The Impact of Pollution on the Skin

An January 02, 2018 article from MD Magazine giving advice to beat back the effects of air pollution, including fine particulate matter. Because air pollution causes oxidative stress, our bodies’ production of Reactive Oxygen Species, or ROS, increases. These ROS, which include newly formed free radicals, then overwhelm our bodies’ own antioxidant network by inflicting sustained damage over time. To fight back, the author recommends a daily regimen of: Double Cleansing, Skin Hydration, Sunscreen Protection, and Topical Antioxidants.
We fight pollution with every product, including our Antioxidant Balancing Mist, Moisturizers, Eye Cream, Treatments, Exfoliating Mud Mask and Cleansers.
The world is rapidly changing. [The human body], starting with the skin, is under ever greater assault from pollution and toxic elements in the environment that it has not yet evolved enough to neutralize on its own
This is mostly from oxidative stress, which is defined as an over-production of destructive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and an inability of the body’s natural antioxidant network to neutralize them before they do damage to skin and other organs. The generation of ROS is initiated by 3 major components relating to pollution: particulate matter, ozones, and aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AhR)
Anti-Pollution Measures To Protect and Restore Your Skin
Cleansing: I recommend a 2-step process for cleansing. The first is using a cleansing wipe or makeup remover pad and a second pass or wash with a cleanser to remove any remaining makeup, dirt, grime or pollution left on the skin. Cleansing brushes work better than just using your hands to wash your face
Hydration: By both drinking water and using excellent skin products is key in making sure the skin functions at its best in protecting and strengthening the natural skin barrier.
UV Protection: It is still one of the biggest environmental stressors. An SPF product should always be part of the daily skin care routine.
Antioxidants: I recommend it in both topical and oral forms. These include Vitamin A, C, D, B-complex and B3, as noted above.”