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

INTRODUCTION Skin aging is a multifaceted physiological process influenced by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, resulting in visible, structural, and functional changes in the skin. Intrinsic factors involve the natural senescence of skin cells, while external factors include environmental factors such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation and pollution [1]. This complex process results in a gradual decline in skin integrity, elasticity, and regenerative capacity. Clinical manifestations of skin aging include fine lines, wrinkles, reduced skin elasticity, altered pigmentation, increased fragility, and heightened susceptibility to dermatological disorders [2-4]. While intrinsic aging occurs slowly, extrinsic factors, particularly UV radiation, significantly accelerate visible aging. Photoaging, defined as premature skin aging caused by chronic UV exposure, presents with characteristics such as skin coarseness, deep wrinkles, mottled hyperpigmentation, telangiectasia, and may include premalignant and malignant neoplasms [5,6]. The cumulative impact of all these processes not only alters appearance but also compromises the skin's protective barrier, making it more prone to injury and carcinogenesis. Endurance athletes represent a unique demographic that is more vulnerable to premature skin aging due to prolonged and repetitive environmental exposure and the physiological demands of intense physical exertion.