Fight the Effects of Pollution With Clean Skin Care Products
Did you know you expose your skin to invisible pollutants every time you step outside? You can’t avoid dirty air by spending all your time indoors, either. Surprisingly, indoor air is sometimes worse than outdoor air when it comes to harboring microscopic particles. Though tiny, these particles can damage your innermost and outermost layers if you don’t take steps to protect yourself. Fortunately, there are anti-pollution products that can help you fight the effects of dirty air and maintain a gorgeous glow that shines through the funk. Here are a few of the most protective skin care products you need to know about:
Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum
From particulate matter to Sulphur dioxide, you’re constantly bombarded with air pollutants that can damage and age the skin by inducing oxidative stress. Thankfully, you have three powerhouse ingredients on your side: vitamins C and E and ferulic acid.
Vitamins C and E are both antioxidants that protect your exposed outer layer from environmental pollution and inflammation. The term “antioxidant” is used to describe any substance that inhibits oxidation or oxidative stress. Oxidative stress refers to a disturbance in your body’s ability to detoxify and repair itself. It’s also a common cause of wrinkles and other premature aging symptoms.
Oxidative stress happens when oxygen molecules break up into single atoms containing unpaired electrons. The unpaired electrons are referred to as free radicals. Free radicals roam the body in search of other electrons with which they can pair. As they pull electrons from other, healthy cells, they damage the cells and cause a variety of undesirable symptoms. By consuming and topically applying products containing antioxidants, you improve your skin’s ability to repair itself and fight off free radicals.
Like vitamins C and E, ferulic acid is also an antioxidant that occurs naturally in plants. The ingredient has recently received more recognition in the beauty industry because of its remarkable ability to fight free-radical damage caused by pollution.
Applying Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum to your face and skin every day throughout the summer can help you combat the aging effects of air pollution. It will also encourage the natural production of protective collagen so your skin can maintain its elastic outer barrier.
Hyaluronic Acid
Don’t be scared off by the word “acid” in hyaluronic acid. This common cosmetic ingredient is anything but harsh! In fact, it’s become synonymous with youthful, nourished skin and is frequently used in all natural skin care products. Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in your skin and connective tissues and its primary purpose is to keep them moist and lubricated. The powerful hydrating ingredient is capable of holding many times its own weight in water and can increase your skin’s ability to block out pollution.
As you age, your body starts to slow down its production of hyaluronic acid, leaving you more exposed to the dehydrating effects of airborne pollutants. You can offset the natural decline of this important substance by applying a high-quality hyaluronic acid product to your skin. Look for a product that’s paraben-free, cruelty-free and doesn’t have any added fragrance or color dye. Each day, rub a small amount onto your skin before stepping out into polluted air.
Squalane Oil
Many people are confused about the difference between squalane oil and squalene oil. Squalene oil is unsaturated and is naturally found in a variety of products from palm trees to olives. It’s also produced by your body’s own skin. Squalane oil is a saturated byproduct of squalene oil that’s created by putting squalene oil through a hydrogenation process. Saturated oils only have single bonds in their fatty acid chains. Unsaturated oils, on the other hand, have fatty acid chains containing at least one double bond. Unfortunately, oil becomes less stable the more double bonds it has.
Since saturated oil only has single bonds, it is far more stable than unsaturated oil. This is why squalane oil is a better choice for your skin than squalene oil. Squalane oil doesn’t go rancid easily and has a high melting point. It’s also non-irritating and completely odorless, which makes it a great option for those with sensitive skin.
Squalane oil is an effective anti-pollution ingredient because it is naturally antibacterial and protects against free radicals. It absorbs quickly and immediately moisturizes and lubricates the skin. Simply apply one or two drops to your face before you step out for the day and you’ll improve your ability to fight the damaging effects of pollution.
Matrixyl 3000 Serum
If you’re looking for a single skincare product that can reduce cutaneous photo damage, increase skin elasticity and minimize the appearance of wrinkles, you need Matrixyl 3000 Serum. This impressive product is commonly used as an
alternative to Retin A and will most likely become your preferred form of defense against dirty air. The product combines two powerful peptides: palmitoyl oligopeptide and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 in a single, superior anti-aging formula.
Matrixyl 3000 Serum contains hydrating hyaluronic acid and soothing aloe barbadensis to nourish and strengthen the skin. It also contains glycerin, which is an effective emollient that improves the skin’s suppleness and elasticity. Dehydroacetic acid is a natural fungicide and bactericide that’s added to the product to keep it shelf-stable and prevent the growth of microorganisms. Smooth a small amount of Matrixyl 3000 Serum onto your face, hands and any other exposed skin to start healing damage from exposure to polluted air.
