As the weather gets warmer and you start spending more time outside, you should always be aware of how you are exposing your skin to the elements. Although skin damage from the sun is given a lot of attention during the summer, the harmful effects of pollution on your skin are also important to keep in mind. Before you head out for some summer fun, think about how you could be accelerating the aging process just by being outside.
Air Pollution
In the modern world, it is very difficult to avoid air pollution; especially, if you live in a city. Particles in the air such as dirt, dust, and smog can clog your pores and cause acne breakouts. Pollution can also deprive your skin of oxygen which can dry you out and lead to wrinkles. If youve been exposing your skin to air pollution over the long-term, you should be on the lookout for skin allergies, eczema, and blood vessel damage.
This doesnt mean that you should spend all of your time inside, however. Its pretty much impossible to not expose yourself to air pollution, but there are steps you can take to protect your skin. Stay hydrated and try to use skin products that contain antioxidants. Also make sure that you wash your face, exfoliate, and moisturize on a regular basis. By doing this, you prevent pollution from settling and doing serious damage to your skin.
Chlorine
If you plan on taking a dip in the pool, you need to understand how chlorine can impact the health of your skin. The effects of aging can be exacerbated by chlorine as it strips away the skins natural oils, causing it to dry out and crack. Over time, this can create wrinkles and other undesirable lines on the skin. Despite how common it is in our regular lives, chlorine is still a toxic chemical. Avoid exposing yourself to excessive amounts by limiting your time in the pool. If you feel that youve been overexposed to chlorine, moisturize your skin to relieve dry skin and irritation.
Smoking
Besides the many other negative health effects of smoking, it can also be very dangerous for your skin. Smoking constricts your blood vessels which deprives your skin cells of oxygen and essential nutrients. This causes your skin to become dry and increases the possibility of wrinkling. Additionally, smoking will reduce your skins elasticity by damaging the elastin and collagen in your body, speeding up the aging process by causing your skin to wrinkle prematurely. You are exposed to enough pollution every day, dont generate your own.
Have any questions about how pollution can affect your skin? Let us know!
