You may or may not have much control over city air –but you do have power over how it affects your skin! Pollution exposure on a daily basis can subtly undermine your skin's protective layer, hasten aging, and trigger flare-ups. But the good news is that your skin doesn’t have to suffer anymore! By making a few clever skincare adjustments like wearing sunscreen and using whitening serum, you can protect your skin from the city and maintain its resilience, calmness, and clarity.
Continue reading to know more about this.
How Does Pollution Damage Your Skin?
Increases the rate of early aging: Free radicals produced by pollutants break down collagen and elastin, resulting in fine lines, drooping, and wrinkles. This hastens the onset of early aging symptoms.
Induces sensitivity and inflammation: The skin barrier may be weakened by prolonged exposure, increasing your skin's sensitivity to chemicals, heat, and other stresses.
Makes congestion and acne worse: Pollutants clog pores and raise the likelihood of adult acne by combining with sebum and dead skin.
Initiate the dullness and pigmentation: Particularly for those with skin that is rich in melanin, pollution can exacerbate pigmentation. Over time, it also makes skin appear uneven, gray, or lifeless.
Signs Pollution is Damaging Your Skin
Dull or uneven skin tone: Pollution prevents oxygen from reaching the skin, giving it a lifeless, dull appearance.
Recurrent ruptures or clogged pores: Your skin may continue to be oily or rough even with a decent routine because of retained pollutants.
Increased redness or sensitivity: Flare-ups from exposure to smoke, traffic, or construction sites may be a response to pollutants in the air.
More visible wrinkles and fine lines: Your collagen may be damaged if your skin is drooping or aging too quickly in a polluted atmosphere.
How to Protect Your Skin?
Here’s how you can protect your skin against pollution.
Wash Your Face Thoroughly
A cleanser is necessary because it removes contaminants from your skin. Always wash your face before going to bed because this is the best time for your skin to heal itself. Remember, not everyone needs to wash twice a day, but if your skin is oily, you can also wash again in the morning. We recommend choosing a face wash that is mild, non-abrasive, and alcohol-free. Avoid using cleansers with perfumes or colors if you have sensitive skin because they can irritate it.
Apply Whitening Serums
Use whitening serums containing antioxidants to combat oxidative stress brought on by pollution. We recommend using Skin Lab Whitening Serum. It contains amazing ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin A, vitamin E and so many more. This whitening serum will hydrate and moisturize your skin. It will also transform your dull skin complexion into a brighter and fresher one.
Always Wear Sunscreen
As you may already be aware, sunscreen protects against sunburn, skin cancer, and premature aging. It also fights against the impact of pollution. Sunscreen can help prevent some of the damage caused by oxidative stress, which is exacerbated by the sun's UV rays.
Not a frequent user of sunscreen? Well, it is never too late. Choose a product with an SPF of 30 or higher that is branded "broad spectrum." Reapply after every 2 hours, more so if you are swimming or perspiring.
Maintain a Strong Skin Barrier
Your skin barrier may be compromised if you have dry, flaky, red, or sensitive skin, making you more vulnerable to the negative impacts of pollution. Using a moisturizer can aid in the healing of your skin's barrier. After taking a bath, while the skin is still moist, use a lotion or cream without any aroma or coloring. Look for ceramides in moisturizers as they assist in improving the function of the skin barrier.
Lower Pollution Exposure
It is important to lower your pollution exposure.
- Remember, cleaning agents and air fresheners can contaminate indoor air. Thus, when cleaning, try to use vinegar, baking soda, and plain water.
- Indoor air pollution might be higher than outdoor air pollution. To catch microscopic pollution particles, use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifier and change furnace filters on a regular basis.
- Be aware of the pollution levels in your neighborhood by regularly checking the local air pollution forecasts. Avoid spending a lot of time outside between 11 am and 8 pm if the levels are high.