How Wildfires and Pollution Affect Your Skin
The Impact of Pollution on Skin Health
In today’s day and age, it is rather difficult to ignore pollutants, especially if you’re amidst the hustle and bustle of city life. Stepping out of our homes means being embraced by a thick blanket of smog, dust, and pollutants that aren’t just damaging to your overall health, but immensely impact your skin. And let’s be real, the rising levels of pollution, and increased wild fires, kind of make this phenomenon pretty hard to avoid. Just like shielding yourself from the sun is a pressing matter for skin health, so is protecting your skin from pollution.
Plus, as we age, skin loses its ability to withstand environmental aggressors and to repair damage. Oxidative stress from external and internal factors can accumulate to cause low-grade inflammation that depletes skin’s health. When low-grade inflammation persists long-term can result in cell and tissue damage known as “inflammaging.” In the skin, inflammaging leads to premature signs of aging, including dehydration, dullness, uneven tone and lines and wrinkles.
How Does Poor Air Quality Affect the Skin?
Pollution, which includes particulate matter, heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and other toxic chemicals present in the air, can have profound effects on the skin. When these pollutants come into contact with the skin, they can lead to:
1. Premature Aging
The fine particles in pollution can accelerate the ageing process, resulting in premature ageing like wrinkles and fine lines. These particles damage the skin's collagen and elastin fibers, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. AKA oxidative stress
2. Skin Dehydration
Exposure to pollution can disrupt the skin's natural barrier function, leading to increased water loss and decreased moisture retention. This can result in dry, dehydrated skin that looks dull and lacks vitality.
3. Inflammation and Sensitivity
Pollution can trigger inflammatory responses in the skin, leading to conditions such as rosacea, eczema, dermatitis, and acne. Individuals with sensitive skin may experience exacerbated symptoms when exposed to polluted environments.
4. Acne
Pollutants disturb the skin barrier, this leads to clogged pores, which contributes to acne and blackheads.
Protecting Your Skin from Pollution
While it may be challenging to completely avoid pollution, there are steps you can take to protect your skin from its harmful effects:
Cleanse Daily: Thoroughly cleanse your skin twice a day to remove dirt, oil, and pollutants that have accumulated on the skin's surface.
Use Antioxidants: Incorporate skincare products containing antioxidants such as Vitamin C, E, or niacinamide to neutralize free radicals and protect the skin from oxidative stress.
Apply Sunscreen: Sunscreen not only protects the skin from UV damage but also creates a barrier against pollution particles.
Barrier Cream: Keep your skin protected with a barrier cream like Vaseline, Aquaphor, or V-stat.
Hebe Approved Products
Illuminating AOX: A concentrated antioxidant serum that provides protection against pollution + premature signs of aging while visibly brightening the skin with a subtly luminous, soft-focus finish. ZO’s unique formulation provides 12 hours of antioxidant protection, while providing a luminous finish.
Rich in antioxidants, specialized enzymes, plant stem cells + weightless barrier-builders, they strengthen skin barrier to withstand aging impact and result in skin that is healthfully hydrated, luminous, calm and recharged.
Vivier Vitamin C: Vivier offers many options for topical vitamin C, all of which have been clinically proven to reach the dermis, for longer-lasting protection. Vitamin C helps fight against oxidative stress, including the ones brought on by pollution. Vivier has vitamin C’s for all skin types, whether you’re acne-prone, dry or need advanced anti-aging benefits, there is something for everyone.
Brightalive
If Vitamin C isn’t your thing, Brightalive has you covered. This is a niacinamide + peptide serum that brightens and protects against environmental stressors.
Brightalive: Utilizes an intelligent peptide drone for targeted brightening effects. Niacinamide (vitamin b3) provides antioxidant protection while reducing excess oil, making this an ideal option for oily skin types. Plus papain provides gentle exfoliating effects, which leaves your skin with a luminous glow.
In conclusion, pollution poses a significant threat to skin health, leading to a range of issues from premature aging to hyperpigmentation. By being aware of the impact of pollution on the skin and taking proactive steps to protect and nourish the skin, you can help mitigate its harmful effects and maintain a healthy, radiant complexion.
