
Ask me: How does pollution affect my skin?
How Pollution Affects Your Skin – And How to Protect It
We all know that pollution isn’t great for our health, but did you know it can take a serious toll on your skin too? Whether you’re navigating city life, spending time in traffic, or even enjoying the great outdoors, your skin is constantly exposed to environmental stressors that can lead to premature ageing, sensitivity, and breakouts.
So, what’s really happening beneath the surface, and how can you protect your skin?Lets break it down.
How Does Pollution Affect the Skin?
Pollution is a major global concern, impacting not just our lungs but also our body’s largest organ – our skin.
Our skin acts as a protective barrier, but it’s also directly exposed to the environment and vulnerable to damage from pollution. External stressors, including UV exposure and air pollution, contribute to skin ageing and other concerns.
While natural ageing is inevitable, lifestyle and environmental factors—such as high pollution levels, smoking, poor diet, and stress—can accelerate the process. Over time, pollutants can break down collagen, trigger inflammation, and weaken the skin’s natural defences, leading to issues like fine lines, pigmentation, and increased sensitivity.
The Two Main Types of Pollution
There are two primary culprits when it comes to pollution-related skin damage:
- UV Pollution – Sun exposure penetrates different layers of the skin depending on the type of UV rays. Over time, this can cause inflammation, pigmentation, and premature wrinkles.
- Ozone Pollution – While ozone itself doesn’t penetrate the skin, it increases oxidative stress and depletes your skin’s natural antioxidants. This weakens the skin barrier, leading to inflammation, acne flare-ups, and conditions like eczema. It can also disrupt oil production, causing both excessive dryness and breakouts.
How to Protect Your Skin from Pollution
While we can’t avoid pollution completely, there are plenty of ways to strengthen your skin’s defence system. Here are Dr. Cunningham’s top tips:
✔️ Sunscreen is non-negotiable. Protect your skin from UV damage by applying a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily—yes, even on cloudy days!
✔️ Adopt a holistic approach. Avoid additional skin stressors like smoking, manage stress levels, and eat a nutrient-rich diet packed with antioxidants to support your skin from the inside out.
✔️ Incorporate antioxidants into your skincare. Vitamin C and azelaic acid are powerful antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals caused by pollution. Apply them in the morning under your SPF for an added layer of protection.
✔️ Nourish and strengthen your skin barrier. Use gentle, hydrating skincare products with ingredients like glycerine, shea butter, squalane, niacinamide, and urea to keep your skin resilient and healthy.
✔️ Support collagen production. As we age, our skin loses collagen, the key protein that keeps it firm and youthful. Retinoids like tretinoin help stimulate collagen renewal and repair pollution-induced damage.
Final Thoughts
If you want to keep your skin healthy and radiant despite daily exposure to pollution, consistency is key. Stick to a simple yet effective routine that includes SPF, antioxidants, and barrier-supporting ingredients.
By taking proactive steps today, you can future-proof your skin against environmental damage and maintain a glowing, youthful complexion for years to come.
Looking for expert skincare tailored to your needs? I offers professional treatments and skincare advice designed to protect and enhance your skin’s natural defences. Get in touch to learn more!
Discover your best skin at Natalie H Aesthetics.
At Natalie H Aesthetics, I specialize in glowing, healthy skin and treatments tailored to your unique skin concerns. Whether you’re looking to treat and prevent ageing skin concerns, uneven skin tone or breakouts and acne, I have a treatment plan for you. Schedule your treatment (including a free consultation)today to start your journey towards smoother, more youthful skin!
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