Skin & pollution do not mix well. More and more dermatological studies continue to prove pollution’s direct impact on your skin. Now more than ever, skin needs protection from our increasingly dirty world. Learn how pollution impacts skin and how to protect skin from air pollution with the right pollution protection skin care.
The pollution problem
Is modern day pollution the next UV? Researchers predict that pollution protection will impact skin care as much as UV protection as consumer consciousness increases. Our increasingly dirty world is full of skin-aging atmospheric stressors: pollution, exhaust fumes, industrial smoke, ozone, extreme weather and free radicals. Skin exposed to daily toxic pollution becomes prematurely aged, weakened, dull, dehydrated and sensitized.
Skin + pollution: The studies
Recent dermatological studies show:
- The formation of lentigines (sun spots) increases with levels of traffic-related air pollution, ground level ozone and air pollution-associated gases*
- An increase in atmospheric soot is linked with 20 percent more pigment spots (dark spots) on the forehead and cheeks*
- Study subjects living in more polluted areas have significantly worse skin hydration**
- Soot, particles from traffic, and background pollution are associated with a more pronounced nasolabial fold (smile lines)*
- Study subjects living in more polluted areas show depleted vitamin E and squalene levels in the skin**
- New studies released at the World Congress of Dermatology show how pollution can accelerate the visible signs of aging, especially for individuals with sensitive skin***
Pollution protection skin care
Want to know how to protect skin from air pollution? These detoxifying skin care products work together to address the biggest skin concerns caused by pollution:
Kerafole + Remineralist Daily Moisture
Kerafole contains both algae and kelp, which hydrate and detoxify the skin by increasing circulation to move toxins through and out. It also helps to purge impurities from deep within pores – making it the ideal detoxifying skin care product. The most important product in your pollution protection skin care routine is Remineralist Daily Moisture. Remineralist Daily Moisture is more than a moisturizer – it is designed to help skin protect itself from daily atmospheric stressors. This lightweight lotion’s oceanic formula replenishes skin’s depleted minerals (copper, iron, manganese, selenium + zinc) to achieve the elemental equilibrium of young skin. An infusion of sea salt and red algae help detoxify and defend against stressors that cause lines, dehydration and irritation. Skin is endowed with even tone, renewed hydration, and powerful protection against the daily forces that cause aging.
Skin Editor + Oxygenation
Since Skin Editor contains a clinical level of acids (3% glycolic acid and 7% lactic acid), it is the perfect way to help clear congestion and target pigment spots caused by pollution (not to mention the anti-aging action). Follow Skin Editor with Oxygenation to ensure problem pores are taken care of and drive the active ingredients in Skin Editor deeper into the skin. Pollution can create resistive skin, so Oxygenation provides a much needed boost. “The stabilized hydrogen peroxide in this formula is not only an antiseptic ingredient that kills acne bacteria and gives the skin a breath of fresh air, it also creates pressure that will drive the Skin Editor deeper and more evenly into the skin’s layers for maximum penetration and results.” – Teresa Stenzel, Bioelements Director of Education
LightPlex GigaWatt Dark Spot Corrector + Advanced VitaMineral C Complex
To fight hyperpigmentation that is caused by pollution and environmental assaults, first apply LightPlex GigaWatt Dark Spot Corrector to all dark spots. “This helps the damaged pigment producing cells to heal by slowing down the cell’s ability to produce color, and soothing the skin. Pollution can cause serious dark spots and hyperpigmentation, so tackling it from multiple angles is definitely a necessity.” –Teresa Stenzel
Then, apply Advanced VitaMineral C Complex to strengthen the skin with a surge of high doses of both natural and cosmeceutical vitamin C to brighten and fade all kinds of pigmentation, including PIH (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation).
Breakout Control + Oxygenation
Skin in need of detoxification can be acne prone. Breakout Control is an OTC (over the counter) drug, and the 5% Benzoyl peroxide works to kill the P. Acne bacteria and dry up the blemished area, for fast healing.
“Applying it to the area where you FEEL the breakout coming up is the best time to start using Breakout Control. “ –Teresa Stenzel
After spot-treating the area, apply Oxygenation to add another level of antiseptic action, and giving the skin a nourishing and skin softening treatment. Oxygenation is also super hydrating, which is crucial because pollution robs your skin of moisture. The hydrogen peroxide will add an additional tool in your breakout-fighting arsenal.
Pollution-neutralizing ingredients
These detoxifying skin care products use high quality, pollution-neutralizing ingredients to tackle modern day skin concerns:
Antioxidants: One of the most important pollution-neutralizing ingredients, antioxidants help stimulate the skin’s self-cleansing, self-healing and self-regenerating ability.
Algae and kelp: Both work to move toxins through the body, stimulating circulation and helping it become more resistive to the effects of pollution.
Activated charcoal: The porosity of this skin care ingredient helps draw toxins from pollution up and out of the skin. This ingredient is found in the Advanced VitaMineral Deep Detox Mask and Glycolic Detox Charcoal Peel Level 2 and 3.
Sea salt minerals: The iron, manganese, selenium + zinc found in this ingredient help replenish what pollution depletes and rebalance for proper skin function.
Malachite: Copper-rich pollution magnet and heavy metal scavenger; this ingredient helps support skin’s natural cellular “damage protection” system and neutralize everyday skin-aging oxidative stress
* Source: Journal of Investigative Dermatology / ** Source: Dermatology Times / *** Source: Skin Inc. Photography: Shutterstock
