WE ALL KNOW ABOUT THE HARM UVA AND UVB RAYS CAN DO TO OUR COMPLEXION, BUT HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT WHAT POLLUTION COULD BE DOING TO YOUR SKIN?
You might want to take note, following the revelation in a study by the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, that people who live in urban areas show signs of ageing quicker than those in rural areas due to effects of everyday pollution.
This is because when smog, dirt and dust come in contact with the sun’s UV rays, it creates what’s known as ‘free radicals’ which reduce oxygen in skin cells and limit collagen production. These free radicals attack cells and damage DNA, giving skin a dull appearance and leading to wrinkles, dark spots and dry skin. So while living in the city might do wonders for your social life, for city-dwellers hoping to stay looking (as well as acting) youthful, it might be time to step up your skin care regime.
Health, wellness and beauty brand, Arbonne, have shared some useful tips with us on the best ways to protect your skin from the effects of pollution that will leave you feeling rejuvenated.
WASH YOUR FACE TWICE DAILY
Pollution is higher during the summer months as the warmer weather creates more smog in the city. This can leave skin dirty so it’s essential to wash your face twice a day to remove any environmental toxins and impurities stuck in the pores, as these can speed up the ageing process and leave skin dry and damaged.
Use a gentle and hydrating cleanser that isn’t too harsh on the skin but will effectively lift dirt away. Using a cleanser full of chemicals will add to the toxins already on the face, so try products made with natural ingredients such as aloe and cucumber that will lift impurities without damaging the surface of your skin.
SCRUB IT AWAY
Exfoliating regularly will remove dead skin cells and release any pollutants remaining after cleansing. It also helps to promote skin cell renewal, resulting in a brighter, more radiant complexion and preventing any long lasting damage from pollution. If the environmental toxins are not scrubbed away, dark sports and wrinkles can occur as a result of the harmful bacteria left on the skin. Remember to pick products containing natural exfoliators, such as sea salt rather than microbeads, as these are far better for the environment.
SHIELD AND PROTECT
Finally, pollution weakens our skin, meaning moisture is easily lost and skin cells no longer create an effective, protective barrier. You may not have considered a facial serum before, but many intensive formulas can create a barrier to pollution, preventing toxins and bacteria from penetrating the skin in the first place, as well as repairing any existing damage. Oils are also great for encouraging an even skin tone, and provide superior hydration to combat any dryness caused by environmental toxins and sun exposure on the skin.
Oils that contain omega fatty acids are effective at shielding the skin, whilst hydrating the layers underneath; look for key botanicals such as buckthorn oil which heals the skin and nourishes the tissue underneath, whilst extracting chemical nasties. Arbonne’s Nourishing Facial Oil (pictured above) is designed to protect the skin from the effects of pollution and repair any existing damage.
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