Protecting Skin: Defending Against Pollutants

Air pollution is a growing threat to human health worldwide, and the skin is one of the main targets of pollutants. The skin is affected by environmental pollutants, which reach the superficial and deeper skin layers by transcutaneous and systemic routes.

Pollutants can be found in all human bodily fluids and hair, making them a good study tool to analyse the effects of airborne pollution on human skin health and diseases.

The skin may be affected by environmental pollutants, either by direct accumulation on the skin surface or by indirect distribution by the systemic route after pollutant inhalation or ingestion.

Pollutants induce an oxidative stress response in the skin with the activation of inflammation, which drives the skin and systemic pathologies.

The effects of pollutants on the skin correspond to the exacerbation of skin ageing processes, the symptoms of inflammatory diseases (e.g. atopic dermatitis) and the deregulation of skin moisture.

- Use cleansers that will wash off all the bad molecules but not strip key oils.

- Apply antioxidants: vitamins C and E.

- Apply sunscreen.

- Exfoliate.

- Eat antioxidant-rich foods such as blueberries, leafy greens and beans.

Cleanse your skin with the right products to wash away pollutants without stripping your skin of its natural oils

Cleansing your skin with the right products is essential to wash away pollutants without stripping your skin of its natural oils. Here are some tips and product recommendations to help you cleanse your skin effectively:

• Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser that is suitable for your skin type. Look for ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides, which help maintain the skin's moisture balance.
• Opt for a cleanser with a low pH, as this will help normalise the skin's natural pH and prevent dryness and irritation.
• Choose a cleanser that is free from harsh chemicals, fragrances, and sulphates, as these can strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt the skin barrier.
• If you wear makeup or spend a lot of time outdoors, double cleansing may be beneficial. Start with an oil-based cleanser to remove impurities and makeup, then follow with a water-based cleanser to ensure your skin is thoroughly cleansed.
• Look for cleansers with antioxidant properties, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and green tea extract, which help neutralise free radicals and protect the skin from pollution damage.
• Avoid over-cleansing, as this can strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt the skin barrier. Cleanse your skin twice a day, morning and evening, and use a gentle cleanser that is suitable for daily use.
• If you have sensitive skin, look for calming and soothing ingredients like niacinamide, chamomile, and aloe vera, which can help reduce inflammation and irritation.
• Exfoliate your skin 2-3 times a week to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. This will help your cleanser work more effectively and improve the absorption of your skincare products.
• If you have oily or acne-prone skin, look for cleansers with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which can help unclog pores and reduce breakouts.
• If you have dry or mature skin, consider using a cleansing balm or oil, as these can provide extra hydration and help nourish the skin.
• Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser: This gentle cleanser is suitable for sensitive skin and helps remove impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils.
• Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser for Sensitive Skin: This cleanser is free from harsh chemicals and fragrances, making it ideal for sensitive skin. It effectively removes dirt and impurities without drying out the skin.
• Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Sun Fluid: This sunscreen provides SPF 30 protection and has a lightweight, moisturising formula. It also contains antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E, which help protect the skin from pollution damage.
• Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2: This moisturising cream helps repair and strengthen the skin barrier, making it more resilient to pollution damage. It contains a blend of lipids, including ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids, which help restore the skin's natural moisture balance.
• Epionce Renewal Facial Cream: This moisturising cream contains ingredients like meadowfoam, apple, and avocado extract, which help enhance the skin's barrier function and reduce inflammation. It also contains niacinamide, which helps maintain the skin's moisture balance.
• The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%: This serum contains a high concentration of niacinamide, which helps improve the skin's barrier function and reduce the appearance of pores. It also contains zinc, which has anti-inflammatory properties and can help calm the skin.
• The Inkey List Vitamin C Serum: This affordable serum contains 15% pure vitamin C, which helps brighten the skin and protect it from pollution damage. It also contains hyaluronic acid, which hydrates the skin and improves moisture retention.

Use antioxidants to protect your skin from free radicals

Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage DNA, cell membranes, and other parts of cells. They are an inescapable part of life and are produced by the body in response to environmental insults, such as tobacco smoke, UV rays, and air pollution. They can also be a natural byproduct of normal processes in cells.

Antioxidants are compounds that can counteract free radicals. They do this by giving up some of their own electrons to the free radicals, thus neutralising them.

Antioxidants can be found in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals such as copper, zinc, and selenium. Phytochemicals, found in plants, also have antioxidant properties. For example, hesperetin, found in oranges and other citrus fruits, can restore vitamin C to its active antioxidant form after vitamin C has neutralised a free radical. Carotenoids and flavonoids are also antioxidants.

