You may not be able to see it, but pollution is all around us – and it’s fast becoming a global cause for concern.
Studies have found that 92% of the world’s population are living among pollution levels above the World Health Organisation’s healthy recommended limit, and the conditions are generally worse for those of us living in urban areas.
As the body’s largest organ, our skin is just one of the things affected by these rapidly rising toxin levels. Here, we take a look at the effects of pollution of our skin, and reveal how to help prevent urban living from dimming your glow…
What is pollution doing to our skin?
“Particle pollutants in the air can contribute to the build up of reactive oxygen species which leads to extrinsic skin ageing” explains Noella Gabriel, Co-Founder of ELEMIS.
If you live in a city, chances are you’re exposed to heightened levels of free radicals on a daily basis – London had already reached its annual quota for pollution by March this year. Smog, grime and other toxic particles in our air can have myriad unwanted effects on our skin. Studies have shown it to contribute to the development of age spots – or hyperpigmentation – loss of skin elasticity, and the formation of wrinkles. And that’s not to mention the visible effects we can see immediately after a day in the city – clogged pores, blackheads and irritation can all be sparked by urban air.
How can we protect ourselves?
Here’s the good news – you don’t need to relocate to a desert island in order to keep your skin safe from such pollutants, because a well-chosen skincare routine can help to minimise their effect.
“By boosting your skin’s defenses against sun damage and pollution, sticking to a diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and looking for anti-oxidants in your skincare, you can protect yourself against the harmful effects of free radicals” explains Noella Gabriel, Co-Founder of ELEMIS.
The ELEMIS answer…
We’ve put together the ultimate routine to keep you protected from everything that modern living throws at you…
Daily Defence Shield SPF 30
Meet your first port of call when it comes to pollution protection. Not only does ELEMIS’ new Daily Defence Shield provides SPF 30 broad-spectrum protection against the sun’s harmful rays. It’s also enriched with Enviro-Age Complex that acts as a barrier between environmental pollutants and your skin. An all-round hero.
Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules
These single-use capsules may be small, but they pack a serious pollution-busting punch. Each capsule delivers beautifully fragranced pure moringa oil, with up to 1700% more anti-oxidant power than many other oils, ideal for mopping up free radicals. Combines with soothing rose for day, and calming lavender for night, these hero capsules complement any city-skin routine.
Pro-Radiance Cream Cleanser
Polluted skin needs a seriously good cleanse to ensure all the unwanted toxins are removed from the skin’s surface, so a day in the city is a great excuse to reach for a thick, luxurious cream cleanser. Massage Pro-Radiance Cream Cleanser, with its blend of Moringa Seed Peptide and Great Burdock extract, into tired skin each evening. Sweep pollutants away from congested pores for a deep cleansing experience.
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