When I lived in New York City full-time it definitely took a toll on my skin. The daily free radical exposure due to big city smog speeds up skin aging and creates various skin inflammations. Whenever a prolonged and repetitive exposure to environmental stressors exceeds the skin's normal defensive potential, there is a disturbance in the skin barrier function leading to the development of various skin diseases.
Our skin has a natural protective barrier to defend itself against the daily elements, but it’s certainly not immune to the effects of pollution. While skin may offer a shield against chemicals and particles present in pollution, over time, exposure to such pollutants can lead to a compromised skin barrier because the outer layer of skin is composed of lipids, or fat cells, that bind healthy skin cells together for a smoother finish. Ozone, or air pollution, damages lipids, leading to ongoing inflammation and a breakdown of skin’s natural protective barrier, which subsequently damages DNA. The end result is skin that appears much older than it is. Air pollutants exert a harmful effect on the skin by increasing oxidative stress which counters the skin's antioxidant defenses. There is a depletion of enzymatic and non-enzymatic (Vitamin E, Vitamin C and glutathione) antioxidant capacity.
How to Protect Skin Against Air Pollution
Your skin’s natural barrier offers the best defense against the effects of air pollution, but it needs a little help to recover from the damage it takes.
1. Through Skincare Routine
Using our Stephanie K Cell Regenerating Face Oil twice daily (mornings and before bedtime) helps supporting your skin’s protective barrier fighting free radical damage and naturally boosting healthy skin cell renewal. Our Oil helps fighting against collagen breakdown, premature wrinkling, uneven pigmentation, ongoing inflammation, depletion of minerals and dehydration through its bioactive minerals and powerful antioxidants. Learn more about our potent Ingredients. Antioxidants used in our formula such as vitamin C and vitamin E proven to neutralize free radicals and gradually repair the skin.
As always, cleansing should be top priority, particularly after a long day in town. However, don’t make the mistake of thinking that staying indoors all day means you don’t have to cleanse at all—pollution can be a concern indoors as well. At the very least, cleanse your face, neck, and chest for one minute with a gentle, antioxidant-rich cleanser to neutralize free radicals and remove particles from skin’s surface. Once per week it is recommended to use an enzyme exfoliator to get rid of dead skin cells and pollutants.
2. Through an antioxidant Diet
Tomatoes
Loaded with lycopene, beta-carotene and vitamin C, tomatoes reduce airway inflammation and prevent the risk of asthma and other respiratory issues. It also slows down lunch aging and keeps free radical levels in check.
Ginger contains gingerol and other compounds, which can help in reducing inflammation in the body, thus reducing cough. Studies have shown that ginger can act as a decongestant and has the ability to remove toxins from the body.
Tumeric
Your body needs antioxidants to fights the toxic effects of pollutants. Turmeric has been used as an effective antioxidant for thousands of years. A mixture of turmeric and ghee eases cough and asthma and flushes out toxins from the liver, thereby preventing several lunch and liver relation health conditions.
Vitamin C
Fruits that are rich in vitamin C such as oranges, kiwi, guava, lemon and grapefruits reduce the harmful effects of pollutants on the lungs. Consuming a minimum of 40mg of vitamin C every day is essential to diminish the effects of air pollution on your body.
Spinach
Boost your immunity system by including a serving of spinach in your diet. Enriched with beta-carotene, chlorophyll, magnesium and other essential nutrients spinach provides the immunity system with everything it requires to combat the effects of fog. They also remove any strain caused by smog in the lungs.
Green Tea / Matcha
Brimming with health benefits, weight loss is not the only benefit green tea has to offer. This antioxidant rich tea helps get rid of toxins in the body. Consuming two cups is recommended daily.
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