Running increases the production of human growth hormone—your body's natural youth serum. "This helps you produce new cells, which can make your skin look a lot more youthful," says Webb.
Running and exercise itself won't age your skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it can actually help to exercise most days of the week.
The increase in blood flow helps nourish and regenerate skin cells, and keeps them healthy. Meanwhile, the increased circulation boosts collagen production, which keeps skin taut and lessens wrinkles.
Most of us are familiar with the anti-aging benefits of running. Running helps you build stronger muscles and healthier joints, it reduces stress and promotes positive mental health. Studies have shown that runners have a longer life expectancy than non-runners.
Researchers pooled data from 14 studies. They looked to see if there was a link between runners and death risk – primarily from cardiovascular disease and cancer. Results showed any amount of running was associated with lower risk of death.
By strength training either by using resistance bands, weights or aerobic exercise, such as swimming, you can rebuild muscle and prevent bone loss. Taking care of your core and your spine has the added benefit of keeping your body and joints strong, and your taller posture will shave years off of your appearance.
What is runner's face? If you haven't heard the term, you've likely seen it. It is the face of a lifelong runner with leathery, saggy skin and a gaunt appearance. It is the result of lots of sun exposure and little body fat.
A long jog equals a free spa treatment...
“Increasing your circulation with cardio delivers a greater amount of oxygen and nutrients to your skin, which helps repair it and increase collagen production,” says Kanchanapoomi Levin.
Extreme workouts can result in fat loss throughout the body as well as the face. This subsequent decrease in facial fat and volume is one of the main reasons why exercise makes you look older, especially for anyone over the age of 35.
Exercise Keeps Your Skin Soft and Glowing
A dewy sheen on your cheeks from all the sweat dripping off your forehead may be one of many ways fitness keeps your skin young. In one study published in 2019 in Biology (Basel), researchers studied a small group of adults aged 20–84.
Running targets mainly your legs and butt. The muscles which are used to power you through your run are quadriceps, hamstrings, calves and glutes. Regular running will definitely get you a toned, fit body including a firm butt.
They found that the fastest marathoners for both men and women are in the 25-34 age group and that performance begins to decline for elite runners around age 35. One finding surprised them: Recreational runners have much more in the tank at 35 and may continue improving until they're 50.
“What we call 'runner's face' does indeed often correlate with a runner's body type and lifestyle, but running does not specifically cause one to have a gaunt face.” The urban legend that's coined this look is actually caused by loss of volume and skin elasticity.
The results showed that those who have exercised regularly have defied the aging process, having the immunity, muscle mass, and cholesterol levels of a young person.
A distance runner's body is typically lean and thin, with toned lower legs and a slim upper body. It is built for endurance and is hallmarked by a low body mass and low body fat percentage.
It's a well-known fact that exercise helps improve your blood circulation, and running is no exception. When you run, your blood pumps faster, which means your face gets a supply of fresh blood often. This helps heal damaged skin, giving it a glow from within.
Aerobic exercise is also is a great way to increase circulation and blood flow throughout your body, including to your skin, which translates to a more glow-y, radiant complexion.
What is runner's stomach? Runner's stomach refers to the gastrointestinal (GI) distress that occurs during a run or bouts of exercise—resulting in cramping, bloating, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and pain. Runner's trots and runner's belly are other common names for these symptoms.
“Between 1.6 and 4.8 kilometres is a reasonable beginning distance for a day's running. This running distance is thought to be the most effective for lowering the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular disease.
Many runners spend long hours outdoors without proper sun protection, so the wrinkles are a result of sun exposure. Runners are also often people who have lost a lot of weight, so the wrinkles are from the skin that was previously filled with fat.
Enhanced blood flow can also help skin cells regenerate and remove toxins more efficiently, whilst also decreasing our levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can be beneficial for chronic skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and acne.
Research corelating youthfulness and exercise
A study published in 2009 showed that sustained physical training in young and middle-aged athletes was associated with higher telomerase activity, increased expression of telomere-stabilising proteins and therefore longer telomeres, compared to sedentary people (4).
Skin brightening treatments, like Microdermabrasion, Light Peels, Micro Laser Peels, or the Clear & Brilliant Laser treatment all help patients to look 10 years younger or more, with just a few treatments. These treatments can be used in order to combat the signs of aging in the face, such as: Wrinkles. Age spots.