However, people do occasionally voice some workout-related skin concerns, like clogged pores, flushing, or skin sagging. Speaking of that last gripe, we’ve seen a common theory floating around the internet that running makes your face appear gaunt over time—a concept known as “runner’s face.” However, like many aspects of skin care, it’s not as simple as it seems. Allow derms to weigh in. Everyone experiences gravitational wrinkles at some point (over time, your skin just sags!), but when you have less fat in your face to begin with, that process might happen a bit quicker. Board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D., backs up the claim: “High-impact exercise takes a toll on the skin, because gravitational forces can be damaging to collagen and elastic fibers and contribute to sagging,” he tells mbg. “Moreover, as there is less fat in the face of runners, the faces tend to look more gaunt and older.” Not to mention, many endurance athletes do their running outdoors, and all that sun exposure can contribute to aging skin, especially if they leave that vulnerable skin unprotected. Let’s not forget that up to 80% of the signs of skin aging2—including thinning and loss of elasticity—are due to UV damage. But let’s back up for just a moment: Exercise is also so good for your skin! “There’s data showing that exercise can actually strengthen your mitochondria3, which are your skin’s powerhouses,” Zeichner notes. We never want to demonize any sort of movement, and we often say the best type of exercise is that one that you’ll do—period and end of story. Plus, running is associated with a few skin-related benefits. “The regular training of endurance runners has been shown to reduce the presence of advanced elycation end products (AGEs)4 in skin by as much as 11% compared to untrained age-matched individuals,” says Bailey. “Accumulation of AGEs in skin is associated with skin aging, loss of skin elasticity, and reduced skin biomechanical strength5.” So is runner’s face a real thing? Well, it is technically possible for your cheeks to hollow out from becoming so lean, but it’s usually only the case for ultramarathoners or someone who might be exercising to the extreme. However, it shouldn’t be too much of a concern; and if running makes you feel your best (no matter how many miles you log), then that’s really all that matters. “Including antioxidant-rich skin care products, such as green tea and vitamin C, is [shown] to slow skin oxidative damage due to free radicals that form from normal metabolic activities, as well as due to stress, poor diet, smoking, and sun exposure,” adds Bailey. Consider it a sign to add an antioxidant serum to your routine, if you haven’t already. From there, you can fold in collagen-stimulating ingredients (like retinol) to keep the skin firm and strong; prevention is key when it comes to skin aging, but you can also head to the derm for an in-office treatment if the sagging does bother you.
