Everyday your skin is subjected to both outdoor and indoor pollution, whether it’s dust, smog UV rays or free radicals. The impacts of environmental pollution on your skin can range from dryness to the appearance of redness, to signs of aging , such as wrinkles and fine lines.

We’ll discuss how to shield your skin from the effects of pollution by establishing a healthy skincare routine and incorporating most effective practices for your daily routine.

What is Pollution?

Pollution is the broad term used to describe exposure to environmental contaminants.

Air pollution, including dust and heavy metal particles.

Ultraviolet radiation, for example, sunlight radiation and indoor lighting.

Extremely abrupt changes in temperature.

The environment is polluted regardless of whether you’re indoors or outside. Pollution can cause skin damage whether directly or through circulation systemically after you breathe it in. Common pollutants in outdoor environments include:

Particulate matter, composed of droplets and tiny particles such as pollen

The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) They result from automobile exhaust fumes as well as cigarette smoke

UV radiation from the sun (UVR)

In addition, here are the most common pollutants that you will find in your home:

Dust mites

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) They are made from specific paints, household cleaners and varnish

Cigarette smoke

What about Free Radicals?

Free radicals are a result of pollution from the air. They trigger oxidative stress which can damage skin cells and lead to a variety of issues like early aging, dullness and uneven appearance.

How Air Pollution Impacts Your Skin

The quality of the air in your surroundings can cause many negative effects on your skin. Here are a few examples of the ways that pollution particles can cause havoc to your skin.

1. Fine Lines Wrinkles, Fine Lines, and Sagging

Ultraviolet rays, also known as UV, may cause irreparable skin damages. The condition is called solar elastosis that is the dissolution of abnormal elastic material within the dermis. The skin’s elasticity, and results in the skin to lose its elasticity. UV rays also increase the activity of elastase, which speeds up the breakdown of elastin and causes the formation of wrinkles and fine lines.

Ozone can also play a part in premature ageing. It reduces the antioxidants that are essential to the skin, like Vitamin C as well as vitamin E. The lower antioxidant content causes the appearance of free radicals that are more active, that cause your skin to appear dimpled.

2. Inflammation

Numerous studies have sought to discover the connection with pollution, and also the skin condition known as atopic dermatitis sometimes referred to as Eczema. A study conducted in 2015 from South Korea noticed an increase in the incidence of atopic dermatitis during the past 30 years in both urban and industrialized regions, which usually suffer from poor air quality.

3. Hyperpigmentation

Particulate matter and other substances can penetrate the skin and cause dark spots, also known as melasma. Additionally UV rays may permanently harm the skin cells, causing permanent skin damaged in the form of pigmentation. Contrary to what many believe sunburn is just the same for your skin as sunburn , since both cause DNA damage.

4. Acne

Acne can be caused by pollution. According to a study that was published in the January issue of Cosmetics Particulate matter may get trapped in pores, leading to bumps. Additionally pollutants can speed up sebum production to counteract the loss of moisture which could cause further breakouts.

5. Dry Skin

Excessive sun exposure can result in dryness. Sun exposure can cause your skin dry and itchy. This is because sun exposure can strip the skin’s essential oils. Additionally, particles such as smog could take away your skin’s essential moisture.

Growing An Anti-Pollution Skincare Routine

For urban dwellers, in particular one of the most effective defenses against pollution is a set of products for skincare that are well-formulated and will safeguard your skin. A good anti-pollution regimen should consist of the following elements:

1. Cleanser

In addition to sunscreen and makeup In addition, you must completely cleanse yourself of the toxins you encounter each day.

The Lakmes face cleanser contains glycolic and salicylic acids that softly exfoliate skin, while getting rid of oil, dirt, along with other residues.

2. Mask for Face Mask

Recalibrate your skin at least every other week with a thorough pore-cleansing mask. The Lakme Face Mask is specifically designed to guard against pollution. It’s made of activated charcoal Australian White Kaolin Clay bamboo beads, salicylic acid for a silky and fresh sensation.

3. Serum

For more intensive treatment, include the use of a serum into your routine. If you do, search for a product that can create a barrier against environmental triggers, like Lakme’s Face Serum which contains FILMEXEL(r) AND EPIDERMIST. Additionally, a serum that brightens your skin with vitamin C won’t just revive dull skin and diminish dark spots, it will also help boost your skin’s antioxidants and fight free radicals. antioxidants.

4. Exfoliant

Cleanse pores and remove dead skin cells by exfoliating your skin at least once per every week. Lakme Face Polish Lakme Face Polish is a hybrid exfoliant that’s made with AHA and particles to make your skin looking fresh and radiant.

5. Moisturizer

A moisturizing moisturizer can prevent your face from getting scaly and flaky due to low air quality. Lakme face Moisturizer is a gel that is light that is a source of red snow algae that protects against cell-damaging free radicals and moisturizes your skin.

6. Eye Cream

The first signs of ageing tend to be in the area of the eyes. Squinting regularly, whether caused by intense sunlight or intense pollution, will eventually result in wrinkles appearing on your skin. Applying a nightly cream to your eyes, that is enriched with hyaluronic acid will help to reduce wrinkles and signs of age by keeping your eye area’s skin fuller.

7. Sunscreen

Sunscreen is your best defense against UV rays. Make sure you choose a broad spectrum formula that has at minimum SPF 50, which will adequately protect your skin from ageing (UVA) as well as the burning (UVB). Additionally regular application of sunscreen can decrease your risk of getting skin cancer. Be aware that beauty and skincare products that have SPF be used to supplement sunscreen, but they is not a substitute for it as the sole source of sun protection.

Other ways to protect your Skin from the effects of pollution

Alongside an effective regime for skin care, there’s other lifestyle modifications you can implement in order to minimize the exposure to pollutants that are common both inside and outside your house.

1. Do not smoke.

Smoking cigarettes can cause premature aging of your skin. In addition, you can get “smoker’s lips” — wrinkles around your mouth that result due to constant pursing smoking cigarettes can hinder the flow of blood into your face. In fact, smoking secondhand smoke could be harmful to the skin.

2. The Home should be ventilated

Smoke cigarettes indoors and light candles at times or cook at home often there’s a lot of environmental pollutants that could cause skin damage (or more importantly, create serious danger for your overall health). You should ensure that your home is well-ventilated in any way, whether it’s installing a ventilation system or opening your windows frequently to let fresh air to flow in.

3. Eat an Antioxidant-Rich Diet

Antioxidants are extremely effective in fighting free radicals, and keep your body fit and healthy both inside and outside. Many of your most loved food items are rich in antioxidants. These comprise:

Vitamin C (oranges, Brussels sprouts sweet potatoes, oranges)

Vitamin E (avocado, papaya, sunflower seeds)

Beta-carotene (carrots, asparagus, watermelon)

Zinc (oysters red meat, oysters, fortified cereal)

Selenium (Brazil nuts and tuna)