Expert Advice on Preventing Runner's Face

While running is undoubtedly one of the most popular forms of cardio exercise, it may have unexpected impacts on your health, including your skin.

This activity is known to provide many health benefits, such as improving cardiovascular health, aiding with weight management, reducing stress and anxiety, and strengthening bones and joints. However, according to Gerald Imber, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon based in New York, running can also impact your appearance.

In a TikTok video that has garnered over 3.3 million views, Dr. Imber cautioned that although running is beneficial in moderation, it can accelerate the effects of aging. He expressed concern regarding the gaunt appearance that long-distance runners can acquire over time, and warned of the impact this can have on your knees, ankles, and back.

This phenomenon is known as "runner's face," which refers to characteristic skin changes that many outdoor and long-distance runners can experience over time. These changes may include sagging and wrinkly skin, sunken eyes, and an overall gaunt appearance.

While people may attribute this effect to running, there is no evidence to support the notion that the physical act of running causes skin sagging or aging. Instead, it can be attributed to a combination of weight loss or low BMI and sun exposure.

Running outdoors, particularly for extended periods, exposes the skin to harmful UV rays. Without proper sun protection, this can lead to wrinkles, sunspots, discoloration, sagging, or thickened skin. Furthermore, weight loss can lead to a loss of structure and plumpness in the face.

Dr. Massick, a board-certified dermatologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, emphasizes the importance of maintaining healthy skin by moderating exercise, protecting skin from the elements, and leading a healthy lifestyle.

If you love to run, there are many things you can do to minimize the effects of runner's face. Moisturizing, wearing sunscreen, and hydrating after exercise can aid in maintaining skin tightness. Maintaining a well-balanced diet and leading a healthy lifestyle can also help keep your skin looking vibrant and youthful.