Air pollutants are everywhere—indoors, outdoors, and in rural and urban environments. Despite the fact that most people associate air pollution with hazy cities or towering chimneys in industrial settings, indoor spaces are home to a surprisingly high concentration of airborne contaminants that can harm our skin. The fuels we use to cook and the heating sources that make our living spaces comfortable are examples of these, as are the everyday home items we utilize.

Harmful Effects of Pollution on Skin

Let’s start by briefly defining airborne contaminants. Airborne pollutants are substances that alter the natural atmosphere, contaminate our surroundings, and, regrettably, affect our skin. Although there are many more, pollutants usually fall into one of two categories:

• Heavy metals like lead
• Gases like carbon monoxide

Tobacco smoke, smog, and carbon monoxide contribute to free radicals, which are the source of early aging symptoms.

Skincare Ingredients with Anti-Pollution Properties

Numerous skincare brands and products have emerged with the designation "anti-pollution." However, the term "anti-pollution" is unregulated, just like many other aspects of the skincare sector. It’s preferable to concentrate on the particular components that could lessen the consequences of pollution.

Antioxidants are effective instruments for preventing the damaging effects of pollution on the skin since pollution is associated with free radicals and oxidative stress. Free radicals are bound by antioxidants before they can impair the function of skin cells.

In a laboratory environment, frequently applying skincare antioxidants like ferulic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin E to skin cells avoids pollution-induced damage. Additional anti-pollution and antioxidant components in skincare products include:

• Vitamin A
• Retinol
• Niacinamide
• Resveratrol
• Ferulic acid

Using potent moisturizers like hyaluronic acid and ceramides, along with your Pollutant Protection Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++, daily can assist because pollution can cause dry skin. By preventing pollutants from entering the body and causing oxidative stress, moisturizing also helps to improve the skin barrier.

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Sun Exposure and Pollution

Pollution and sun exposure combine to cause free radical damage to the skin. In addition to causing free radicals in the skin on their own, UV radiation can intensify the oxidative stress caused by some contaminants.

Therefore, it’s critical to incorporate appropriate sun protection into any skincare routine that aims to reduce pollution, such as:

• Applying sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 each day, even in overcast conditions and indoors (recommended: Pollutant Protection Sunscreen)
• Donning protective gear such as UV-blocking eyeglasses and hats with large brims
• Staying out of direct sunlight to protect your skin

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