From premature aging to skin cancer, the invisible air pollutants hanging in the air pose a varying threat not only to our respiratory health but also to our skin.
Type of Pollutants caused by Air Pollution
Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR)
Primarily arising from the sun helps provide vitamin D essential to the human body however, its excess exposure can lead to deeper skin damage causing premature ageing, wrinkles, sunburns or even skin cancer.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
Originating from the incomplete combustion of material of living things, PAHs are the most commonly transmitted toxic compounds found in the medium of smoke through cigarettes or exhaust fumes which might just look like normal smoke. This PAH is over time responsible for accelerating skin aging diseases, triggering oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage along with this some may even affect the eyes, kidneys, and liver, breaking the collagen down due to the exposure of tar and other pollutants that results in sagging and dull skin.
Particulate Matter (PM)
Arising from both natural and human-made sources like dust, pollen, vehicle exhaust, etc. particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) consists of very small particles that are there in the air. these matters can seep into our skin, rupturing the barrier, and causing irritation and conditions like acne.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
VOCs originate from different natural and human-made sources like plants, industrial processes, indoor air pollution, etc. They are released as gases from different liquids or solids which often can lead to irritation, redness in the skin, itching, and causing several allergic reactions even cancer which can be dreadful for human health.
Ozone (O₃)
Appearing as a pale blue gas, ozone is formed as a result of reactions of sunlight radiation or ultraviolet (UV) along with molecular oxygen (O₂) and other human activities. this may contribute to aging. and lowering general skin health, weakening the skin's ability to hold onto moisture.
Some Effects of these Pollutants:
Skin Aging & Dullness:
the growing stress among the people living in metropolitan areas, along with these polluted matters can firstly, sitting on our face can make your face look dull and also cause skin aging due to attack to collagen which causes skin sagging.
Acne:
Once the dust and dirt get settled onto your skin, it can cause clogging of skin pores which is essentially like a blockage of tiny skin openings that were supposed to release sweat, regulate sebum, etc but now due to the clog leads to acne with redness, whiteheads, blackheads and papules over body parts.
Atopic dermatitis (AD):
Also known as eczema, atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition under which an individual can suffer from dry, itchy skin. Hazardous gases like nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM) can lead to the development and aggravation of this condition since due to these pollutants and oxidative stress the skin barrier can get damaged leading to increased water loss and effecting skin microbes.
Techniques to protect your skin
Applying sunscreen with good SPF regularly can guard you from harmful UVR.
Intaking antioxidants like vitamins C and E can help you neutralize pollutants, stimulate collagen reduce Skin inflammation , and even help to maintain the natural skin barrier.
Using indoor air purifiers like uBreathe can also help you to reduce your indoor pollutants minimizing allergens, improving your quality of sleep leading to better healing of skin in the environment you live.
Regularly cleansing your skin can help you remove the dust and dirt from your body also making you feel fresh.
Using barrier repair serums and creams like hyaluronic acid and ceramides can help you lock moisture, and create a barrier between your skin, thus protecting you from harmful pollutants.
Our skin is the first barrier of defense,
thus, making it the most important to protect and nurture, ensure that you start taking measures to guard your gentle skin.
uBreathe's commitment to clean air and respiratory wellness provides valuable solutions and resources. With their innovative air purifiers and guidance on air quality management, individuals can create healthier indoor environments.
Comentarios