A new skin enemy – Pollution and how it affects your skin

Air Pollution Effects and Your Skin

The city’s an exciting place to be, but with all the hustle and bustle of a big urban environment you also get pollution. The effects of air pollution can take their toll on your skin without proper care. So how can we keep our skin soft and strong in the face of pollutants?

Effects of Environmental Pollution: Staying Strong in the City

The Pond’s Institute discovered how pollution can have harmful effects on skin.

Our skin faces billions of pollution particles daily due to the harmful atmosphere of the city. But just how bad is that for our skin? According to research conducted by the skin experts at The Pond’s Institute, we underestimate the impact of pollution on skin. Here’s all you need to know about pollution and its detrimental effects on our skin.

What is Pollution, Really?

Pollution consists of aggressors from smog, dust, traffic fumes, outdoor air, indoor air, UV rays and even water and other seemingly innocent substances. Environmental pollution also consists of particulate matters, or PMs, which contribute towards skin aging and damage.

Pollution exposure comes from smog, dust, traffic fumes and other aggressors in the city air.

When rushing around in the city, smog, dirt and bacteria can settle on your skin. Combine that with stress and lifestyle choices and you could be prone to more severe acne.

How Does Pollution Damage Our Skin?

Pollutants sink deep into skin and can cause acne, dark spots, damage, dullness and premature aging.

Pollution contains free radicals and other aggressors that can penetrate deep into the skin’s layers, and cause long-term damage and the darkening of skin cells from the inside. On the outside, this damage can manifest itself through rashes, acne, eczema, dryness, dark spots and even premature aging.

Another effect of air pollution is that certain particles can damage collagen. Collagen is a protein that keeps skin strong and gives ielasticity. You can find this amazing fiber in your dermis – that’s the second, thicker layer of your skin.

Collagen also helps to repair scarring from acne, which can be more prominent as we get older and our bodies lose collagen. Fortunately there are a few simple ways you can combat pimples, no matter how old you are.

So What Happens Inside Our Skin?

While pollution is an unavoidable part of modern city life, there is a solution to prevent pollution from causing damage to our skin – a proper skincare regime. Cleansing can help to remove pollutants and restore your skin’s youthful radiance.

A proper skincare regime can clear up the pores, and prevent damage in skin.

How to Cleanse and Protect Your Skin from the Effects of Pollution:

Cleanse but be gentle – Scrubbing the skin can irritate it, which can speed up the aging process. Gently cleanse the face to remove pollution and makeup.
Get into a routine – Cleanse morning and night to help remove any dirt, smoke or smog that’s settled on your skin.
Protect your skin – A well as pollution, UV radiation can also boost free radical development that causes aging and damages the skin. Wearing sunscreen can protect against exposure to UV rays.
Pick a good moisturizer – Skin that’s become dry and dull because of pollution needs moisture. A moisturizer can help to keep skin hydrated, so use straight after a shower or cleansing.

Learn more about how cleansing can help remove aggressors from skin or read more about the darkening effects of pollution on skin.