Truth In Aging Series – Air Pollution

Can Pollution Push Your Skin to Age?

Air pollution surrounds us almost every second of every day. Especially if you live in a high-traffic area like a city, you are constantly exposed to a stream of destructive particles that wreak havoc on your health and our environment as a whole.  If you read our article ‘Organic Air and the Toxins We Breathe,’ then you know that air pollution is directly responsible for hundreds upon thousands of chronic health conditions, illnesses, and deaths in the United States alone.The World Health Organization recently labeled nanoparticles of different air pollutions as carcinogens, as they contribute to oxidative damage – which enhances and speeds up the aging process.

It also causes your skin and hair to age more quickly as well. Since your skin is constantly exposed to these carcinogens, it experiences the most damage from this type of exposure. Thus, you could potentially look older than your actual age from living in the city. It makes you think twice about breathing or walking outside, does it not? We live in an environment where these nanoparticles are produced on a daily basis, via transportation, factories, and emissions from households. It is a common factor that most people experience, and should understand. Face naturals gives you the details on how it makes you look older, and what you can do about it.

Perpetual Exposure to Pollutants

A variety of different air pollutants circulate through the atmosphere, including ground level ozone, particulate matter, greenhouse gases, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, heavy metals, and nitrogen dioxide. These are barely the tip of the ice burg, as many other types of pollution can also float around – up to one hundred and eighty seven variations. Many of these particles are up to twenty times smaller than the size of your pores, making it easy for them to enter into your skin. These small particles are often called particulate matter, and can effect up to eighty percent of the world’s population. Exposure to these particles can cause up to ninety percent of the visible signs of aging.

Around two hundred thousand Americans die an early death each year as a result of prolonged or extensive exposure to air pollution. Deaths related to pollution often occur up to ten years earlier than normal. This is especially true for Baltimore, Maryland, one of the cities with the highest rates of pollution and pollution-related deaths per year. Air pollution is so great, that it must be measured by the ton, which adds up each and every year. With all the deaths related to pollution, imagine what it can do to your skin as a result? Think you are not a candidate for premature aging? Think again. And if you already have many signs of aging, these may be the reasons why.

Once these nanoparticles enter into the pores, they begin to break down the collagen and elastin reserves responsible for keeping your skin supple and firm. They literally eat away at these proteins, contributing to thinner, saggier skin prone to wrinkles and fine lines. These particles also deplete your epidermis’s ability to uptake oxygen, suffocating it. Sometimes, the particles of pollution will gather in one specific area of skin, and create a concentrated amount of melanin to develop in an attempt to protect the inner layers of skin. Nanoparticles are also known for inhibiting blood flow, thus curtailing your skin’s ability to absorb nutrients.

The end result? You could start to show signs of premature aging as early as thirty years old, and the chances of aging aesthetics increase time and further exposure. The concentrations of melanin your skin produces in an attempt to protect itself will create age spots. Hyperpigmentation will occur all over the body as well. Sagging skin on the jowls and neck, deep wrinkles, and fine lines develop as they pollutants destroy the collagen and elastin. Your skin has difficulty absorbing water, causing dehydration to further the appearance of sagging and wrinkles. Since blood circulation is inhibited, you may develop spidery veins as a result of your circulatory system working too hard to get the blood to your skin.

These effects may not worry you now, but there are more immediate results from air pollution contacting your skin as well. Your pores may seem larger from the particles collecting inside of them, and the epidermal lipid layer will not develop or perform properly. This is because the more congested your pores become, the less sebum they are able to produce, making it difficult for your skin to recreate the protective lipid layer. The lack of oxygenation will create a dull, lackluster complexion. Plus, you could become more prone to blemishes from acne or skin reaction from allergens floating around. The dehydration will cause your skin to become dry and flakey, with an inflexible appearance. Add the uneven tone and blemishes, and you will not get a pretty picture from pollution exposure.

Plus, pollution affects your immune system’s ability to function, and as a result will negatively impact your skin. It will become more difficult for your skin to fight off infections, and could result in more sensitivities, reactions, and potential for irritation. This is especially more common as people age, since their skin tends to become thinner and more fragile with the passing of time to begin with. As your skin’s ability to flush out toxins decreases, your allergic reactions and sensitivity will definitely increase.

