Summer felt so pure. Picnic dinners, ice cream every night, and campfires on the beach. However, in 2023 things will be a little different. Sorry to bring up the bad news, but climate change isn’t just triggering our apocalyptic Instagram posts. Thanks to a nasty early summer AQI (Air Quality Index), we’re once again in a mask war. And our skin doesn’t like it either. Sorry for the bad news, but as things get worse, many of us are looking to anti-pollution skincare to combat side effects like wrinkles and age spots.
Considering these gory details, it’s no wonder anti-pollution skin care is temporarily affected. With more brands declaring themselves ‘pollution-free’ and many hot beauty products claiming they protect skin from ‘chemical stressors’, we wonder, ‘What does that mean? maybe. Our skin is exposed to many potentially harmful chemicals, toxins and irritants every time we step outside. From the sun’s UV rays to man-made chemicals, our skin is under a constant onslaught of harmful substances. To get answers about the best anti-pollution skincare, we asked the experts.
Featured image from an interview with Marie Quadio Momouzame bellacy pictures.
Pollution-Resistant Skincare: What Estheticians Need to Know
Now that summer is here, most of us are spending as much time outdoors as possible. While spending time outdoors comes with benefits (vitamin D! serotonin!), it can also have hidden side effects. In the same way that you slather on sunscreen before going out, you need to be more conscious of your anti-pollution skin care routine.
Anti-pollution skin care addresses oxidative stress with antioxidants and other free radical-fighting ingredients. Ingredients that target contamination may have different abilities. Some actively fight pollutants, others reverse current signs of damage, and others help strengthen the skin’s barrier to prevent further damage. The ideal anti-pollution skin care routine is one that accomplishes all of these functions.
To help determine what to look for in anti-pollution skincare, I spoke with Erica Choi. super egg Founder and Certified Esthetician. Below, she breaks down how air pollution affects your skin and shares the best anti-pollution skin care tips available. Read about her kit for the ultimate anti-pollution skincare.
What is Contamination?
Pollution refers to harmful substances that enter the environment. Pollution exists in a wide variety of environments, although larger cities often have higher pollution levels due to population density and industrial activity. This is not limited to urban areas and can be influenced by factors such as industrial emissions, vehicle traffic, agricultural practices and natural phenomena. Pollution is therefore a concern that can affect different regions and is not limited to big cities.
What effect does pollution have on your skin?
Pollution affects the skin in many ways. It contains free radicals that damage skin cells and accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin, causing signs of premature aging such as wrinkles, skin discoloration and loss of elasticity. Some pollutants stimulate melanin production, causing blemishes and uneven skin tone. Pollution can also clog pores and cause skin imperfections.
In addition, pollution weakens the skin’s protective barrier, making it easier for harmful substances to enter. This penetration causes inflammation, redness, and increased sensitivity. Over time, chronic inflammation destroys the skin barrier, resulting in dryness, eczema, and acne.
How to protect your skin from pollution
Wear SPF every day. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun can intensify the harmful effects of pollution on the skin. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily to protect your skin from UV rays and pollution. Reapply frequently.
Cleans effectively. It is important to cleanse your skin at the end of the day to remove pollutants, dirt and impurities that have built up on your skin.Choose a gentle cleanser like ours Gentle Element Cleansing Foameffectively removes debris without stripping the skin’s natural oils.
Use skin care rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants play an important role in protecting the skin from the harmful effects of pollution. Incorporate skin care products that contain antioxidants into your daily routine.
Moisturizes the skin and strengthens the barrier. Keeping skin hydrated and maintaining a healthy skin barrier is essential for resilience against pollutants. Use moisturizers to nourish and strengthen the barrier and help protect against harmful substances.
Best anti-pollution ingredient
I wholeheartedly welcome the benefits of antioxidants. These ingredients are essential for combating free radicals, reducing oxidative stress, and delivering radiant, resilient skin. I especially love the vitamins C, B, and E, as well as the benefits of green tea extract (especially his EGCG), astaxanthin, snow mushrooms, and various ferments. These ingredients work together to protect against environmental damage and keep skin nourished and protected.
Here are some powerful antioxidants to look out for in anti-pollution skincare:
- Vitamin C
- Retinol (Vitamin A)
- Vitamin E
- niacinamide
- resveratrol
- Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
- Polyphenol
- flavonoid
- ferulic acid
- Astaxanthin
- Glutathione
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at a glance: A prebiotic, probiotic and postbiotic cleanser that gently removes impurities and pollution to protect and repair the skin barrier.
main ingredient: Apple amino acid, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics
at a glance: Barrier cleanser that balances skin and soothes inflammation and breakouts.
main ingredient: Lecithin, Microsilver BG™
at a glance: All-purpose facial spray that soothes irritated skin and has the seal of approval from the National Eczema Association.
main ingredient:Hypochlorous acid
at a glance: A daily powder exfoliant that fights pollutants and detoxes the skin.
main ingredient: Fruit enzyme, AHA, activated charcoal, niacinamide, red algae, cod fruit extract
at a glance: A revitalizing protection serum that uses the power of antioxidants and other nutrients to protect and brighten the skin.
main ingredient: Vitamin B, C, E, F, K, niacinamide, licorice root, seaweed, hyaluronic acid, tremella mushroom
at a glance: Restorative serum that softens blemishes and soothes irritation.
main ingredient: Niacinamide, vitamin C, amber algae, papaya, pineapple enzyme
at a glance: A lightweight serum containing plenty of antioxidants to protect against outdoor pollution and blue light.
main ingredient: Hyaluronic acid, vitamins A, C, E, cacao seeds, exopolysaccharides
at a glance: An exfoliating and nourishing overnight serum that builds and detoxifies the skin barrier.
main ingredient: AHA, phytic acid, fruit enzyme, spirulina, seaweed
at a glance: Moisturizer approved by makeup artists called ‘push-up bra in a bottle’ to instantly revitalize skin.
main ingredient: Peptides, rosehip oil, rosewater, aloe vera, vitamins A, C, E
at a glance: A detox mask that contains Icelandic Blue Lagoon ingredients to give natural glow.
main ingredient: Blue lagoon microalgae, blue lagoon silica
at a glance: This SPF protects the skin and protects it from the sun and air pollution.
main ingredient: Vitamin A, E, aloe
at a glance: Combination of setting spray and mist to protect skin from every angle.
main ingredient: Marine active ingredients, cod extract
at a glance: Light bronzing drops can be used as anti-pollution serum.
main ingredient: Cacao extract, peptide
