Does “Runner’s Face” Impact How You Age?

Social media’s rampant and baseless fear of aging has struck again, and its latest victim is running. People on TikTok are claiming that running, as a frequent activity, can make your facial skin appear older than it should for your age. While the notion that there is only one right way to look at any age is harmful in itself, is there any truth behind the commentary on “runner’s face?”

Conversations around the idea originated with a TikTok video by Gerald Imber, MD, a plastic surgeon in New York City, who claimed that long-distance running causes a “gaunt, old face.” This was met with enthusiasm by some commenters (“Another reason to stop running? Don’t have to tell me twice!”), but many runners had less positive responses. The idea that running can make your face appear to age more quickly comes from two main theories: that the impact of running causes skin to lose elasticity, and that the extra sun exposure (for those running outdoors) can lead to dark spots and other signs of premature aging.

While the sun’s impact on skin is obviously real, it can be lessened by wearing sunscreen and a good hat. As for lost elasticity? Myth debunked. PS spoke with a dermatologist about why the fear of runner’s face is not a reason to stop runners in their tracks.

Expert Featured in This Article

Shoshana Marmon, MD, PhD, FAAD, is an assistant professor in the New York Medical College Department of Dermatology.

Can Running Change How Your Skin Ages?

Let’s get the important answer out of the way: “Running itself does not directly cause your face to age faster,” says Dr. Marmon. Still, factors associated with running can impact your skin’s appearance. For example, says Dr. Marmon, increased sun exposure from running outside can accelerate your skin’s collagen breakdown, which leads to wrinkles and sagging skin. However, your skin is susceptible to sun damage any time you’re outside, so it’s best to protect yourself from the sun’s rays whenever you’re stepping out of the house.

As for the other elements of the runner’s face theory, such as looking gaunt?

Significant weight loss can reduce facial fat, which makes your skin appear less plump, says Dr. Marmon, but everyone’s running journey is different, and significant weight loss isn’t a goal — or an outcome — for most runners.

Can High Impact Exercise Cause Skin to Lose Elasticity?

Once again, runners have nothing to fear. “Running or high-impact exercise does not directly cause skin to lose elasticity,” says Dr. Marmon. While the increased sun exposure can contribute to the appearance of aging, proper skin care and sun protection can help you maintain your skin’s elasticity.

“The benefits of running for overall health outweigh the risks,” Dr. Marmon adds. “And preventive skin care measures can help maintain a youthful appearance.”

How to Protect Your Skin From the Sun While Running

When setting off on a longer run outside, Dr. Marmon recommends applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, wearing a wide-brim hat and UV-protective clothing, and running in the shade whenever possible. She also suggests reapplying SPF if you’re going for a run that’s longer than two hours or if you’re sweating to the point where your sunscreen is coming off. If you’re looking for suggestions, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite editor-approved sunscreen.

Essentially, the advice for protecting your skin while running is the same as it is for spending any time outside: Wear sunscreen, reapply it every two hours, and don’t let a fear of aging stop you from doing what you love — especially when it benefits your physical health.

Kaley Rohlinger is a freelance writer for PS who focuses on health, fitness, food, and lifestyle content. She has a background in the marketing and communications industry and has written for PS for over four years.