Smog – a very dangerous for health combination of dust and smoke floating in the air. We inhale it every day so the toxins find an easy way to access our lungs where they start slowly deteriorating our bodies. Obviously, lungs aren’t the only organs that suffer from exposition to urban pollution since the toxins also accumulate on our skin surface and disturb it pretty badly.
The pollution that contaminate the air has relatively small molecules which is why it easily penetrate skin reaching even the deepest layers of dermis. This in turn contributes to accelerated skin ageing. Moreover, smog is responsible for triggering oxidative stress. That being said, application of anti-pollution skincare products is a must! They can save your skin from havoc. Keep reading the article to learn what anti-pollution cosmetics are and what substances used in cosmetics combat smog effectively.
Why should you shield your skin from smog?
Microscopic smog particles are hazardous dust that has a very negative impact on skin. The combination of chemical substances such as nitrogen, carbon and sulfur oxides, polycyclic hydrocarbons are proven to cause cancer and increase the frequency of mutations in cells. As it’s plain to see, urban pollution harms our bodies and skin considerably and the aftermath is serious.
When it comes to skin, smog worsens protective coat of dermis which consequently makes it more sensitive and prone to irritations. This in turn results in skin that has problems to deal with unfavorable weather conditions (dry air, freezing weather, strong wind and sun). In short, together with disturbed protective barrier, the skin’s natural ability of carrying out self-regenerating processes declines as well.
Free radicals, cigarette smoke and exhaust fumes are other factors that contribute to disturbing already damaged skin. And this is why application of anti-pollution skincare products is so vital.
How to protect skin from smog?
Luckily, there are a few ways that you can follow to protect your skin from urban pollution. Below you will find some ideas that may help your skin endure the adverse conditions of living in a big city.
- Reach for anti-pollution skincare products.
- Try not to stay long outdoors during winter.
- Make sure that your skin is thoroughly cleansed; don’t wait till evening but remove makeup and smog build-up right after returning home from work.
- Introduce a face serum to your daily beauty routine; check whether the product is able to combat free radicals and prevent oxidative stress (e.g. vitamin C face serum).
What are the qualities of good anti-pollution skincare products?
Bear in mind that when looking for an anti-pollution product, you must find the one that is certified for being effective in fighting back smog. It means that the cosmetic was subjected to clinical tests. In most cases such skincare products owe their power to substances known for having antioxidative effects and being able to attract and later remove toxins from our bodies. In short, an anti-pollution skincare product is a combination of such substances that work together to deliver you far stronger effects than when used separately.
How to find anti-pollution ingredients in face creams?
You won’t find the right skincare product unless you know what ingredients should it be made from. Perhaps your current face cream contains the very substances which means that you don’t have to throw it away or look for a replacement. The first effective duo that combats smog is magnolia vine and moringa. Although each one separately offers anti-pollution effects, they are more powerful when combined together. The second substance that can help you deal with the adverse effects of urban pollution is vitamin C. This essential nutrient is known for delivering strong protection from toxins. Apart from that, vitamin C beautifies, heals and leaves skin more resilient. It’s a good idea to combine vitamin C with white tea extract, which is known for dealing with free radicals. Another substance that handles urban pollution is chitosan; alike vitamin C, this polysaccharide creates a protective coat on skin surface. If you an enthusiast of all-natural skin care, you can turn to natural beauty oils that are compatible with your skin type – argan oil seems to be the most universal natural oil of all. Finally, anti-pollution skincare products often contain algae extracts (deliver detoxifying effect), charcoal and probiotic water that soothes irritated skin.
