AIR POLLUTION AND OUR SKIN - IS THERE A RELATION? The simple answer is yes!
Several factors contribute to healthy skin - genetics, lifestyle, diet, sleep as well as the quality of the air or atmosphere around us.
Most urban cities have higher levels of air pollution. Air pollution is measured by smog and particulate matter.
It is caused by human activities - industrial emissions, manufacturing processes, refineries, car exhaust, construction dust, smoking, burning of organic (plant stubble and leaves for example) and inorganic refuse (plastics for example) as well as other climatic factors.
HOW DOES POLLUTION IMPACT OUR SKIN?
Gaseous air pollution causes free radical damage to skin cells. Constant exposure to this pollution makes skin look dull and lacking in radiance. Free radical damage also hastens early signs of ageing.
Particulate matter is also a key component of air pollution. Since these are nanoparticles they are capable of clogging skin pores causing breakouts.
Air pollution has a negative effect on the skin’s biome since these impurities compromise skin barrier. A compromised barrier opens up the skin to further impact of pollutants and other skin irritants.
"Research has shown that air pollution is as big an area of concern for skin health as is exposure to UV rays"
Some common problems caused by exposure to air pollution are:
- Dull skin lacking in radiance
- Uneven skin tone
- Age spots and pigmentation
- Dry, itchy skin
- Enlarged pores
- Increased sensitivity
- Reduced skin elasticity
- Early appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
SO WHAT CAN WE DO TO PROTECT OUR SKIN FROM THE EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION?
Air pollution is everywhere. It is virtually impossible to totally escape the impact of this menace.
The best way to help overcome it is to offset its impact on our skin and to strengthen our natural skin barrier.
- Just as a diet rich in antioxidants can help our bodies overcome the impact of the polluted air we breathe, topical application of antioxidants and skin calming ingredients can help offset some of the damage caused by air pollution.
Key antioxidants to look for in your skincare products include
- Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant
- Vitamin E, also known as Tocopherol
- Vitamin B3 or Niacinamide
- Flavonoids, found in green tea and black tea
- Resveratrol, found in grapes and berries
Besides its antioxidant properties, Niacinamide also plays a key role in strengthening skin barrier. Niacinamide has been shown to enhance the repair of DNA damage in human keratinocytes and in human skin.
ANTI POLLUTION SKINCARE FROM VYA NATURALS
At Vya Naturals we have incorporated anti pollution skincare ingredients into our best selling serums.
5% Niacinamide Serum
- This serum combines the antioxidant and skin strengthening properties of Niacinamide along with skin soothing Aloe Vera and Rosemary leaf extracts.
- Apply a thin layer of Niacinamide Serum as part of your morning and evening skincare routine.
- It is well tolerated by all skin types and is a great way to introduce your skin to the calming properties of this wonderful ingredient.
Click here to read "The Complete Beginner's Guide to Niacinamide".
20% Vitamin C Serum
- Vitamin C is one of the most researched antioxidants and has been shown to reverse oxidative stress in skin cells.
- Vya Naturals Vitamin C Serum contains skin plumping humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid.
- It has also been formulated with Aloe Vera extract to further soothe and calm skin stressed by exposure to pollution.
Click here to read "Everything You Need to Know about Vitamin C".
1% Hyaluronic Acid Serum
- Hyaluronic Acid helps keep skin supple and healthy by increasing its capacity to absorb and retain moisture.
- Vya Naturals Hyaluronic Acid Serum can help your skin tackle the negative impact of pollution thanks to its unique formulation that incorporates Vitamin C, Jojoba Oil, Green Tea extract and Aloe Vera extract.
Click here to read "Everything You Need To Know About Hyaluronic Acid".
ONE LAST WORD
Pollution is all pervasive - particulate matter is found in even the most pristine of environments.
- Avoid outdoor exposure when pollution levels are high.
- Break up with nicotine if you are a smoker.
- Use skin care products that are rich in potent antioxidants.
- Make Niacinamide your skin’s new best friend.