How Pollution Affects the Skin on Our Face and Neck

We all know how bad the sun is for our skin, but there is another less known nuisance and this is pollution. Things have improved in many ways since the Great London Smog, but as things have evolved, we now have lots of other pollutants in the air which are not great for our skin.

Our best advice for helping to protect your skin from pollution is to use high quality face products like ours, as excellent cleansing and moisturising helps to clear away the inflammation and protect our skin from further damage. Pollution can have lots of negative effects on our complexion and if you have ever wondered about this then find out more below.

Pollution significantly impacts the skin on our face and neck, leading to various dermatological issues. Airborne pollutants, such as particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds, can penetrate the skin's outer barrier, causing inflammation and accelerating the ageing process. Prolonged exposure to these contaminants can result in increased occurrences of irritation due to the skin's altered immune response. Additionally, pollutants can generate free radicals, which break down collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and a loss of skin elasticity. It is crucial to cleanse and protect the skin regularly to mitigate these adverse effects, ensuring a healthier and more resilient complexion.

Pollution not only affects the skin's appearance but also its overall health. The accumulation of pollutants on the skin can disrupt its natural pH balance, making it more susceptible to infection and irritation. This is especially concerning for those with skin conditions such as rosacea or sensitive skin. Furthermore, exposure to pollution has been linked to an increase in many health conditions.

To combat pollution's harmful effects on our skin, we recommend incorporating products with lots of nutrients and protection for your skin, like those found in our anti-ageing range. We especially love the way that natural ingredients can help with this.

Nutrients can help neutralise free radicals and protect against environmental stressors. These include ingredients like vitamins and minerals, which often occur naturally in plants. 

In addition to preventative measures, it is vital to regularly cleanse the skin to remove pollutants that have accumulated throughout the day. Double cleansing, using effective but kind face cleansers like ours is a great option, and can effectively remove both oil-soluble and water-soluble impurities from the skin's surface. Exfoliating regularly can also help remove any pollutants that have become embedded in the skin's pores.

Apart from external protection, it is essential to nourish and strengthen our skin internally. A diet rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids can help support the skin's barrier function and combat inflammation caused by pollution. Foods like berries, leafy greens, fatty fish, and nuts are great sources of these nutrients. Additionally, staying hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day can also aid in flushing out toxins from the body.

Sadly pollution can have a significant impact on our skin's health and appearance. By incorporating protective measures into our skincare routine and nourishing our skin from within, we can help combat the harmful effects of pollution and maintain healthy, radiant skin. Remember to always read the ingredient labels on skincare products and choose ones with good quality natural ingredients, regularly cleanse and exfoliate plus moisturise, wear sunscreen when outside and maintain a balanced diet for optimal skin health in today's polluted world.