All of these problems may seem very difficult to manage, and nearly impossible to get rid of since you cannot simply pack up and move to a less polluted region. Besides, pollution is all around us – even in rural areas, as many farms shower their crops with poisonous insecticides and herbicides. Nearly every where you go, there will be some kind of transportation traffic, be it from cars, boats, or air planes. However, there are a few ways that you can eliminate some of your exposure to these nanoparticles by taking control of your skincare routine and the air in your personal breathing spaces.

Pollutant Prevention

The first step in minimizing oxidative damage from environmental pollutants is to implement a good skincare routine that will protect your epidermis from contact with these carcinogens. The less exposure your skin experiences with these pollutants, the less likely you will experience premature aging. Even if you are already starting to see some visible damage, you can still stop it in its tracks and even reverse some of these aesthetics with a good, nourishing skincare program that thins out your skin’s contact with the pollution surrounding you.

Wash your face twice daily – once in the morning and once at night before you to bed. This will wash away some of the toxins that got trapped in your pores and on your skin. It also helps keep prolonged exposure to a minimum, as the longer the pollutants remain on your face, the more damage they will do. Use one of our facial cleansers for additional antioxidant benefits that help with protection and prevention, without further polluting your skin with more chemicals the way many skincare products do.

Apply a moisturizer after each facial cleansing session to decrease the contact your skin has with environmental carcinogens. A good moisturizer will hydrate your skin, and create a barrier between you and the environment. It will also trap some of the particles into the formula, and prevent them from entering into your pores. Our facial moisturizers have botanical ingredients that work as free radical scavengers, meaning that they contain substances that literally feed off of these toxins to entirely eliminate them from contacting your skin.

Once a week, mix up a facial mask with natural clays and botanicals. Clay masks will literally draw toxins out of your pores – especially the ones that your cleanser may not effectively remove. This will decongest pores and minimize their appearance, while enabling your moisturizer to work more effectively at rehydrating your skin. A weekly mask will also help your skin absorb more oxygen, while stimulating blood flow to improve nutrient uptake of skin cells from the capillaries beneath your skin.

Remember to drink more water to keep the effects of dehydration at bay. Not only does upping your intake of water decrease skin dehydration, but it also enhances your body’s natural ability to rid itself of toxins as they absorb through the skin and into the blood stream. Eat plenty of organic, raw fruits and vegetables as well, to keep your antioxidant intake on par with how many carcinogens you come into contact with on a daily basis. This will further improve the appearance of your skin, its health, and the well-being of the rest of your body as well.

Think you are safe from the toxins in your personal home, car, or office? Think again. Some of the most concentrated pollutant exposure occurs in enclosed living spaces. Protect yourself and your home, and implement a purification system wherever you possibly can. Talk to your local auto parts dealer about having a filtration system installed in your vehicle to eliminate the amount of pollutants that come in through the vents. Get a moveable air purifier for your workspace to keep it free of toxins that may travel indoors from the outside world. You can also make changes to your HVAC system at home to ensure a clean breathing space for your living area. Check out our previous blog post on air pollution for more suggestions on filtration, purification, and other ways to eliminate pollutants from your breathing space.

Skincare Intervention with Face Naturals Prevention

You can also combat the signs of environmental damage with face naturals skincare products. Each item is crafted from botanicals that contain antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and other plant-based nutrients that offer protection from pollutant particles and prevention from any further damage. Our all-natural ingredients work to fight free radicals and the damage that they cause to your skin, while reversing some of the damage already done. It is never too late to start a better skincare routine, no matter how much exposure you have endured. Check out our web catalogue to find out which products will fight skin damage from air pollution best. Or contact us for skincare solutions that will greatly impact the way your skin ages for the better.

For more information on hot beauty topics and tips you can use to enhance your natural beauty, or health topics that could affect you, your family, and community, check up on our blog posts regularly. We touch on a multitude of subjects that many blogs may forget about. Learn about the benefits of opting for raw, organic foods both for eating and for skincare. Plus, discover some of the ingredient highlights on our favorite ingredients and how they work on your skin. You can create an account with us to leave comments, reviews, and reap benefits like Reward Points, deals, and coupon codes so that you can make the most of your skincare experience. Join the face naturals family today to learn more about how natural, organic options can make a healing difference in your life.

References

• What’s In the Air May Age You
• Pollution, Stress Take a Toll on Skin
• How Air Pollution Ages You – and 6 More Skin Facts You Need to Know
• How to Protect Your Skin from Pollution
• Effects of Pollution on Skin Aging