POLLUTION, A SOURCE OF PREMATURE SKIN AGING: ITS EFFECT ON THE SKIN AND HOW SKIN CARE CAN HELP

1. Cleanse your skin thoroughly
2. Use antioxidants
3. Restorative substances
4. Protect your skin barrier
5. Adjust your nutrition

Recent studies show that pollution is one of the major causes of (accelerated) skin aging. When you live in an urban environment, it is difficult to escape pollution. Apart from UV rays, the main sources of free radicals are smog, blue light, exhaust fumes, fine dust and cigarette smoke. These are unstable molecules that attack cells, triggering a whole range of reactions and can cause premature skin aging.

HOW POLLUTION AFFECTS YOUR SKIN

The tiny nanoparticles from dirt, dust or exhaust gases settle on the sebum on your skin. There they can mix with dead skin cells, clogging pores and causing pimples. Even worse: they oxidize, which affects the skin barrier that protects us from external factors. Over time, this results in a dull, blotchy complexion and rough, sensitive skin with a damaged barrier. This then easily leads to irritations and dry patches and ultimately wrinkles and pigmentation.

HOW SKIN CARE CAN HELP

To reduce the effects of pollution on the skin, thorough cleansing and antioxidants are essential. Certain ingredients also lend a hand to your skin’s ability to defend itself.

1. CLEANSE YOUR SKIN THOROUGHLY

Use a mild formula that does not dry out your skin. If you wear makeup and live in the city, we recommend double cleansing. A first time with an oil cleanser to dissolve all grease from makeup, UV protection but also sebum. Then with a gentle gel cleanser that cleanses the skin in depth. Possibly followed with an alcohol-free toner to remove the last traces of calcareous water and restore the acidity of the skin.

2. USE ANTIOXIDANTS

Free radicals can cause your skin to age prematurely. With the help of antioxidants, you can neutralize them. Look for Green Tea (VOLUMFIZZ Peptide Bubble Serum), Centella Asiatica (VOLUMFIZZ, Microneedle Eye Patches), algae (Instant Lifting Serum) and vitamins A, C and E (Instant Lifting Serum, VOLUMFIZZ) on the ingredient list.

3. RESTAURATIVE SUBSTANCES

Certain ingredients help to soothe your skin and compensate for sustained damage in the best way possible. Look for Allantoin, Alpha-Bisabolol (in  VOLUMFIZZ Peptide Bubble Serum), Centella Asiatica (VOLUMFIZZ, Microneedle Eye Patches), Hamamelis (Instant Lifting Serum), Aloe Vera, Green Tea (VOLUMFIZZ), …

4. PROTECT YOUR SKIN BARRIER

A properly functioning skin barrier is crucial to defend against external aggressions and to retain moisture. Avoid aggressive products and use a good moisturizer to strengthen it, preferably with Hyaluronic Acid (found in Instant Lifting Serum, Microneedle Eye Patches, VOLUMFIZZ Peptide Bubble Serum).

5. ADJUST YOUR NUTRITION

You can also give your skin a helping hand from the inside by eating the right foods. Eat lots of berries, leafy vegetables and citrus fruits: they are a powerhouse of antioxidants and defend your skin against free radicals.

Instant Lifting Serum (€43.95), VOLUMFIZZ Peptide Bubble Serum (€76.95) and Microneedle Eye Patches (€16.45) are available at www.beautical.com.