Have you ever stopped to think about the dirt and grime that gets on our skin daily just from the air around us?
Ever walked down the street, and wandered through a plume of smoke or dust & found yourself in a coughing fit? Or have you had a truck drive past you and a plume of exhaust flumes overwhelm you, making it hard to get a breath of fresh air? As horrid as these short moments are, they are often quick little moments that you don’t think twice about once they pass. But did you know these daily life occurrences actually have a hugely negative impact on our skin over time? These environmental pollutants pose so many threats to the skin, beyond premature aging. They can contribute to a range of skin issues, including pimples, breakouts, acne, increased redness, and collagen breakdown leading to wrinkles.
Pollutants generate free radicals, causing oxidative stress that can damage skin cells. These free radicals can exacerbate acne by triggering inflammation and increasing sebum production. Additionally, they contribute to redness and irritation, intensifying skin sensitivity.
Pollutants trigger inflammation that can lead to pimples, breakouts, and acne across different body areas. The inflammatory response also results in heightened redness, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Environmental pollutants contribute to the degradation of collagen, a structural protein vital for skin firmness. This breakdown is the primary cause of wrinkles. As pollutants weaken the collagen matrix, fine lines and wrinkles become more prominent, especially in areas exposed to pollution over time.
Certain pollutants, like PAHs, can contribute to dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Now we CAN combat these things with a few different lifestyle factors.
1. Protective Skincare
Antioxidant-rich skincare with vitamins C and E, pomegranate, white tea leaf & wolfberry, not only counteract free radicals but also mitigate inflammation, reducing the likelihood of acne and redness. Look to include both topical treatments & oral supplementation for the most holistic approach.
2. Regular Cleansing:
Double cleansing at the end of each day is crucial not just for removing pollutants but also for preventing pore-clogging that leads to breakouts and acne.
3. Barrier Repair:
Moisturising and incorporating ceramides into the skincare routine not only strengthens the skin barrier but also reduces the risk of acne and promotes a healthier complexion. Supporting the body from within with compounds like coenzyme Q10 and riboflavin is a fantastic way to ensure you are effectively strengthening and supporting your skin barrier.
4. Healthy Diet:
An antioxidant-rich diet aids in neutralizing free radicals internally, contributing to clearer skin and minimizing inflammation associated with breakouts and redness.
5. Hydration:
Adequate hydration supports the skin's natural defence mechanisms, aiding in the prevention of acne and maintaining a smoother complexion. Try ensuring you are getting in about 3 litres of water per day and also adding hyaluronic acid supplements to your regime to help you effectively & thoroughly hydrate your skin from within.
6. Protective Clothing:
I know I harp on about this one ALL the time but in addition to providing physical protection, hats and sunglasses help to minimise environmental stressors that can lead to breakouts, redness, and premature aging.
7. Limit Exposure:
Avoiding high-pollution areas is vital not only for aging concerns but also for preventing acne breakouts and reducing redness and irritation.
8. Non-Toxic Household Products:
Using non-toxic household products extends beyond skin health, positively impacting overall well-being and reducing the risk of skin irritations and breakouts. Aim for fragrance-free products where possible and always opt for the most natural product available.
When it comes to getting high-quality, barrier-strengthening, free radical crushing, moisturising, inflammation soothing, and convenient solutions, look no further than my Perfect Skin Kit. It is designed to nourish your skin from within to protect it against all the world has to throw at it, leaving you with healthy, clear, even skin that you can feel confident to rock a foundation-free face on the daily.
Talk soon,
K xx
