How Pollution Can Affect The Skin And How To Counteract It
Pollution, bad for the planet and terrible for the skin. Our skin is so susceptible to environmental stress and suffers from damage without us even realising it. With millions of us living in cities and busy towns, our skin is exposed to daily aggressors constantly. It’s no wonder that public interest in protecting the skin from pollution has doubled. Not to worry, we are here to help you find out more.
What is air pollution?
In a nutshell, air pollution is dirt particles and gases that are released throughout our day to day lives. Exposure to these can come from many sources, such as car fumes, construction sites, cigarette smoke and air conditioning. Pollution particles that are too small for the naked eye to see and are able to penetrate into the skin’s surface, which can then lead to clogged pores and uneven skin tone. Once the pollution has made its way into the skin’s barrier it makes it easier for more to flood through. Fortunately, you can save your skin’s health by maintaining an effective skincare routine, but more on that later.
How does pollution affect your skin?
Pollution is made up of tiny particles of dirt, soot and dust found in everyday environments preciously mentioned. These particles make their way onto the skin and caused a negative impact on the skin called oxidation. This in time will lead to a number of different concerns such as premature ageing, dark spots and even skin cancer.
Not only does pollution leave the surface of your skin feeling dirty, but the nanoparticles and chemicals are also able to penetrate through the skin’s epidermis causing something called “oxidation stress” which will weaken the skin’s natural barrier. This protective barrier’s role is to combat any harming toxins and free radicals that attack the skin. It is successful a majority of the time but isn’t impenetrable and so inflammations can be triggered.
The following skin concerns are caused by overexposure to pollution without the correct steps being taken to protect the skin;
Skin pigmentation, such as dark spots and uneven skin tone
Enlarged pores
Redness and rashes
Fine lines, wrinkles and all signs of premature ageing
Skin condition such as eczema and rosacea suffering from flare-ups
Breakouts such as spots and blackheads
Dull and lacklustre complexion
As you can see pollution has a lot to answer from when it comes to damaging the skin. You mustn’t give yourself too much of a hard time as avoiding pollution 100 per cent of the time would be impossible. There are, however, some steps you can take to counteract any damage caused by it.
How can you protect the skin from pollution?
Luckily there are products available that have been formulated to protect the skin from pollution. Remembering to cleanse the skin twice a day and using a product containing antioxidants (which are molecules that can neutralise the free radicals on the skin) will play important parts in this routine.
Step One- Deep Cleansing
By deep cleansing, I do not mean a quick swipe of a makeup remover soaked cotton pad. To ensure the skin is completely cleansed and squeaky clean you must first remove all traces of makeup. This can be done with any product you prefer, such as creams or balms. I would advise against makeup wipes all together as they are unable to clear the skin completely of all makeup.
Once you have removed your makeup you can begin the cleanse. Opting for a formulation that has an AHA or an antioxidant will give the skin an extra boost at sloughing away dead skin cells and removing any build-up of dirt, oil and debris found in the lower layers of the skin that can lead to breakouts and uneven skin tone.
Your skin should be left feeling clean, comfortable but not tight. As tempting as it may be to overwork the skin, stripping it of too much oil will not benefit the skin’s barrier and will cause it to not function properly meaning you go back to square one.
Step Two- Exfoliation
Exfoliating away all the dead skin cells and remaining traces of pollution will revive the skin and leave it with an all-over glow of health. You can either opt for a manual face scrub or chemical exfoliating toner. Both work wonders for the skin but shouldn’t be overused as this will cause imbalance to the skin’s oil and water levels.
Step Three- Add an Antioxidant
Antioxidants are the best substance to use when tackling pollution. They are able to combat and neutralise free radicals in the skin that can cause premature ageing and irritation. You can find antioxidants, such as vitamin C, in many formulas, but we recommend using it in serum to allow the longest amount of time for it to absorb into the skin and get to work in the lower layers of the skin. If you are wanting to find out more check out our blog post on how antioxidants can help improve skin health.
Step Four- Moisturise
Your skin needs moisture to function, applying a moisturiser twice daily will keep the epidermis plumped and hydrated making the skin’s barrier able to work properly, leaving the skin looking, younger, subtle and glowing.
Step Five- SPF
The sun’s UV rays may not be classed as pollution, but overexposure to the rays will make it easier for free radicals to penetrate the skin and cause damage. Applying an SPF of 30+ on a daily basis will form an extra barrier to protect the skin and keep pollution particles at bay a little longer too.
Does makeup protect your skin from pollution?
In a way, yes, makeup has been known to be the skin’s second-best defence when it comes to combatting oxidation stress. The pigment and other light-reflecting ingredients found in foundations act as a great physical blocker for the skin. Not to mention how the number of makeup products has started to contain a number of skin-saving ingredients, such an SPF and vitamins.
There is however a double-edged sword when it comes to makeup protecting the skin from pollution. It is best not to sleep whilst wearing your makeup as this can create many problems for the skin. Spots, blackheads, fine line and enlarged pores will plague the face weakening the skin’s barrier and therefore allowing air pollution to cause more damage. Always ensure you have removed your makeup every night, trust me, your skin will thank you for it.
Environmental pollution is something we have to live with every day, however, now you have a better understanding of how to treat your skin and counteract and problems allowing your skin to repair itself over time leaving you with a healthy, even-toned younger complexion every day.
Have you any concerns with uneven skin tone? Find out more on our blog post sharing skincare tips for managing your dark spots.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
