How To Protect Your Skin From Pollution And The Sun

Some people used to call the daily makeup routine ‘the battle of the face’ and think of their cosmetics as ‘war paint’. Younger generations have moved on and now realise that looking good is no longer just about what gets slapped on the outside of your body, however skilfully. It is also every bit as much about what goes into your body and how you protect it from environmental hazards. 

Airborne toxins can easily cause skin damage, especially those parts that are most often exposed – face, neck and hands. Dust and smog come into contact with the sun’s ultraviolet rays and create free radicals that damage the production of collagen and deplete the amount of oxygen getting to your skin. In the end this will lead to wrinkles, dry patches and an overall grey unhealthy look. These pollutants can be in the air whatever the weather, but when the sun comes out, you’ve got another battle on your hands! The ultraviolet rays from the sun can cause wrinkles or, in the case of over-exposure, skin cancer. 

We all want to enjoy the sun, so there’s no need for extreme measures like staying indoors or covering yourself with long loose clothing every day, but a few sensible measures for sun protection and protection from air pollution will pay important dividends. The UV concentration of sunlight varies according to where you are in the world, but everywhere there is a significant amount. The right UV protection is a must, wherever you live. In a cool climate like the UK, for most of the year a moisturiser with a level of UV protection, will help, but sun cream is better. On holiday, or in the summer, you should up the level and use a higher level of sun cream or sun lotion every day. 

Daily cleansing and moisturising, plenty of water to keep you hydrated, lots of fresh fruit and vegetables; all these will help to keep your skin fresh and healthy from the inside as well as the outside. 

With these few precautions on your side, you can win the battle and still enjoy the sun with healthy glowing skin!