While it is impossible to avoid free radicals entirely, you can use antioxidants to help protect your skin and overall health.

• Eat more dark, leafy vegetables and colourful fruits, such as kale, spinach, raspberries, blueberries, and tomatoes.
• Drink green tea.
• Apply a vitamin C serum to your skin. This will help build collagen, which will fill in lines and wrinkles, and protect your skin from harmful, free-radical-producing UVB rays.
• Wear sunscreen.

Create a barrier with sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays and pollutants

Sunscreen is an important tool to protect your skin from UV rays and pollutants. While it does not block UV rays entirely, sunscreen filters them and reduces your skin's UV exposure. When choosing a sunscreen, it is important to select one with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Additionally, it is recommended to reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours, and more frequently if you are sweating or swimming.

Sunscreen can also protect your skin from pollutants, such as ozone, which is a toxic gas formed when UV light hits mono-nitrogen oxides. Ozone can oxidize the lipids in the outer layer of your skin, causing inflammation and breaking down the skin's barrier function. Sunscreen with SPF-15 or higher is recommended to reduce the risk of skin cancer and early skin ageing caused by UV rays.

It is also important to note that sunscreen alone may not be enough to protect your skin from all pollution damage. Therefore, it is recommended to use a combination of protective measures, such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using cleansers that wash off harmful molecules without stripping your skin of its natural oils. Additionally, antioxidants like vitamins C and E can help protect your skin by reducing the reactive oxygen species produced by UV radiation.

By creating a barrier with sunscreen and incorporating other protective measures, you can effectively protect your skin from UV rays and pollutants.

Eat antioxidant-rich foods such as blueberries, leafy greens and beans to help your body repair itself

Blueberries, leafy greens, and beans are rich in antioxidants, which help to fight free radicals that can cause cell damage and lead to aging and disease. Eating these foods can help your body repair itself and protect against pollutants affecting the skin.

Blueberries

Blueberries are small, sweet, and highly nutritious. They are known for their disease-fighting properties and are accessible year-round, making them an excellent addition to your diet. Blueberries are high in antioxidants, which help to fight cell-damaging free radicals caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or tanning beds, cigarette smoke, pollution, and a poor diet. They can help reduce premature aging by scavenging free radicals in the skin and promoting healing. Eating 1 cup (148 grams) of blueberries per day can also improve circulation, which is important for skin health, as it helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to the skin and other cells, allowing for quicker and more efficient cell turnover. Blueberries are also high in vitamins C and K, which are important for wound healing, and anthocyanin, which may support collagen synthesis.

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens are considered any type of plant with leaves and/or stems that are eaten as vegetables. They are a strong source of protein, fiber, iron, and vitamins, and are classified as legumes. Leafy greens are rich in amino acids, the building blocks of protein, and contain folate, which is essential for overall health and the prevention of neural tube defects in a fetus during pregnancy. They also contain polyphenols, a type of antioxidant that helps to fight the effects of free radicals.

Beans

Beans are the seeds of flowering plants in the Fabaceae family and are also classified as legumes. They are a strong, plant-based source of protein, fiber, iron, and vitamins. They are high in amino acids and contain folate, which is essential for overall health. Beans also contain polyphenols, a type of antioxidant that helps to fight the effects of free radicals. Eating beans may reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and fatty liver disease. They can also help control appetite and improve gut health by increasing the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut.

Exfoliate your skin to remove any remaining pollutants

Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the outer layer of the skin. It is important to do so safely to avoid damaging the skin.

There are two main methods of exfoliation: mechanical and chemical. Mechanical exfoliation uses a tool, such as a brush or sponge, or a scrub to physically remove dead skin cells. Chemical exfoliation uses chemicals, such as alpha and beta hydroxy acids, to gently dissolve dead skin cells.

• Consider your skin type before choosing an exfoliation method. For example, dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin may prefer a mild chemical exfoliator, while oily, thicker skin may benefit from stronger chemical treatments or mechanical exfoliation.
• Be gentle to your skin. If using a scrub or chemical exfoliator, apply the product gently using small, circular motions for about 30 seconds, then rinse with lukewarm water.
• Always moisturize after exfoliating, as exfoliating can be drying to the skin.
• Find the right schedule for your skin type and chosen exfoliation method. Generally, more aggressive exfoliation methods require less frequent application.

By incorporating exfoliation into your skincare routine, you can help remove any remaining pollutants and promote healthier, more radiant skin.

Frequently asked questions