HOW DOES AIR POLLUTION AFFECT YOUR SKIN?
Air pollution and environmental stressors may lead to dehydration, disruption of the skin microbiome, skin barrier damage, premature ageing, and even skin cancer. It could also cause the worsening of existing skin conditions such as acne, hyperpigmentation, atopic dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis.
Air pollution is the contamination of outdoor (ambient) and indoor (household) environments by any chemical, physical, or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere. Nearly all (90%) of the world’s population experience daily pollution.
Here’s the scary bit:
Air pollution is this generation’s silent killer. In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) considered both ambient (outdoor) and household (indoor) air pollution as the biggest environmental health risk for humans, responsible for killing more than 7 million people prematurely every year. New estimates in 2018 revealed that 9 of 10 people breathe air containing high levels of pollutants (WHO, 2017).
Skin interfaces with the atmosphere. Studies show that pollutants gain entrance to the skin by direct accumulation on the skin surface, absorption via the hair follicles, inhalation, ingestion, and circulation of pollutants in plasma that diffuse into deeper dermal tissues.
We have known for decades that smoking leads to premature ageing, but studies have also discovered a direct link between airborne particulate matter exposure and the occurrence of prominent skin ageing signs, especially pigment spots, as well as wrinkles.
Abnormal skin barrier integrity as a result of pollution, also causes an increased colonisation of microbes such as Staphylococcus aureus, which can further exacerbate skin inflammation.
So, how can we protect ourselves from damage?
WATER
Water may dilute the toxin load within the bloodstream. The recommended daily water intake for an adult is 2 L or 8 glasses per day.
DIET
Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause inflammation and could contribute to the development of age-related chronic diseases, as well as the aging process.
Antioxidants neutralise the free radicals therefore, A DIET RICH IN ANTIOXIDANTS may help protect from the damage caused by air pollution.
An example of a good antioxidant-rich diet would be the Mediterranean diet, which includes foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, olive oil, fish, and poultry.
There is certainly a case to be made for eating a healthy, antioxidant-rich diet to support general good health. Although its benefits for skin health have not yet been studied, it seems plausible that this too would benefit.
SKINCARE
Cleansing the skin is the first important element of an anti-pollution skincare routine, because airborne pollutants can bind to the skin and weaken the skin barrier, rendering it more susceptible to UV damage, dryness, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.
Protecting your skin during the day with a broad-spectrum sunscreen is another crucial element of prevention. Emollients augmented with evidence-based topical antioxidants, such as vitamins A, B3 (niacinamide), C, and E can be added also. Makeup can add another layer of protection, so can also benefit your skin.
We recommend that you have a twice daily skincare regime, which should include a single morning cleanse and a longer double cleanse in the evening. Add a toner, antioxidants/moisturiser and sunscreen in the morning and a toner and DNA-repair cream or retinoid in the evening.
Final tip: NEVER go to bed without cleansing!
Here at GSN Aesthetics we offer skin consultations for general skin health and to tackle common skin conditions, such as acne, rosacea, hyperpigmentation, and sensitive skin.
We have an Observe 520x skin scanner and a Dermalux Compact Lite LED phototherapy device.
We provide Obagi Medical, Intradermology and Heliocare skincare ranges for our patients, so have a regime for all skin-types.
See you soon!
