How To Protect The Skin From Pollution

It is important to eat foods rich in antioxidants to help stop the action of free radicals. It is recommended to use moisturizers daily, and also sunscreens that help protect us from UV rays.

It is very common to wonder how pollution affects the skin and what can be done to protect it. Premature skin aging is believed to  be due to environmental factors and not to the passage of time or the pace of modern life.

However, some studies and research highlight the fact that there is a close relationship between skin deterioration and pollution. Furthermore, it is believed that this relationship could explain why people today have to fight aging from an earlier age.

Although it is not visible to the naked eye, in the air there are particles of smoke, dust and / or industrial chemicals, among others. The skin tends to absorb them, thus altering cell function and reducing its ability to regenerate.

Added to this, we also expose ourselves to UV rays from the sun. These cause the body to generate free radicals, which are molecules that are produced every day in our body and in turn, can cause cell damage.

One way to avoid premature wrinkles due to environmental factors is to avoid prolonged exposure in places where pollution is concentrated, as well as to protect yourself from the sun.

As a preventive measure, daily care routines can be adopted that help reduce the impact of the environment on our skin and thus stimulate its regeneration.

Protect the skin with a double cleanse

Proper cleaning is the first step to remove harmful particles and all the dirt that accumulates on the skin during the day.

Many people are aware that they are exposed to more contamination, so they should consider the habit of “double cleaning”. It consists of first cleaning the surface of the skin and then doing it in the deepest part.

How to do it?

• It is recommended that, when you get home, you first apply a facial cleanser. The woman, naturally due to the use of makeup, must eliminate all those beauty products that were on her face during the day.
• Once the entire face is cleaned, a good idea is to use a natural toner to do a much more thorough cleaning than the first one done with the cleanser.

Exfoliation

Exfoliating treatments are designed to remove dead skin cells. In addition, they stimulate the repair of that layer that is exposed to contamination.

Although it is beneficial to protect the skin, its use should not be done on a regular basis. Too much exfoliation can alter the pH of the skin.

How to do it?

• The ideal is to do it during the shower, to apply the product all over the body and then rinse.
• Some exfoliating products may be found on the market, but there are also alternatives. For example, you can mix two tablespoons of sugar with one of coconut oil and rub it over the body with gentle circular massages, wait 10 minutes and rinse with plenty of warm water.

Consumption of antioxidants

Foods that contain antioxidants play a very important role in overall health. Being absorbed by the body, they can help control the action of free radicals.

Its consumption is a main way to take advantage of the benefits for skin care. It is known that recently, the cosmetic industry is adding them to beauty products so that people can apply them directly. Among the foods rich in antioxidants we can find :

• Garlic and onion
• Berries
• Nuts
• Grape seeds, grapes and blueberries
• Citrus fruits
• Carrot and tomato
• Green Tea
• Cocoa and chocolate
• Red wine

Use moisturizer every day

Moisturizers help keep the skin moist. In this way they contribute to creating a protective barrier against environmental agents that pollute it.

The ideal is to choose a good quality moisturizer, depending on the needs of each skin type. It should be applied every day after showering and, if possible, before going to sleep.

Use sunscreen

Last but not least, we have sun protection. Currently there are a variety of protective products that prevent UV rays and all those signs that are formed because of it.

This product is an effective way to protect the skin. In addition, exposure to the sun between 10 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon should be avoided, since this is the time period in which the rays reach the skin with more intensity.

It is suggested to consult a specialist in the area so that the use of moisturizers and sunscreen better suits the skin, since each person has different characteristics.