Anti-pollution products are becoming ever more popular. But what triggered the need for anti-pollution beauty, and which products do you need in your routine?
Here’s the kicker when it comes to pollutants: everyday exposure can degrade cells and compromise the healthy glow our skin can have. Experts say that not only do environmental pollutants have the ability to damage the skin, they also play a big role in premature ageing.
Dr. Sarah Shah told Vogue that: “Pollution particles, sometimes 20 times smaller than pores, can infiltrate deeper layers of the epidermis, causing not only inflammation and dehydration, but also a cellular-level reaction that leads to lost elasticity and firmness.”
This is not a good thing if you want your skin to retain its youthful bloom for as long as possible.
Why pollution is bad news
When pollution infiltrates the skin, it creates free radicals, highly unstable molecules that move around inside the epidermis, injuring healthy cells.
DNA-damaging free radicals that result from environmental pollutants, including car exhausts and industrial waste, can permanently mutate cells, compromising their regenerative capabilities.
In the short term, free radicals can compromise your skin’s protective barrier which leads to redness, sensitivity and inflammation; longer term, toxins lead to fine lines, dehydration and reduced elasticity, which can make skin appear tired, dull and prematurely aged.
Some experts believe pollutants can cause uneven skin tone, dark spots, dryness, wrinkles, sagging and an acceleration of collagen deterioration.
There is evidence that the polluting particles we come into contact with every day can result in the type of skin ageing seen with repeated exposure to UV light.
Tackling pollution – face first
Sadly, modern day living – particularly in a city – makes it virtually impossible to avoid the pollutants that create a harmful environment for your skin.
Until recently, there were only a few targeted anti-pollution products, but the market has developed and now there is an abundant choice of treatments specifically designed to protect the skin from pollution.
Introducing an anti-pollutant step to your beauty regime will help to limit the damage:
Dermalogica Age Smart Superfoliant – this superfine powder removes pollutants and can help to ward-off accelerated skin ageing for firmer, healthier-looking skin.
Medik8 Physical Sunscreen – this innovative, daily protection sunscreen is reinforced with anti-pollution, anti-infrared and anti-A.G.E. technologies to shield skin from environmental aggressors whilst preventing fine lines and wrinkles.
Decleor Hydra Floral Anti Pollution Hydrating Gel Cream (https://www.beautyflash.co.uk/p5018/decleor-hydra-floral-anti-pollution-hydrating-gel-cream.html?deriv=50ml) – drawing on the hydrating and anti-pollution properties of nature, the moringa oleifera extract in this active lotion acts as a protective film on the skin’s surface against pollution particles.
Ren Skincare Flash Defence Anti Pollution Mist – instantly protecting skin from major urban pollutants, this fine mist shields and protects the skin from the ageing effects of harmful free radicals.
Elemis Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules – try a powerful anti-pollution detox for your skin: these capsules contain antioxidants to physically repair the visible signs of ageing and counteract the damaging effects of pollution by sweeping your network of skin cells clean, ridding it of harmful toxins.
Decleor Hydra Floral Everfresh Hydrating Light Cream– to refresh, illuminate and protect your skin this 98% natural-origin light cream with hydrating, anti-pollution and super antioxidant power contributes to glowing, fresh skin.
Elemis Limited Edition Pro Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm – with delicate English rose to dissolve make-up, daily grime and pollutants.
Balance Me Congested Skin Sheet Mask – designed for combination or oily skin, the gentle formula in this sheet mask works beautifully on complexions that are inflamed or irritated by sun, pollution and stress.
