Guest Post: How to Protect Your Skin From External Pollutants

Pollution does not only affect the natural environment but also human health. While there are more serious effects brought about by pollution to the human body, examples of which are cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, most individuals are not aware that pollutants, such as dust, smog and dirt, also produce grave consequences to the skin. To prevent the untimely appearance of dry, aged skin cells, people should be aware of ways on how to protect the skin from external pollutants.

 • Skin Protection from Air Pollution 

 Air pollution is generally the number one culprit for damaged skin cells. Proper facial hygiene with the use of daily cleansers is of extreme importance. Further cleansing is achieved when exfoliation is done twice a week.

In addition, moisturizing should be also carried out everyday as this does not only hydrate the skin but also effectively serves as a protection from free radicals, which are typically present in dust, smog and dirt. These air pollutants eat up the oxygen in the skin, thereby resulting in skin damage.

• Skin Protection from Sun Exposure 

Due to the thinning ozone layer caused by pollution, more harmful rays of the sun are able to penetrate the earth and reach the skin. To prevent the formation of fine lines and eventually cancer of the skin due to UV radiation overexposure, people must consider wearing sunscreen every single day, especially on sensitive areas like the neck and face.

 Gloomy days are not an exception at all. Ensure that a sunscreen’s sun protection factor (SPF) would not go lower than 15. To save oneself from purchasing too many products, it is wise to select moisturizers and cosmetics that already include a good amount of SPF in them.

Moreover, special consideration should be taken on the areas surrounding the eyes since it is in here where crow’s feet or fine wrinkles easily form. To give additional protection to this region, a nice pair of sunglasses is recommended. Aside from this, aloe may be applied on the skin as a post-sun exposure regimen.

• Skin Protection from Water Pollution 

Although increased oral water intake is recommended to give further hydration and promote skin regeneration, it is still important to properly select the type of water that keep in contact with the body’s integumentary system. Water pollution does not only threaten one’s digestive wellbeing but also the healthiness of the skin.

The chlorine in tap water is no good to the skin’s health since according to the New York Department of Health, it is also known as a toxic substance that could bring about premature skin aging and eventual skin damage. This is due to the fact that such chemical could seep into the dermis and may remove natural oils; hence, the skin is prone to dryness, cracks and wrinkles. Therefore, chlorine should be filtered from drinking water, and people should apparently spend less time in swimming pools.

Lastly, to successfully eliminate the amount of external pollutants that enter the body, one should increase the intake of antioxidants that aim to remove free radicals in the human system. Green tea, organic fruits and vegetables as well as foods rich in Vitamin A, C and E are great sources of antioxidants.

Sophia Mendelshon is the owner of the Obaging and Beauty-Spot websites, both of which focus on giving valuable pieces of information on Obagi products and beauty tips, respectively. You may check out her most recent posts on popular Obagi products as well as home remedies to grow eyelashes.

PS - Thank you so much, Sophia, for your amazingly informative post!!