Skincare companies and doctors have been warning us for a long time of the damage that the sun’s powerful rays can do to our skin. We’re heard about melanoma, we know about the importance of wearing a high SPF when it’s hot, and we make an effort to buy skincare products with added SPF, hats, and sunglasses that offer UV protection.
Unfortunately, the sun isn’t the only thing that is damaging to the skin. In the modern world, pollution damage needs to be a bigger consideration than it currently is. Air pollution is at much higher levels than it once was, and it’s not just our lungs and internal organs that this is affecting. Spend too much time in a highly polluted area and your skin will become rough, dry, flaky, prematurely aged, and discolored. Over time, even a less polluted area can have the same impact.
But, what can we do about it? Short of moving to a deserted island or the middle of the countryside, pollution is hard to avoid. The good news is, there are some effective ways that you can protect your skin from air pollution, keeping it young looking, soft, and glowing.
Get a Collagen Boost
Collagen keeps your skin looking full and toned, as well as increasing elasticity and preventing the formation of fine lines. Our collagen levels naturally start to decrease as we get older, leading to sagging skin, deeper lines, and a loss of skin tone. Less collagen also means greater exposure to pollution, as the tiny particles can get through dry, cracked skin more easily. Boosting your collagen levels helps your skin to retain elasticity, and gives it a better chance of fighting off the pollutants in the air. You can boost your collagen levels with creams, serums, and other forms of collagen treatment.
Cleanse
While cleansing won’t stop pollution settling on your skin, it will stop it from sticking around, breeding bacteria and free radicals (unstable molecules that attach themselves to healthy molecules and cause damage). Make sure you at least cleanse in the morning and before bed, but wiping your face when you first come indoors after being out can be very effective.
Exfoliate
Particles in air pollution can be up to 20 times smaller than your pores, which unfortunately means that, even with the best cleansing routine, they can get in and take home. Regular exfoliation with a gentle scrub and warm water can help to evict them before they do any damage.
Eat Antioxidants
Antioxidants help to defend your body from a wide range of invaders, pollution included. Antioxidants can be found in foods like blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries.
Air pollution is around us all of the time. Small particles are attacking our skin, making a home in our pores, spreading bacteria, causing free radicals, and generally doing damage. If you’ve ever noticed that your face is red and swollen, or you have dry, blotchy patches and you don’t know why chances are air pollution has caused this damage. A good skincare routine and intensive moisturization will help to restore your skin, but adding collagen treatments, exfoliators, and antioxidants to your normal routine will help to protect you in the future.