Pollution has been causing havoc to people in many ways, especially to the urbanites. But if we talk in the context of skin, environmental factors like car exhaust, Ultraviolet (UV )rays, smog, etc, get attached to the skin and deteriorate the skin's health. So the question arises, is there a way to combat this impact on your skin? Can anti-pollution skincare protect my skin? To shed light on the same, we spoke to our expert Sherin Bhan, Cosmetologist and Co-Founder, Studio 1915 Luxury Aesthetic Clinic, Faridabad, who explained the role of anti-pollution skincare routine.
The Impact of Pollution on Skin
Did you know your skin is the first to get harmed by the pollutants of all your organs? “This not only triggers the surface of the skin but also leads to an accumulation of toxins. This results in premature ageing, dryness, rashes, allergic reactions, etc,” informed Bhan.
Is Skincare The Solution?
“It is important to adjust to provide a potential defence against the damaging impacts of pollution. Few products are there that claim to be effective, however, here comes the question that we often get asked by our clients: Can anti-pollution skincare resolve skin concerns? Or is this another marketing stunt?”, highlighted Bhan.
To understand the effectiveness of the anti-pollution skincare product, we first need to comprehend the nature and severity of the skin damage.
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Antioxidants in Anti-Pollution Skincare
One common element or component that can be found in almost all anti-pollution skincare products is antioxidants. Vitamin C and E are known to be antioxidants, which are capable of neutralising free environmental radicals, like preventing premature ageing.
“Scientifically, these antioxidants do have power, but the real challenge is to formulate products that deliver these ingredients to the skin and maintain their effectiveness for a longer time. However, studies have proved the efficacy of anti-pollution skincare. According to research, certain formulations do have the capability to reduce the impact of pollution,” informed Bhan.
According to the study by the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (JCD), following laser treatments, individuals who took an antioxidant serum containing ferulic acid, C, and E twice daily for two weeks saw a higher reduction in dark spots on their skin related to pollution.
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Holistic Approach to Skincare
Skincare and all are good, but the inclusion of a quality lifestyle, exercise, and a healthy diet plays a vital role in preserving skin health.
“Another thing one must keep in mind is the geographical location, the effectiveness of anti-pollution skincare highly depends on the individual’s geographical location and the type and severity of the weather there,” added Bhan.
Urbanites are more prone to having skin issues due to poor air quality, which is why it is expected that people from urban areas follow a robust skincare routine. One can have a one-on-one consultation and customise a product according to the severity of the issue and air quality.
Message From The Expert
Bhan highlighted, “Here’s a heads-up, skin care is not a one-size-fits-all solution. One must follow a healthy diet and scrutinise the products they are using. Blindly following a skincare routine can lead to negative effects. Hence, it is advisable to curate the skincare routine according to the skin type and concern only. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle alongside a dedicated skincare routine, as unhealthy lifestyle choices can negatively impact skin health.”
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your dermatologist for a skincare recommendation according to your skin type and needs.]