Jogging has got to be one of the most popular workout for Singaporeans. Change into your jogging gear and head out to burn off your calories and keep love handles at bay. Besides its health benefits, it is definitely one of the most convenient exercises for us since there is no need for any special equipments.
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Credit: NParks Singapore
However, we have been hearing about the "Runners' Face" and that is kind of worrying. We invested tons of time and money into our anti-aging regime and now we hear that running sags our skin. That's really bad news!
Renee Zellweger (left) and Madonna (right)
Credit: Daily Mail
What exactly is a Runners' Face? "The constant up-and-down force may loosen facial ligaments and cause sagging and drooping in the cheeks, jaw, and jowls," says Dr. Julius Few, owner of the Few Institute for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in Chicago and New York City. Which means, runners runs the risk of having a haggard, gaunt, and wrinkled face, and that is especially visible after the age of 35.
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Credit: Rezalution Running
Although gravity and impact may cause sagging, let's not forget that aging may be caused by the sun too. Most of us run outdoors, and UV rays, which causes photaging, will leave their mark on our faces too.
So what can we do to prevent Runners' Face? If you are great fan of running and running energises you, it is best to invest in a good pair of running shoes that can help to absorb the impact. Some runners in America are using a "chin sling", a plastic face support for the face that hooks itself on your ears, to reduce facial sagging during their runs. Hmm, I'm not sure if you want to use that though.
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Credit: Wallpaper Up
If you are planning to give up running, look for other ways to get your cardio fix. Low impact activities like swimming or cycling will be your optimum choice.