Air pollution is constantly harming your skin. You can hardly get away from polluted air. The dirty air is all around you while in the city every day. Pollution particles invade your skin at a cellular level. This damage is worse than being in the sun.
Your skin has a natural barrier to protect you. Over time pollution wears this barrier down. Small particles adhere to your skin’s surface. Once on the skin surface they create free radicals that are harmful to the skin. These free radicals damage proteins and lipids in the skin.
Once formed the free radicals overwhelm the skin’s immune system. This process is called oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is stealing moisture from your skin. Causing the skin to start drying and getting irritated. Health and natural mechanisms delay the process slowly.
Pollution can lead to invisible inflammation inside the skin. This process is referred to by doctors as inflammaging. Inflammaging will degrade collagen and elastin. These proteins keep our skin looking firm and wrinkle free. Wrinkles start to form much earlier than they should.
When UV light hits the skin it damages the DNA in your skin cells as part of the light spectrum. Pollution particles cause further damage to the skin when the sun is shining on the skin. Making dark spots and pigmentation start to develop on the skin’s surface. Your skin tone starts to gradually be uneven.
You should be washing your skin at least twice daily. Each time you wash your skin use a gentle facial cleanser for your first wash and second wash. You want to successfully remove all the pollution particles from the skin surface. Avoid scrubbing the surface of your skin. Patting to dry afterwards is important for the skin.
Use vitamin C serum every morning, as it neutralizes free radicals that damage your skin. Vitamin E serum provides extra protection. Green tea extracts are beneficial as well. These ingredients help combat oxidative stress.
Use ceramides in your moisturizer, especially for directors of disrepair, as they help maintain the natural barrier of the skin. Niacinamide is an excellent ingredient for reducing inflammation. Use hyaluronic acid for additional moisture with deep hydration. These ingredients will all help strengthen your skin over time.
Wear sunscreen every single day, preferably SPF 30 or higher. Reapply every 3 hours, as pigmentation occurs from UV rays, and sun-induced skin damage can happen any time you are exposed to the outdoors. Helping your skin pre/post sun exposure can help!
Drink enough water every day. Include lots of berries and leafy greens; both of these foods also contain antioxidants (to help fight oxidative stress). Get enough sleep every night, as your skin operates in a repair stage while you sleep.
Start your day with a gentle cleanse every morning. Then add on an antioxidant serum. Follow up with a nice moisturizer. Last but not least, your sunscreen. Repeat your cleanse at night.
There are early signs of pollution damage to look out for. Your skin looks dull and tired most of the time. You may experience the sudden appearance of dry patches. You may develop redness and skin irritation. The most concerning and distressing sign of pollution damage is premature signs of aging.
You have to ensure you are thoroughly cleansing your skin every night before bed. Pollution from every day collects on your skin during the day. Use a rich moisturizer at night to help your skin repair itself while you sleep. Each morning you will notice your skin is fresher and brighter.
Consistent care brings good results. Your skin builds stronger defenses. Damage reduces significantly over time. You maintain healthier looking skin. Prevention works better than treatment.
Protect your skin from pollution today. Follow these simple steps regularly. Your skin will thank you later. Remember that prevention is key. Start your protection routine now.
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