, you may be wondering if running can cause runner’s face? I mean, the last thing you would want to do is pick up a hobby that ages you faster than you are already aging.

If you are wondering if this is the case don’t worry. According to studies and plastic surgeons, running doesn’t cause your face to sag and become aged.

That being said, spending long-term time in the sun from training can have an impact on the skin of your face. Long-term exposure to the sun has been proven to cause the face to look gaunt and the skin to look leathery.

Our skin also produces less collagen and elastin as we get older, which makes UV rays help to speed up the aging process.

However, this is not just a common side effect of running. Other people that spend lots of hours in the sun will see the same effect. This includes cyclists, triathletes, rowers, golfers, construction workers, gardeners, etc. The list is rather huge.

So, why do people think that running causes your skin to sag and your face to be gaunt?

Runners are generally lean people and often many elite runners have a very low body fat percentage. This makes the face look tired and worn, as more of your bone features are exposed. However, this also goes the same for cyclists and other endurance sports as well.

How to Care For Your Skin as a Runner?

Luckily there are ways to slow down the aging process if you are running a lot in sunny weather.

Using regular sunscreen and a hat while running in the summers months can protect your face and skin, from not only getting burnt but prevent direct sunlight on it every day.

Even though runner’s face is a myth, you still need to look after your skin. That means regular moisturizing, and the use of anti-aging or day cream to help rehydrate the skin.

It is important to stay hydrated as well. That means drinking water regularly throughout the day. Water has been proven to be one of the most important tips for keeping your face from aging.

Other things like eating a good diet and the use of vitamins can help reduce skin sag in the face. So keep regular care of your skin and body and you will find, that all the running you do won’t affect the look of the skin on your face.

How Running Benefits Your Skin & Face

Since we have debunked the myth about runner’s face, we thought to add a segment on the benefits running can provide for your skin.

Exercise, especially running as been proven to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the skin. This helps to increase collagen production and enhances blood flow. It then helps the skin to regenerate new skin cells. Thus make your skin look and feel more healthy.

Running also helps the body to release endorphins, which are a feel-good chemical in your brain. This not only makes you feel good, but it also helps to control your cortisol levels. Because too much cortisol can cause breakouts, dullness, and dryness of the skin. So, with the release of endorphins, the skin is able to control the amount of cortisol.

 

Conclusion

While running has more positives than negatives for the skin, it is still important to look after your skin. Too much sunlight and a lack of sunscreen and moisturizing can have a big effect on the way your skin looks. So apply sunscreen during the summer months, and regularly moisturize and hydrate. Your skin will thank you in the long run.