The Dirty Truth: How Air Pollution Affects Your Skin and What You Can Do About It
With air pollution and climate change on the rise, its effects on our respiratory and cardiovascular health are well-known. But its impact on our skin is often overlooked. Your skin is your largest organ and the first line of defence against harmful pollutants, UV radiation and infections. As environmental pollution worsens, it's important to become aware of how long-term exposure to pollutants has detrimental effects on the aesthetic of your skin and your skin's health, and what you can do to protect your skin from air pollution.
The Impact of Pollution on the Skin:
Air pollution consists of tiny particles, such as dust, smoke, and chemicals, that can settle on the skin's surface and penetrate into its deeper layers. Numerous studies have linked pollution to skin conditions including acne, premature aging, hives, and inflammatory conditions like eczema, psoriasis and contact dermatitis.
Pollutants will pass through skin cell membranes and enter the body. Once in, they can induce oxidative stress by lowering the natural levels of antioxidants produced by our body. Our body naturally produces enough antioxidants to neutralize itself from free radicals before they can do any damage. But external factors, like exposure to pollution or UV radiation, can cause an imbalance and induce oxidative stress. And that's when the problems can start to show up in our skin:
- Chronic inflammatory skin diseases - acne, eczema, contact dermatitis
- Impaired skin barrier
- Premature signs of aging (sun spots, wrinkles, moisture loss)
Living in a large, densely populated city only puts you at a greater risk.
How Skincare Can Protect Your Skin from Pollution:
1. Antioxidants:
Skincare made with antioxidants brings balance back to the body's natural levels. Antioxidants bind to free radicals before they can cause any oxidative stress. Some of the most effective antioxidants that counteract the effects of pollution on the skin are:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A (retinol)
- Vitamin E
- Ferulic Acid
- Niacinamide
- Flavonoids
Get your daily dose of antioxidants by using antioxidant-filled formulas for your everyday skincare products (cleanser, toner, moisturizer).
2. Moisturizer:
Regularly moisturizing strengthens the skin's barrier, an essential in protecting your skin from pollution. A strong and intact skin barrier acts as a shield against external aggressors, minimizing air pollutants from penetrating skin cells and causing oxidative stress. Use nourishing formulas twice a day, that contain hydrating ingredients and ceramides to boost the skin's barrier function.
3. Physical UV Blocking:
Another reason to wear sunscreen on the daily: Certain pollutants can be activated or exacerbated by the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. Mineral-based sunscreens containing ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide form a physical barrier on the skin, effectively blocking both UVA and UVB rays. Wear a mineral sunscreen with SPF 30+ for a physical barrier against UV rays and pollution.
If you adopt these simple protective measures, you can keep your skin radiant, healthy and shielded from the harmful effects of air pollution.
