HOW DOES POLLUTION AFFECT THE SKIN?
19 January 2018 18:07
Posted in: Skin Health
City life, fun though it is, exposes us constantly to particularly high levels of air pollution. This starts from the moment we wake, taking in our daily commute, exercising or just enjoying a coffee outside, through to less obvious sources such as air conditioning, office life, even cooking and cleaning, meaning our skin is constantly exposed to the damage caused by indoor and outdoor pollution.
Pollution is also common in the countryside, especially in areas where large-scale manufacturing or farming might be taking place.
The average home or office contains 60,000 different chemicals.
The effects of toxic fumes on skin are being seen in western cities, such as London, Paris & New York, as well as in more visibly polluted Asian cities. In many cases it may be the primary cause of ageing or significantly contributing to more pronounced visible signs. Pollution is also being linked to worsening skin conditions such as eczema and hives. The 2017 American Lung Association’s annual 'State of the Air' report revealed that nearly 40% of people live in counties with unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution.
The mixture of Particulate Matter (PM), Ozone, Heavy Metals, VOC'S and Free Radicals can cause major damage to our skin. Free radicals, caused by pollution, attack the cells and the skin’s own anti-oxidants. PM and heavy metals can both cause problems on the surface of the skin or penetrate through the pores leading to deeper cellular damage.
• CELLULAR AND DNA DAMAGE
• BREAKDOWN OF COLLAGEN
• INCREASED FINE LINES
• LOSS OF ELASTICITY & LACK-LUSTRE
• BREAKDOWN OF THE LIPID BARRIER
• ABNORMAL SENSITIVITY
• INCREASED INFLAMMATION
• HYPER-PIGMENTATION & DARK SPOTS
To start protecting your skin from the effects of pollution and minimise the signs of ageing you don’t need to completely change your routine but you need more than a simple anti-oxidant. Our CITYLIFE range is designed to complement your favourite products and it can be used alongside your existing routine. The CITYLIFE Booster is clinically-proven to protect your skin against:
98% of PM (Particulate Matter) and
Up to 97.7% of free-radical activity. *†
It also protects against ozone & heavy metals found in city pollution & cigarette smoke, including nickel & iron. Our NEW CityLife Detox Mask not only contains anti-oxidant and anti-pollution ingredients but is incredibly soothing, calming and perfect for city-stressed or inflamed skins.
*Independent clinical trials 2017.
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