Too much anything is bad for you, especially if it’s anything along the lines of sunshine, alcohol, and unhealthy foods. Those factors can take an unwanted toll on your complexion; think breakouts, sunspots, aging skin, wrinkles, irritated skin, and premature aging. If you live or work in a big city, the chances of an even bigger factor contributing to aging skin is air pollution. While harmful to lungs, the toxic fumes are even more damaging to our skin.
A study back in 2014 found that living in higher polluted areas could higher your chances of aging by 10% more versus living in a more rural, cleaner air city. Scientific studies have found that air pollution can add free radical damage which breaks down the collagen fibers in our skin and damage the outer layer of our skin. The protective layer in result can cause redness, dryness, inflammatory skin problems such as eczema and acne.
Cleansing – The Most Important Step!
More than often, we’re very tempted to go to bed without washing our faces. If you’ve been out and about all day, know that those tiny pollution particles will be stuck to your skin. Skin experts agree that daily along with nightly cleansing of the face, and neck will help remove the dirt, oils, and environmental toxins from the surface. It’s one of the most important things you can do to keep your skin healthy.
We all don’t want to go fall asleep with all that city dirt still attached to our skin! Double cleansing has become a popular trend, but it’s here to say: it’s a great method to get rid of excess buildup from pollution.
Toughen Up Your Skin’s Barrier
To battle the effects of pollution in the winter, it’s extremely important to incorporate products that not only nourish but protect your skin as well as creating a shield that blocks toxins from seeping into your pores. Studies find those who are in highly polluted areas experience reduced skin hydration.
Choosing a rich moisturizing cream at night will aide in replenishing your skin as you sleep. For your morning routine, use an enriched vitamin C serum, it helps repair damage from pollution particles and protects skin from aging.
Lastly, before taking a step outdoors, apply sunscreen that blocks from harmful UV rays to help shield against the sun and particles from clinging to your skin.
Like They Say – You Are What You Eat
They say your body is a temple, so that means what you consume is just as important as what you put on your skin. Consuming foods with high antioxidants can help fight collagen depleting free radicals.
Foods such as berries, oranges, apricots and greens like spinach contain vitamins and minerals to help block radical damage and help create a skin protecting barrier. Since they contain tons of skin protective antioxidants with a high water content, they help keep your skin hydrated and more resistant to free radical damage from pollution. The rawer fruits and vegetables the better, so go ahead and make your meal colorful!