When you jog, your body goes through a number of physiological changes. Your heart and breathing rate increase, your muscles demand more oxygen and your blood vessels open up to facilitate the flow of oxygenated blood through your body. These processes often result in a redder-than-normal face. This is more pronounced in people with very pale complexions and can affect the less fit and the very fit alike.
Redness and Sweating
Jogging raises your core temperature. To avoid dangerous overheating, called hyperthermia, your body has a number of ways of keeping you cool -- the so-called thermoregulatory responses. One such response is sweating. The chemicals and minerals in sweat can make your skin red, especially your sensitive facial skin. In most cases, once you shower off any residual sweat, the redness will dissipate. Some people with very sensitive skin may use doctor-prescribed corticosteroid creams and antihistamines to reduce redness. This problem is often made worse by going from a warm indoor environment, out into the cold. The dramatic difference in temperature causes facial skin to dry out and become more sensitive.
Vasodilation
Another way your body regulates your temperature during exercise is vasodilation. Hot blood is diverted to your skin and the blood vessels open up to allow for a greater subcutaneous, or below-the-skin, blood flow. This increased blood flow will make your face appear redder than normal. This is less obvious in those with darker complexions, but can be very noticeable in pale-skinned people. On completion of your workout, as your body temperature returns to normal, your skin should return to its regular color.
Increased Blood Pressure
When your heart beats harder and faster than normal, as is the case when you go jogging, your blood pressure will increase. To accommodate this increase in blood pressure, your blood vessels open up and dilate. This includes the thread-like veins in your skin which are called capillaries. Increased blood pressure in your facial capillaries will give your skin a flushed look. Once your heart rate has returned to normal, so will your blood pressure and the blood flow through your facial capillaries will be reduced.
Prevention
A red face during jogging workouts is generally not a serious medical condition, but can cause embarrassment. To minimize redness, avoid overheating by wearing layers of clothing that can be removed as you begin to get warm. Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during and after your workout. If sweat causes irritation to your skin, wear a hat or a headband to stop sweat from rolling down your face. A thin layer of petroleum jelly across your eyebrows can also stop sweat from running down your face. Finally, do not over-exert yourself, as working out too hard or too long can make your face even more red.
References
- "Principles of Anatomy & Physiology, Ninth Edition"; Sandra R. Grabowski & Gerald J. Tortora; 2000
- "Anatomy and Physiology for Dummies"; Donna Rae Siegfried; 2002
- "Essentials of Exercise Physiology"; Frank I. Katch, William D. McArdle, and Victor L. Katch; 2000
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