How pollution affects the skin

The detrimental effects of air pollution are widespread and many. According to LiveStrong, effects on the skin alone include dryness, premature aging, skin rashes, eczema and acne. While most people know that outdoor air pollutants can be harmful to health, not everyone realises that indoor pollutants can cause skin problems and other serious health risks as well. The Environmental Protection Agency points out that studies indicate indoor air pollutants can be two to five times higher than the levels found outside.

Indoor Pollutants

Indoor pollutants such as creosote from stoves and fireplaces and particles from pressed wood products and foam insulation can cause dry skin and skin irritation and rashes. Some steps you can take to reduce the adverse health effects include improving ventilation, allowing more fresh air in from the outdoors, keeping the humidity inside low and using products that emit lower amounts of formaldehyde.

Outdoor Pollutants

Air pollutants can erode the ozone layer, allowing ultraviolet radiation from the sun to come through the upper layer of the atmosphere. Not only can this lead to skin cancer, free radicals and pollutants absorbed through the skin can affect your entire body by damaging cells and causing other diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s.

Premature Aging

Air pollutants rob skin cells of oxygen, which can make the skin look dull and sagging. As you get older the body’s ability to fight free radicals diminishes. Unfortunately, pollutants increase the number of free radicals in the air. This in combination with UV radiation decreases the production of skin collagen, causing the skin to lose elasticity. Loss of elastin gives skin a rougher texture and fine lines begin to appear.

One of our most recommended cleansers for city living is Doctor Babor Biogen Cellular Ultimate Repair Cleanser. This is a mild facial cleansing milk to gently cleanse stressed and tired skin in need of regeneration. It removes pollutants and impurities, make-up and excess sebum. Provides intensive cleansing down to the pores while gently caring for the skin. Ideal cleanser for post-operative treatment.