POLLUTION FIGHTING SKINCARE FOR BETTER SKIN

HOW DOES POLLUTION AFFECT YOUR SKIN?

“Pollution is one of the external factors that accelerates the skin ageing process,” Dr Rashmi Shetty explains.

Environmental factors create oxidative damage in the skin, which in turn, breaks down collagen and damages the skin barrier.

Collagen gives your skin strength and elasticity to maintain a great complexion. A lack of collagen can result in fine lines and dullness.

When your skin barrier gets damaged, you develop flaky, itchy skin.

POLLUTION ONLY AFFECTS CITY DWELLERS- TRUTH OR MYTH

When people think of pollution, they think about the air pollutants that is only associated with city living. Surprisingly, Dr Shetty tells us that everybody is affected by pollution; that includes people living in smaller towns.

However, people who live in cities are, more likely to experience premature skin ageing.

A recent study discovered that women who lived in highly polluted cities such as Delhi and Mumbai (compared to women in less polluted cities) had:

• significantly dehydrated skin
• lesser skin barrier function
• Significantly visible unhealthy skin

According to the study, these people were religiously practising a disciplined and healthy lifestyle but, yet had some of the below conditions; the cause of which was traced back to pollution.

• Hyperpigmentation
• Faster skin ageing
• Eczema

OTHER SOURCES OF POLLUTION THAT CAN AFFECT YOUR SKIN

Dr Rashmi Shetty says, “We are aware of how air pollution negatively impacts our skin, but we also need to know the other environmental aggressors that effect our skin.”

In addition to car exhaust,  smoke and other air pollutants, she says that other sources of pollution that can affect your skin include:

• UV light
• blue light from sun and screens
• polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
• nitrogen oxides
• particulate matter

DO ANTI-POLLUTION SKINCARE WORK?

You may have come across products that may be promoted as anti-pollution skincare.

But do they help?

Dr Rashmi Shetty warns us against getting carried away by advertisers and influencers trying to promote these products. Dr Shetty advises us to read the ingredients and decide accordingly.

She says that the best skin defence against pollutants is a good skincare regimen that includes the following

1. Antioxidants
2. Anti-inflammatory
3. SPF
4. Hydration