Healthy skin is our ticket to youth—not literally—but it sure can leave people guessing our age. Skin is the largest organ of our body and it shields our internal organs from the onslaught of external forces. But considering the kinds of onslaught it has to deal with, there’s little wonder that skin concerns are increasing in today’s day and age. One big factor that contributes to a lot of skin issues is pollution.
Effects of Pollution
Skin absorbs significant amounts of environmental pollution. Air pollution, especially particle matter and soot found in fumes released by vehicular traffic, can strip the skin of Vitamin E. It causes clustering of melanin producing cells giving rise to dark spots and pigmentation, as well as collagen breakdown, which results in wrinkles. Add to this the problems of clogged pores (which is the main cause of acne) and dead skin accumulation resulting in dull skin.
There is not much we can do to avoid pollution, especially in urban areas since it is all around us at all times. What we can do and should do is protect our skin as much as we can from it.
Ways to counter its effects
Drink at least eight glasses of water a day to help hydrate skin as well and help cell renewal
Wash the face properly, definitely twice a day, but if possible even three times a day so as to clear it of impurities. If the face wash is one with light exfoliating properties, that’s even better since it will help get rid of the accumulated dead skin cells also. If not, make sure to exfoliate skin twice a week to pave the way for clearer skin.
Hydrate your skin, especially the face, neck and hands, with products that have antioxidant properties, Vitamin C and or Vitamin E.
Use reparative masks to help hydrate and rejuvenate the skin further.
A home remedy to try is to apply aloe vera directly from the plant to the skin. But if that is not available then products that have aloe vera will also help.
Always treat your skin like silk. Take care of it and protect it from environmental factors that can strip it and hurt it. Love your skin so that it loves you right back and you look beautiful always!
Stay Pretty!
XOXO
LRT
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Written by Fleur Xavier and Nethra Raghuraman on May 07, 2014