I work out for many reasons. It keeps my mental and physical health in check, and I’ve always been told the increased heart rate leads to better blood circulation, which in turn boosts skin health. And as a skincare girlie, that’s what makes me the happiest. So, imagine my shock when I found out that running and HIIT (High-intensity training) workouts can make your skin look much older.
After a lot of research, I discovered that the theory of ‘Runner’s face’ or ‘Gym face’ is a real thing!
What Is Runner’s Face Or Gym Face?
Apparently, running frequently or doing HIIT workouts can lead to saggy cheeks and loss of skin elasticity. When you’re working out, fat loss doesn’t just happen in the body, it extends to the face as well. This decrease in facial fat can make you look older, according to Dr. Gerald Imber, who even went viral on TikTok for verbalising this theory.
Obviously, I had more questions so I reached out to Dr. Chytra V Anand, Cosmetic Dermatologist and founder of Kosmoderma who tells me that running and intense exercise can both positively and negatively impact skin ageing. “On the positive side, exercise boosts circulation and collagen production, promoting a healthy, youthful appearance. However, high-impact activities might contribute to facial volume loss and skin sagging over time, especially if body fat is low. Outdoor running also increases exposure to UV rays, which can accelerate ageing.”
So There’s No Connection Between Exercise & Skin Ageing?
All this time, I’ve believed that exercising can slow down the process of ageing. It increases your lifespan, sure, but at the cost of looking older? “Skin elasticity primarily decreases due to ageing, sun exposure, and lifestyle factors like smoking and diet—not exercise. But sudden high-impact activities can cause a drop in weight, which might contribute to accelerated ageing and sagging. High-impact exercises can lead to not only the loss of body weight and fat but also good fat,” Dr Anand attests.
What Precautions Can Fitness Enthusiasts Take?
We’re all obsessed with slowing down signs of ageing, and every new product that claims to be the solution to wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin is proof. I myself own at least 5 products known for their ‘anti-ageing’ properties.
The solution is multi-fold according to Dr Anand. She recommends:
- Prioritise sun protection: Use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, especially during outdoor workouts, to protect against UV damage.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water helps maintain skin elasticity and prevent dryness.
- Balance workouts: Incorporate low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling to reduce the strain on the skin and joints.
- Strength training: Building muscle helps maintain skin firmness and overall body composition.
- A good skincare routine: Use antioxidant-rich products and moisturisers to combat free radicals and keep the skin supple.
- Adequate rest: Ensure enough sleep for skin recovery and stress reduction.
Featured Images: Instagram
