How Exercise Can Make Your Face Have More Wrinkles Than A Shar Pei

by TaylorR

CONGRATULATIONS to Emily for being the winner of the Body Fat Blasting Boot Camp Giveaway!

Isn’t he just the cutest thing ever?

I think Shar Pei’s are one of those “oh he’s so ugly he’s cute” kind of dogs. And while you might disagree with me on that, one thing we can agree on is that dog had a heck of a lot of saggy, wrinkly skin.

Apparently, according to Dr Gerard Imber your face can resemble of Shar Pei if you are a runner.

(Insert the “What You Talkin’ About Willis”)

Now you know I love running (especially if this damn knee would let me), so let’s break this apart and clear some things up.

I found this in an article from Shape magazine, and while I do find it particularly interesting that the “facts” came from a plastic surgeon (of course he wants you to think you have saggy skin), it does bring up some good points.

Any exercise where you’re jumping up and down will naturally wear on your skin, loosening the skin’s elasticity and pulling down on the muscles… but let’s face it, how long would that take to happen? And exactly how much bouncing are you do during each of your runs?

Dr. Imber (the surgeon) doesn’t specify except to say that sagging skin is a condition that can occur after years of running. Does this mean that if I do plyometric moves like squat jumps, lunge jumps and jumping jacks, I can also expect premature wrinkles? I would assume so.

And between all the plyo I love to do, all the running I’ve done in my life I guess my face isn’t going to be looking too hot here soon… Finger’s crossed my healthy lifestyle will reward me!

There’s More To It Than Running

Running isn’t the only way to get your wrinkles on… losing weight can cause crazy changes in your skin.

Everyone wants quick results when it comes to losing weight, but the fact remains that slow and steady wins the race every time. Not just in terms of losing weight and learning to keep it off, but also in the way your body “bounces” into a smaller figure.

When you lose weight quickly, your skin doesn’t have time to adjust and tighten up, so you will end up with the bonus skin that can hang off everywhere from your neck to your knees.

In fact, I would go on to say that instead of Shape focusing on an issue like running causing wrinkles they should write something with the title: “Will Your Next Diet Cause You To Have A Wrinkly Face?”

Easy Prevention For Saggy Skin And Prematures Wrinkles

What’s a healthy weight loss?

If you’re dieting and trying to lose weight a loss of 1-2 pounds per week is normal and heathy. This will minimize skin sag, and help you take the more successful route towards weight loss.

Losing more that that each week will likely be due to insufficient calories, fad diets and/or over exercise. These elements mean that when you hit your goal weight you’ll stop the diet and the weight will find its way right back home, so you’ll end up doing it again. This decrease and expansion of your figure certainly won’t lend a helping hand once you do lose weight the right way and keep it off. (Learn About Decrease Metabolism)

Protection, Protection, Protection!

Another reason runs may experience premature wrinkles and saggy skin is because of the sunshine. Being outdoors too much can affect your skin’s collagen and cause it to weaken. Always apply a good sunscreen before hitting the running trails. Personally, I use a facial lotion with SPF 30 each and every morning.

I guess at my age, I just have to cross my fingers and hope it does the trick. But then again if that doesn’t work I am sure Dr. Imber will be around to lend a helping hand (jk).

Help From The Kitchen

What you put into your body has a direct relationship with what you look like on the outside. A clean diet can help decrease cellulite, decrease wrinkles, acne; it can help improve hair, nails, and your “natural glow”.

In terms of the sag, a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables is your best bet as the antioxidant content can help fight your battle. Foods such as spinach, carrots, red bell peppers and tomatoes have a special group of antioxidants calls carotenoids which actually help to strengthen your skin cells. So eat up!