How Pollution Affects Your Skin and What You Can Do About It
Pollution is bad for the planet, and it’s bad for your skin, too. Our skin is easily affected by environmental stressors and can be damaged without us even realizing it. With millions of people living in cities and busy towns, our skin is exposed to harsh elements every day. It’s no wonder that there has been an increase in public interest in protecting our skin from pollution. Don’t worry, we’re here to help you learn more.
What is air pollution?
In short, air pollution is the dirt particles and gases released in our daily lives. We are exposed to this from many sources, such as car exhaust, construction sites, cigarette smoke, and air conditioning. Dirt particles are too small to be seen by the naked eye and can penetrate the surface of the skin, causing clogged pores and uneven skin tone. Once pollution has penetrated the skin barrier, more pollution can penetrate more easily. Fortunately, you can keep your skin healthy by maintaining an effective skin care routine, but more on that later.
How does pollution affect your skin?
Pollution consists of tiny particles of dirt, soot, and dust found in the everyday environment. These particles enter the skin and have a negative effect on it called oxidation. Over time, this can lead to a number of different problems, such as premature aging, dark spots, and even skin cancer.
Not only does pollution feel dirty on the surface of the skin, but nanoparticles and chemicals can penetrate the skin’s epidermis, causing what’s known as “oxidative stress,” which weakens the skin’s natural barrier. This protective barrier works to fight harmful toxins and free radicals that attack the skin. In most cases, it succeeds, but it’s not indestructible and can cause inflammation.
The following skin problems are caused by overexposure to pollution without taking the proper steps 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 aging
Skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, and flare-ups
Breakouts like pimples and blackheads
Dull, lackluster complexion
As you can see, pollution is one of the leading causes of skin damage. You can’t make it too hard on yourself, as it’s impossible to 100% prevent pollution. However, there are steps you can take to counteract the damage it causes.
How to protect your skin from pollution?
Luckily, there are products specifically designed to protect your skin from pollution. Remember to cleanse your skin twice a day and use products that contain antioxidants (molecules that can neutralize free radicals on your skin).
Step 1 – Deep Cleansing
When I say deep cleansing, I don’t mean a quick wipe with a cotton pad soaked with makeup remover. To ensure your skin is thoroughly clean, you must first remove all traces of makeup. You can do this with any product, such as a cream or balm. I recommend against using makeup wipes, as they don’t completely remove makeup from your skin.
Once you’ve removed your makeup, it’s time to start cleansing. Choosing a formula with AHAs or antioxidants will provide extra support to your skin, helping it shed dead skin cells and remove dirt, oil, and debris that accumulates in the lower layers of the skin, which can cause breakouts and uneven skin tone.
Your skin should feel clean and comfortable, but not tight. While it may be tempting to overwork your skin, stripping away excess oils from your skin barrier won’t benefit your skin, and it won’t function properly, which means you’ll be starting from scratch.
Step 2 – Exfoliation
Remove all dead skin cells and remaining traces of pollution to rejuvenate your skin for an all-around healthy glow. You can choose between a manual facial peel or a chemical peel toner. Both work wonders for the skin, but should not be overused as this can cause an imbalance in the water and oil balance of your skin.
Step 3 – Add Antioxidants
Antioxidants are the best thing to fight pollution. They fight and neutralize free radicals in the skin that can cause premature aging and irritation. Many formulas contain antioxidants like vitamin C, but we recommend using it in a serum so that it can be absorbed into the skin as long as possible and work in the lower layers of the skin. If you want to learn more, read our blog post on how antioxidants can help improve skin health.
Step 4 – Moisturize
Your skin needs moisture to function. Applying moisturizer twice a day will keep the epidermis plump and hydrated, allowing the skin barrier to function properly, leaving skin looking younger, softer, and more radiant.
Step 5 – SPF
While the sun’s UV rays aren’t considered pollution, overexposure to radiation can make it easier for free radicals to penetrate the skin and cause damage. If you apply products with an SPF of 30 or above every day, you create an extra barrier to protect your skin, while also keeping dirt particles away from your skin for longer.
Can makeup protect your skin from pollution?
In some ways, makeup is considered the skin’s second best defense against oxidative stress. The pigments and other light-reflecting ingredients in foundation act as a great physical barrier to the skin. Not to mention, many makeup products now contain a range of skincare ingredients, such as SPF and vitamins.
However, protecting your skin from pollution with makeup is a double-edged sword. It’s best not to sleep with your makeup on, as this can cause a lot of problems for your skin. Acne, blackheads, fine lines, and enlarged pores that plague your face weaken the skin barrier and allow air pollution to cause more damage. Make sure to remove your makeup every night. Trust me, your skin will thank you.
Pollution is something we have to deal with every day. However, now you have a better understanding of how to treat your skin and address the problem so that your skin can repair itself over time, giving you a healthy, even, youthful complexion every day.
Are you concerned about uneven skin tone? For more information, check out our blog post on skin care tips for treating 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.
