The World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed that almost all of the global population (99%) breathe air that exceeds guideline limits, with the air containing high levels of pollutants.
“Particular Matter (PM) are harmful contaminates suspended in the air and considering that many of us are living in poor air environments we are most likely exposed to them,” says Dr Bradley Wagemaker.
PMs not only affect your lungs, but also penetrate the skin and wreak havoc via oxidative stress.
Our skin has a microbiome that needs to stay in balance to protect the skin and body. However, air pollution disrupts the microbiome and when the PMs penetrate the skin, the body’s barrier function is impaired. This increases the risk of inflammatory skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, acne and psoriasis. Dr Wagemaker says that in addition, with unprotected sun exposure, PMs will accelerate premature ageing and can increase hyperpigmentation by up to 20%. They also activate receptors in the cells that significantly reduce collagen production while increasing collagenase, an enzyme that breaks down collagen.
The most effective defence would be an improvement in air quality but for many of us who live in cities this is not a possibility, and while it would be great if we were able to not go outside when pollution levels were too high, it is just not feasible. So, Dr Wagemaker provides some advice that is more easily included in your daily routine to create an ultimate defence:
Including products with antioxidants, such as vitamin C, E and B3 can decrease the presence of damaging free radicals and the effect of pollution on the skin.
By including Lamelle Research Laboratories’ Helase Urban Defence 30 in your morning routine you will not only protect your skin from PMs but also the damaging effects of the sun. Potent antioxidants reduce the impact of PM driven ageing, inflammation and hyperpigmentation. Providing your skin with a combination of broad-spectrum solar protection, powerful antioxidant defences, cellular mutation identification and repair.
Your diet can play an important part in counteracting the effects of pollution on your skin. Try limiting fried foods, processed foods, sugar, refined flour and alcohol, while including foods with antioxidants such as cherries, blueberries, tomatoes, nuts and leafy green vegetables.
Reducing stress and optimising sleep are both powerful lifestyle changes that can help reduce the effects of pollution.
“When protecting your skin from pollution it is important to routinely do so by applying a defence skin protector daily and including antioxidants, detoxifiers and nourishment to restore the skin health,” says Dr Wagemaker.
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