What goes into your body can affect the health of your skin, but external factors can make an important difference, too. Skin if the largest organ of the integumentary system. Air pollution is unavoidable, especially in the urban areas. Although your skin can protect itself from the pollution, if the pollutants stay on your skin for a longer period that can change your skin structure and cause serious problem. The climate and the environment, including ever-increasing levels of pollution, can wreak havoc on your skin. Changes in temperature and other weather conditions may call for adjustments in your skin care: products and routines that are suitable in one season may be less effective during another.
Environmental Pollution
Contaminants in the air, such as cigarette smoke, smog, car exhaust fumes find their way onto the skin and can interfere with its ability to regulate cell production, moisture levels, increasing free radicals and the effects of UV radiation.
Pollutants cause premature aging of the skin as they rob the oxygen from the skin cells, causing the skin to look dull, while speeding up the aging process. Free radicals are thought to harm the skin cells by encouraging collagen and elastin fibers to break down, resulting in a rough skin texture, clogged pores and fine lines.
Pollution can also cause skin allergies, diseases, pigmentation, eczema and even acne. Air pollution seriously affects the skin it increases the oxidation of the sebum, causes pimples formation, allergies, rashes and dry/patchy skin. Smoggy air may lack moisture and cause skin dehydration.
Pollutant Protection
- No matter what… even if you do not wear make-up, take the day off you face. Your skin will thank you for it! – Cleanse your skin thoroughly at night to wash off collected dirt and grime.
- Antioxidant nutrients help to block free-radical activity in the body, so include antioxidant-rich foods in your diet.
- Many skincare products contain antioxidant ingredients, such as vitamins A, C, and E- though whether these can actually penetrate the skin cells and provide any long-term benefit is a matter of debate. It’s worth trying them if you can afford it and you find one that suits your skin.
Hot Weather
The Sun rays can do a lot of harm on your skin. They can damage the structure of the skin, causing early wrinkling, lumps and bumps, and serious conditions, such as skin cancer. The rising humidity during the summer months can increase oil production, exacerbating problems such as acne, and provoke irregularities in sweat production, leading to prickly heat.
Sun & Heat Protection
- The best way to protect your skin from the sun is to avoid sunbathing or other unnecessary exposure.
- Wear a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF (sun protection factor) 15, especially on the face. Look for products such as foundations and moisturizers that already include a sunscreen to avoid the need for separate preparations in everyday conditions.
- Cover up bare skin: wear a hat, a light long-sleeved top, and slacks.
- Keep cool with tepid baths and showers.