Pollution And Skin Ageing - What's The Connect?

15 Jan 2021

air pollution Lifestyle Skin

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You can’t stop thinking about what you did wrong when you see wrinkles and other visible signs of ageing on your skin at 30. Even after doing your best at maintaining good skin and health, you get the opposite results and wonder how did it all go wrong. All your efforts went in vain because of one factor that never crossed your mind as a threat to your skin – pollution. Yes, air pollution is not only harmful for your lungs and overall health but also your skin. In this article, we explore how air pollution can harm your skin, accelerate ageing and what can you do to protect it.

Air Pollution And Skin Ageing

Air pollution is prematurely ageing the faces of city dwellers. The toxic fumes and pollutants are accelerating the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, age spots and other blemishes. It is also being linked to worsening some skin conditions like eczema and hives.

Several studies done on the urban population of various countries have found that people living in highly polluted areas have significantly bad skin hydration and skin barrier functions. The poor air quality of a locality can have a negative impact on your skin and lead to the aggravation of comedones (small bumps on forehead and chin), acne, and blackheads. In addition, prolonged exposure to air pollution tends to increase the degeneration of the skin collagen which speeds up the process of skin ageing .

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Pollutants in the form of nano dirt particles can enter the skin cells and lead to oxidation. Gases emitted from vehicles and factories such as nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide can have a harsh effect on the skin and its appearance, making it look dehydrated, dull and old .

Additionally, pollution can cause skin irritation, rashes, breakout and other serious skin diseases.

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Protect Your Skin From Pollution

Cover You Face: Cover your face and head with a scarf or dupatta while going out, especially when you are travelling to longer distances. This will act as a barrier between your skin and the pollutants that can harm your skin.

Carry Wet Wipes: Carry a small pack of wet wipes with you while travelling and keep cleaning your face with it whenever you can. It’ll not only help you clean your skin, but also prevent pollutants from entering your skin cells and damaging them.

Protect Your Skin From The Sun: Apply sunscreen when you go out especially during noon time when the heat of the sun is most damaging.

Moisturize: Pollutants can turn your skin dry and dehydrate it. Therefore, it is essential to moisturize it well to retain the hydration. Use a moisturizer on your skin every night before sleeping.

Oil Massage: Take an oil bath or an oil massage at least twice a month to replenish your skin of its oils.

Face Wash: Wash your face thoroughly after you come back home. Use a mild face wash or lukewarm water with soap.

Natural Face Packs: Pamper your skin with natural face packs once a week to revive its glow.

Elizabeth Bangera

Armed with an MSc. in Food, Nutrition, and Dietetics, Elizabeth wears many hats and is skilled in everything from weight loss to diabetes and cardiac care management.