Skydda din hud från skadlig förorening

Luftföroreningar är det mest osynliga hotet som tenderar att nå sin topp i städer under sommaren. Det syftar på alla partiklar eller gaser som släpps ut i luften genom mänsklig aktivitet.

Can air pollution affect skin?  

Polluted air can get into your lungs, causing damage and triggering asthma. Your external appearance can also be affected. Although less serious than the health effects of inhaling toxic particles, your skin can become damaged and aged.  

Dr Sophie Momen, Consultant Dermatologist, explains that some particles in pollution can pass through your skin and induce the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Your body has various antioxidant mechanisms, which essentially mop up these ROS.   

"Men om det finns för mycket ROS och inte tillräckligt med antioxidanter, uppstår något som kallas oxidativ stress," säger hon. "Oxidativ stress påverkar cellernas funktion, och i huden leder det till en skadad hudbarriär, inflammation och åldrande - fina linjer, rynkor och pigmentering."

Studies have shown that long-term exposure to air pollutants, such as ozone, also depletes the skin of the health-giving antioxidants, vitamins C and E. These support things such as collagen production, wound healing, and recovery from UV (ultraviolet) damage after sun exposure. 

This kind of damage may also cause skin conditions, including acne, eksem, och psoriasis. These issues come with their own set of symptoms that can affect your quality of life, causing soreness, pain, and low self-esteem in many cases.  

Does SPF protect against air pollution?  

Momen säger: "If your SPF sunscreen contains antioxidants  - such as green tea, vitamin E, or vitamin C - then it may help mop up ROS to reduce harmful oxidative stress."

However, there's a need for more studies in this area. The skin specialist also adds that the filters in general SPF sunscreens that protect against UV radiation in sunlight will not protect against ROS produced from pollution.  

Does make up protect skin from air pollution?  

The same rule applies to your make up. Only products containing antioxidants that promote healthy skin could be considered potentially helpful and protective. No matter how much you pay, or how thickly you spread it on your face, air pollutant particles that are small enough can pass through your makeup and into your skin.