Here’s how pollution can mess with your skin (and what to do about it).

When we think about the outdoors and protecting our skin, it’s likely that the mind goes straight to sun protection. However, there is another environmental skincare worry that we need to talk about: pollution. Below, Biologi’s Dermal Specialist Lucy Macdougald details how pollution can mess with your skin (and what to do about it).

Pollution is an unavoidable skincare stressor

Unfortunately, exposure to pollution is unavoidable in our modern world. So much so that we’ve become accustomed to daily contact to pollution caused by gases, smoke, dust and chemicals. Most people are aware of the common causes of pollution which rare running cars, chemicals used in farming, and burning of fossil fuel, however they’re less aware of the impact pollution can have on our bodies. The World Health Organisation has confirmed that environmental pollution is a severe problem and estimates that 9 out of 10 people across the world breathe air containing high levels of contaminants that can penetrate deep into the lungs and cardiovascular system. It’s scary then to consider that pollution has the power to affect millions of people across the world (potentially leading to stroke, heart disease, lung cancer and pneumonia).

How pollution affects the skin

Besides contaminating the oxygen we breathe with tiny harmful particles, pollution can have detrimental effects on the skin too. According to a study published by PubMed in 2017, air pollution can be linked to a number of common skin concerns:

Skin Ageing: A significant side effect of pollution is damage caused by free radicals which unfortunately destroys collagen fibres leaving skin uneven, lacking elasticity and accelerating the signs of ageing.

Sensitised skin: Pollution can get trapped in the skin cells which can then compromise the strength of the epidermal layer. This unfortunately can lead to sensitised and dry skin which over time can lead to more serious skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis.

Acne: If pollutants become blocked in individual pores, they can interfere with the natural oil production process leading to blockages that can cause breakouts and acne.

Uneven skin tone: Pollution can cause damage to the epidermal barrier reducing hydration and leaving skin cells dull and lifeless.

What can we do about it?

While most experts suggest that the best way to avoid the effects of pollution is to avoid the problem altogether, unfortunately, that is a little easier said than done (given that it is all around us)! We’re all for strategies that can solve the causes and not the symptoms of a problem, but living in this modern world means that avoiding pollution is pretty much impossible. However, there are some ways that you can manage and protect your skin against pollution:  

Cleanse your skin regularly: Cleansing thoroughly will help to remove the microscopic particles of pollution that often penetrate your pores and become trapped in makeup and residue (which leads to dehydration and inflammation). Try to finish each day with a double cleanse to wash away leftover traces of pollution and start the day by cleansing to remove traces from the night.

Don’t rely on sunscreen alone: While traditional chemical sunscreens protect against UV rays, they offer no protection whatsoever from environmental pollutants. Mineral sunscreens contain active ingredients and create a barrier against the sun making them much more effective in protecting your skin from harmful pollutants.

Regularly use an anti-oxidant serum: Pollution generates free radicals that damage or can kill healthy skin cells. Anti-oxidants protect healthy cells by terminating the chain reaction before the damage occurs. The more you can build up the anti-oxidants in your body, the more you’ll protect cells from free radical damage. 

We also recommend a daily protecting serum (like Biologi’s Defence Anti-Pollution Serum to defend against daily environmental triggers and aggressors. Rich in protective phyto-actives, this 100% active serum helps to shield against blue light and environmental pollution, whilst boosting skin’s glow and overall texture. It contains the unique phyto-active combination of Vitamin C, B3 Niacinamide & Salicylic Acid – an unheard-of trio combination in traditional skincare, but found in nature that boosts skin glow, and improves the texture of skin all while protecting and shielding your skin from environmental aggressors.) 

Hydrate: Pollution causes free radical damage which can dry out individual skin cells. Lack of hydration causes poor skin tone, highlights fine lines, and can harm the delicate barrier function leading to sensitised skin and more severe conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Keep skin cells hydrated by drinking between two and three litres of water a day to reduce the impact of free radical damage.

Unfortunately, in the modern world, there’s no way to fully escape the damage that pollution can cause to skin. Boosting antioxidant protection is the most effective way to reduce the damage caused by free radicals to slow the signs of ageing and minimise the impact on your appearance.