There’s no denying that running offers us numerous physical and mental benefits. In fact, a 2017 study found that spending an hour pounding the pavement could translate to an added seven hours to your life, while other research has shown that regular running makes you happier. And of course, it can help you lose or maintain weight and serves as a great cardio workout.
But when it comes to your skin, there are some interesting concerns that runners don’t always think about. So we tapped top dermatologists Robert Anolik, M.D., dermatologist and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the NYU School of Medicine, Goesel Anson, M.D., plastic surgeon and founder of skin-care brand FIXMD, and Dendy Engelman, M.D., a dermatologic surgeon at Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery Centers in New York City, to talk more about the skin concerns specific to us.
1. Sun Damage
The sun is public enemy number one when it comes to our skin. And while that applies to everyone, it’s especially relevant to us runners. Think about it: If you’re running outdoors for long periods of time, you’re getting extra sun exposure. That means sunburns now, but it could also lead to liver spots, fine lines, and the risk of skin cancer down the road. “We know that when we go for a swim, we should be wearing water-resistant sunblock,” explains Anolik. “But we don’t always think about using it when we’re sweating a lot—and it’s exactly what you need.” Look for a mineral stick sunscreen How to Make Running With a Water Bottle Easier Honest Company SPF 30 Sunscreen Stick, which uses zinc oxide to block the sun’s rays.
4 Sweat-Resistant Sunscreens
Unlike most sunscreens, it isn’t water-based; it’s more concentrated so you need less. In our test, we found it won’t sweat off.
which uses zinc oxide to block the suns rays+
You won’t find any reef-harming chemicals in this sunscreen. What you will get is a thick, protective barrier of zinc oxide.
With its fine-mist pump, Kinesys sprays on as a thin layer you can rub in, It dries quickly and is completely unnoticeable.
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This thin, easy-to-spread lotion won’t leave you feeling sticky if you smear it on just before you dash out the door.
2. Dry, Crepey Skin
Your body fat actually plays an important role in regulating your hormones, How to Make Running With a Water Bottle Easier fertility hormone estrogen. Since some runners tend to have lower levels of body fat, they can sometimes see a decrease in estrogen, which can affect your skin. “As estrogen declines, collagen content decreases, skin becomes thinner, less firm, and more dry,” says Anson. Be sure to eat protein-packed foods that will promote collagen production such as salmon, lean meats, eggs, and beans, and use a moisturizer packed with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and collagen-promoting peptides to help your skin stay elastic and supple.
(Looking for nutritious meals to fuel you run? Try our Runner’s World Cookbook.)
And note: While running can burn body fat, your body still needs to have a minimum of 10 to 13 percent body fat for women and 2 to 5 percent body fat for men to function properly. Losing more than that is dangerous, and can cause women to lose their periods and affect your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar.
3. Botox-Longevity Issues
Anecdotally, some dermatologists wind up seeing their patients who are runners more frequently for Botox touch-ups. “I do find that my patients who are in the gym or running every day and have great metabolisms—their Botox wears off a little more quickly,” explains Anolik. He sees it particularly around the eyes or crow’s feet (likely because of squinting). Engelman also sees this amongst her active and health-conscious patients. “In my experience, this has been the case,” she says. “My athletes, hot yogis, and those who love saunas and steamrooms (anything that induces lots of sweating) tend to metabolize [Botox] more quickly.”
However, there are no studies or data to support this, and not every dermatologist has noticed this effect (it’s quite a subject of debate over at RealSelf.com). But if you’re concerned, grab a pair of sunglasses, which can make the squinting effect less noticeable. Plus, it’ll protect your eyes from UV rays—a win-win.
4 Great Options for Sunglasses
such as the
The large lens offers ample coverage, but you’ll barely realize it’s there thanks to the low weight and a comfy rubberized nose bridge
Goodr BFG
The BFG is cheap, well-built, polarized, don’t bounce, and comes in a ton of fun colors. It also suits bigger heads than the original model, with larger lenses that offer more coverage from side to side.
Roka SR-1
Don't battle slipping sunglasses on summer long runs. Roka wraps the SR-1's nosepiece, arms, and temple pads in a tacky compound which guarantees a secure fit, even on narrow faces.
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The updated Lowdown 2, maintains the classic look but has a slightly flatter shape across the front of the lenses. That keeps the frame away from your cheeks on the move, and and the lenses won't fog.
4. Excess Sweating
Speaking of Botox, it’s not just used as a common vanity treatment. It can also be used to control what’s called hyperhidrosis, a condition in which someone has overactive sweat glands. Engelman explains that patients with hyperhidrosis can be sitting in a cold room and still sweat. “Symptoms include sweat-stained clothes, body odor, sweat marks,” she says. The most commonly treated areas are the feet, palms, and underarms.
How it works is by temporarily prohibiting the sweat glands from producing sweat, says Engelman. “Botox is a neuromodulator; it works by temporarily weakening the underlying muscle, in addition this blocks communication between the nerve and the sweat gland,” she says. “Thus, when injected, this reduces perspiration and causes skin to remain dry.”
While perspiration is your body’s natural cooling system, over active sweat glands can derail your runs or your social life. And since sweat glands elsewhere in the body can compensate for body temperature regulation, according to Engelman, there are no health concerns with halting the sweat in a small area like your underarms.
With all that said, don’t let any of the above issues dissuade you from running. “I think it’s important to remember that physical fitness is much more important than worrying about skin aging variables that are not easily controlled,” says Anson. “Rather, focus on the ones you can control easily—taking care of your skin with topical treatments, good nutrition, and avoiding sun and light exposure.”
