Endurance Athletes and Skin Aging: Mechanisms, Risks, and Protective Strategies

¹Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, Las Vegas, NV, USA

²Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Auburn, AL, USA

³California Health Sciences University, Clovis, CA, USA

⁴A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona, Mesa, AZ, USA

⁵University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, USA

⁶Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, East Lansing, MI, USA

⁷Department of Dermatology, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, NY, USA

*Corresponding author: Kelly Frasier, DO, MS, Department of Dermatology, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, NY, USA, Phone: 3105956882, Email: [email protected]

Received Date: February 17, 2025

Publication Date: March 11, 2025

Citation: Orestes G, et al. (2025). Endurance Athletes and Skin Aging: Mechanisms, Risks, and Protective Strategies. Dermis. 5(2):32.

Copyright: Orestes G, et al. © (2025).

ABSTRACT

With the growing popularity of endurance sports in recent years, endurance athletes are uniquely vulnerable to premature skin aging due to prolonged environmental exposures, high physical exertion, and training demands. This review explores factors contributing to skin aging in endurance athletes, including ultraviolet radiation, oxidative stress, chronic dehydration, and nutritional deficits. Key mechanisms such as photoaging and reactive oxygen species production are examined alongside the impacts of training intensity and insufficient recovery on skin health and aging. Strategies to mitigate these effects, including photoprotection, antioxidant supplementation, and hydration optimization, are highlighted, emphasizing their relevance to athlete-specific skincare practices. By addressing the gaps in current research and prevention, this review underscores the importance of integrating dermatologic care into endurance training to enhance both skin health and athletic longevity.

Keywords: Skin Health, Injury, Aging, Ultraviolet Radiation.