Is Runner’s Face a Thing? Should you be concerned?

Running can provide you with so many benefits. For many of us, running helps one experience a boatload of positive effects, varying in degree and intensity but mostly all good things which can include cardiovascular conditioning, bone, and joint health, weight loss, muscle toning, along with a release of natural endorphins to help lift your spirits and your mood. Running can help you to feel stronger both physically and mentally.

Recently, however, there have been some, shall we say “fake news”, articles written mostly from some certain industry-specific companies in an attempt to target large groups of individuals in the running community. These articles discuss the supposed negative side effect of running that it can drastically make you look older and the phenomenon is called runner’s face. But, is runner’s face really a thing?

What is Runner’s Face?

It is believed to be a coined up term, from the beauty and skincare industry, that targets runners into believing that running is a cause for facial and skin changes. The term refers to both men and women runners, typically over the age of 40, and attribute running to the acceleration of skin aging and breakdown. It can best be described in that the face of a runner begins to look gaunt, even skeletal-like, with deep wrinkles due to the loss of fat, volume, and the increased risk of sun damage from hours outside.

There are many studies finding that the verdict in most skin and cellular damage is a result of under-protected, over sun-exposed skin and additionally environmental pollutants. Most dermatologists outright say that the signs of aging are predominantly from sun damage while gravity plays a less minor and minimal role.

Runners may experience enhanced aging skin more due to the fact of not being well protected while being exposed for extended periods of time while outside. Hats, UV protective sleeves, and sunscreen all play vital roles in protection for early aging.

Sunscreen is an absolute must and a quality one should be used to oppose all harmful UV elements as well as your own sweat. Overexposure to the sun can lead to many unwanted skin changes including uneven skin tone, dryness, wrinkles, and even worse pre-cancerous cells or ultimately skin cancer.

Aside from the harmful rays of the sun, air pollution, toxic elements in the environment and the use of make-up are also all secondary culprits leading to irritation and premature aging. This is due to oxidative stress which is made up of destructive elements carried in the oxygen from pollution and our body’s inabilities to ward them off. While many runners opt to run outside, this is a downfall of the sport and is somewhat out of our control.

So go ahead a run, but protect yourself.

The truth of the matter is there really is no such thing as runner’s face. Runner’s face should be the least of your running worries. Run a few times a week, eat the right foods most of the week, drink your water, wear your sunscreen and cleanse your face daily and you will find that your face will age at a slower but natural rate.