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Air pollution isn’t merely an environmental threat but a major concern for your skin.
We all are exposed to pollution at varying levels. However, those who spend hours outside or have homes or offices just next to the busy street are the worst victims.
Air pollution is a deadly combination of various elements, including particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, volatile organic compounds, and ozone.
Some of these particles are smaller than the pores of your skin. Thus, they get a seamless entry into the skin, venture deep into it, and wreak havoc.
Of course, you won’t feel these concerns immediately as they take time to show their true colors. But when they do, you cannot ignore them.
As a skin clinic in Pune, we receive several patients, most of whom spend their day in dust and pollution, with related skin concerns. Thus, we thought we must discuss the impact of air pollution and how to prevent skin concerns arising from it.
How Does Air Pollution Affect Your Skin?
Obviously, it does in various ways, depending on the individual and their skin’s response to pollution. However, some common problems we see, include;
Premature Aging
Pollution-induced free radicals break down collagen and elastic. This results in early wrinkles and sagging skin. Constant exposure to smog and traffic fumes makes people look older than they are!Hyperpigmentation
Excessive and prolonged exposure to pollution increases melanin production. It leads to dark spots, uneven skin tone, and melasma.Acne
Pollutant impurities settle on the skin, clog pores and cause inflammation. Higher sebum production along with toxins and dirt makes the skin a breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria.Dryness
Pollution makes the skin look dry, flaky, and sensitive. Redness and irritation are conditions our clients experience after spending time in pollution.
6 Ways to Prevent Air Pollution-Related Skin Problems – Tips from a Dermatologist in Pune
Of course, you cannot control pollution all alone. But the way you can take measures to reduce air pollution at your side, you can protect your skin from pollution. Although specific measures vary, here’s tips from a dermatologist in Pune that you can generally follow.
Deep and Gentle Cleansing
Cleanse your skin with a mild, sulfate-free cleanser to remove oil, pollutants, and dirt from your skin. You can also opt for double cleansing (an oil-based cleanser and then a water-based cleanser) to remove impurities without removing natural oils from the skin.Scrubbing
Scrubbing the skin only for 10-15 seconds daily can help the skin heal from the effects of pollution. However, you must use a dermatologist-recommended scrub to see positive effects.Create a Protective Barrier
Use a moisturizer hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides to create a protective shield on your skin. It can help pollutants from penetrating the skin and damaging it.Use an Antioxidant-Rich Serum
Antioxidants like vitamins C, E, and resveratrol help neutralize free radicals and safeguard the skin against oxidative stress.Apply Sunscreen
Sunscreen, as you would already know, protects the skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. It also traps the smog particles and prevents harmful chemicals from penetrating the skin. So, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher whether it is sunny or overcast to protect your skin.Detox
Our skin is gifted with an auto-healing or repair mechanism while you are asleep. However, using products with peptides, retinoids, and hyaluronic acid at night can help enhance the skin’s efforts in regeneration and reducing inflammation.
What Not to Do While Protecting the Skin from Air Pollution?
While you’ve seen what you can do, here’s what you must avoid while safeguarding your skin from the ill-effects of air pollution.
Skipping Sunscreen
Failing to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen can expose your skin to the sun’s harmful UV rays. So, ensure you apply it while stepping out.Over Washing Your Face
Excessive washing and cleaning the face can strip its natural oils, making it more prone to damage from pollutants. Thus, wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser.Using Harsh Scrubs
Over exfoliation can damage the skin’s barrier, increasing its sensitivity pollutants. Scrub only once a week with a mild exfoliant.Wearing Heavy Makeup Without Proper Cleansing
Pollutants can stick to your makeup and clog pores. Thus, ensure you double cleanse at the end of the day.Touching Your Face Frequently
Hands carry pollutants, germs and dirt. Hence, you must avoid touching your face frequently to avoid irritation and breakouts.Ignoring Hydration
Pollution dehydrates the face. Hence, you must you drink plenty of water and using hydrating serums like hyaluronic acid.Improper Diet
Your skin must be healthy from within to combat the various pollutants in the air. Thus, you must maintain a proper, rich and balanced diet to ensure your skin doesn’t succumb to pollution.Ignoring Antioxidants
Pollution can cause oxidative stress, resulting in premature aging. Thus, ignoring or skipping antioxidant-rich skincare can leave the skin unprotected and vulnerable to various skin-related concerns.
Don’t Let Your Skin Fall Prey to Pollution!
Visit us and find specific ways to protect your skin from the ill effects of pollution. We provide personalized skin treatment in Pune that helps you maintain skin health and combat the various external elements that affect it. As said earlier, you have little control over pollution. But you can keep your skin immune with preventive measures that suit your skin. And we are just the skin clinic in Pune that can help you do it. So, call us at +91 788 799 1919 and book an appointment with our experts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does air pollution affect the skin?
Some common concerns that air pollution causes include redness, inflammation, sagging skin, premature aging, hyperpigmentation, acne, and dryness.
Can air pollution cause itchiness?
Yes. Air pollution and itchiness are closely related. It can exacerbate conditions like dermatitis and eczema and lead to new skin irritants.
How does smog affect the skin?
Smog is a combination of smoke and fog. It can negatively impact the skin causing premature aging, worsening inflammatory skin conditions, and potentially increasing the chances of skin cancer.
