We are living in a world where pollution is an integral part of life. We are surrounded by pollution, which has become an inevitable part of our lives. It has an impact on our environment and our health. Pollution is impacting skin, hair and our health and well-being. People are facing different challenges in all stages of their lives because of pollution. The major impact of the pollution is on our skin.With these factors, skin starts aging at an early age say from 30, various skin issues and for some the consequences are even worse. But don’t Worry- there are many strategies and techniques in this innovative world to protect our skin from pollution. There are many skincare products that are formulated with natural ingredients, that defend our skin. We shall understand some of the effects on the skin and how we can shield it with the latest trends and advancements in skincare.
#The Skin-Pollution Connection:
As we all know there are different types of pollution – Air Pollution, Water Pollution, Sound Pollution. Air and water Pollution can impact our skin in many ways
Air Pollution:
The smoke emitted from our vehicles contains PM2.5 and PM10. These pollutants can penetrate deep inside our skin as they are sensitive. This causes oxidative stress leading to skin inflammation, breaks down the collagen leading to premature aging. They are also capable of clogging the skin pores, that leads to acne and skin issues.
Water Pollution:
The water is also contaminated by industrial and factory waste. The waste isallowed to flow into the water with heavy metals and toxins. Even though this water is purified with chlorine, there are chances of toxins in the water. When such water is consumed, it exacerbates skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Apart from air and water pollution affecting or skin, pollutants like cigarette smoke, cleaning chemicals and the gas emitting from synthetic materials can also impact our skin health. They create free radicals that lead to dryness and skin irritation.
#How Pollution Damages Your Skin:
Premature Aging:
As the skin is the sensitive layer, pollution accelerates the formation of free radicals that are unstable. These free radicals damage our skin cells by breaking down collagen and elastin, that keep the skin firm. This leads to the formation of wrinkles with the loss of skin elasticity. Also, the skin becomes saggy, with no firmness.
Hyperpigmentation:
Melanin is a skin pigment that helps determines our skin color. Pollutants trigger the excess production of melanin that leads to darks spots and uneven skin tone. This is more dominant when exposed to UV rays.
Dehydration and Sensitivity:
When exposed to pollutants, there occurs excessive water loss from the skin leading to skin dehydration, that causes skin dryness and irritation as skin is inflamed.
Acne and Breakouts:
When exposed to pollution, the pores are clogged leading to acne and blemishes.This worsens the existing skin conditions.
#The Latest Trends in Pollution-Protection Skincare:
With the above-mentioned skin care issues, many skincare brands have explored and come up with innovative solutions to help protect our skin from external damage. Following are some of the latest trends that helps to protect our skin
Antioxidant-Rich Formulations:
Antioxidants help to neutralize the free radicals formed due to oxidative stress because of pollution. There are numerous products in the market that are antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, niacinamide, and green tea extract. Choose skin care products with these ingredients to promote skin health.
Pollution-Blocking Ingredients:
Several skin care products are launched in the market to act as a strong barrier on the skin. Charcoal, clay and some polymers act as a skin barrier without allowing the pollutants to penetrate the skin layers. Looking for these ingredients in your skin care products gives a soothing effect by reducing skin inflammation and redness.
Smart Skincare Devices:
We are in the advanced stages of technology, where we can detect and monitor the pollution levels around us with the help of sensors. With this information, we can take the necessary skin care steps to keep it healthy.
Microbiome-Friendly Skincare:
It’s difficult to maintain skin microbiome against pollutants all the time. To improve our body’s defense mechanisms, products with prebiotics and probiotics can enhance inner skin strength to cope with environmental stressors.
Hydrating and Barrier-Strengthening Ingredients:
As exposure to pollution can make the skin dehydrated. Use skin products with Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin and Ceramides, that help to lock the moisture and keep the skin hydrated and look plump without dryness and dullness.
Pollution-Detoxifying Masks:
To detoxify the skin from impurities and cleanse it, there are detoxifying masks in the market with ingredients clay, activated charcoal and bentonite. They help to clean the skin deeply and remove the dirt leaving a fresh and rejuvenated look.
#Practical Tips for Pollution-Proofing Your Skin:
Cleansing – Clean your skin daily with water frequently to remove the pollutants. Gentle exfoliation is good to cleanse deeply once or twice a week to slough off the dead skin cells.
Sunscreen – Apply Sunscreen with SPF 50 when stepping out of the house, including on cloudy days. Pollution exacerbates UV skin damage. Never step out without Sunscreen on the exposed areas.
Stay Hydrated– We must keep the skin hydrated from inside as well. Drinking plenty of water keeps the skin hydrated internally. Using a moisturizer that suitsour skin type helps to lock the moisture and keep the skin plumpy.
Healthy Lifestyle – A healthy lifestyle with balanced diet and regular exercise and proper sleep is required to maintain skin health. These habits support the skin health internally.
#Overview:
Pollution indeed impacts the skin health, but taking necessary precautions with the latest trends and choosing the proper skin care practices protects and maintains our skin health. Following morning skin care routine and night care routine with suitable skin care products will shield our skin from pollution and keep it safe. Skin health will not be a concern when proper preventive measures are followed because of pollution.
