How Do You Protect Your Skin Against Environmental Pollution
Environmental pollution also leaves its mark on the skin. City skin ages more rapidly. So anti-pollution products are very much on the rise in the cosmetics world. Following on from Asia it is now also available in Europe.
I am in love with Asia; our whole family was there in the summer. I don’t know what it is I’ve got with this part of the world, but as soon as I step off the plane and smell the tropical flowers fragrance I am completely happy. It doesn’t smell of jasmine and ylang ylang everywhere though; you sometimes have to grapple with the exhaust fumes in the cities. It is evident from all the face masks worn by the residents that they have to deal with this. And only last year I saw that the shelves in the cosmetic shops (you know that I am also unable to ignore that during my holiday) were filled with anti-pollution creams. This trend has recently spilled across into Europe. Polluted air, in particular, has an impact on the health of skin.
Pollution and smog
Air can be contaminated with among other cfcs (chloroflourocarbons), soot and fine dust, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxides emanating from industry and traffic. Along with this (secondary) pollution arises in the air from these substances reacting with sunlight. Ozone and new fine dust particles (smog) are then formed. Although air contamination is a global problem, it looks slightly different everywhere. Of course it makes a difference if you live in a busy city or in the countryside. Geographical situation, climate and seasons, all play a part. Air pollution can therefore change per day and per time of day. In general, air is ‘dirtier’ in warm places or in warm periods.
Dust particles and the skin
When we think about air pollution, it is usually automatically about the health consequences of inhaled air. Particularly exposure to particulate matter (dust), which is also a well-known source of damage. But it has become clear in the last few years that skin receives its fair share too.
Accelerated skin ageing through pollution
This, of course, is not so strange. Ultimately, skin always comes into direct contact with the air in which we live and move. Even though the skin forms a strong barrier against outside influences, it appears that the miniscule liquid and fixed particles which make up particulate matter are still able to cause damage. Damage which eventually leads to accelerated skin ageing.
Free radicals formed through particles in the air
Research has revealed that dust particles and droplets which, among other things, are made up of acids, metals, dust and chemicals can bring about changes in the skin. This is how polluted air causes the start of the so-called oxidation process in the skin, which results in the forming of free radicals and inflammatory factors. Pollution has also become associated with collagen breakdown, a change in sebum production and pigment formation. And pollution causes an increased sensitivity for individuals with a skin disorder.
Rise in special ‘city skin’ products
As I have already mentioned, pollution in Asia has been on the cosmetic industries chart for some time. And since then more and more brands with special anti-pollution products have also come onto the market in Europe. These articles are aiming to highlight the effects of our modern, urban lifestyle. So, by now there are many creams which claim to be able to cover the skin with a layer which protects against toxic substances. There are all sorts of anti-pollution masks and specially developed multi-protection products which not only promise to protect the skin, but also to stimulate collagen production and make the skin lighter.
Enough antioxidants to give skin a helping hand
It is good that the realisation is sinking in that factors such as sun, smoking and therefore also environmental pollution are bad for the skin. The question is whether you need special anti-pollution products to protect your skin. The most important remedy against external damage is ultimately to keep the skin in as good condition as possible. This is achieved by caring for your skin daily in the right way with good mild ingredients which strengthen and keep the skin barrier intact. Cleansing is very important here. Use a mild, rinse off cleanser to remove all that dirt and dust particles from the skin. Furthermore, avoid irritating ingredients or aggressive cleaning substances; they damage the skin barrier allowing damage to enter more easily. Regular exfoliation also helps keep the skin strong and in shape.
Use a SPF daily
Creams with a sufficient concentration of antioxidants are by no means an unnecessary luxury. It is not only air pollution, but also the sun’s rays which have a significant impact on the supply of antioxidants in the skin. And that supply dwindles even more as you get older. Therefore you should not forget to protect your skin each day with a good SPF. And best use a product with enough antioxidants to give skin a helping hand by neutralising all those free radicals.
Kind regards,
Jetske
Research Physician Cosmetic Dermatology
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