Protect your skin from air pollution – Tips for a healthy skin

Air pollution is an invisible enemy to our skin. Harmful substances such as particulates and chemical gases can damage the skin, leading to premature aging, dehydration, and inflammation. In this blog, you will learn how air pollution affects your skin and what you can do to keep your skin healthy and radiant, despite these external threats.

What is air pollution and how does it affect your skin?

Air pollution consists of all kinds of harmful substances, such as soot, fine dust, and chemical particles from industry and traffic. These particles are so small that they can penetrate deep into the skin and cause damage there.

The main pollutants are:

1. Fijnstof (PM, particulate matter):
   • Fijnstof bestaat uit microscopische deeltjes die variëren in grootte. De meest schadelijke typen zijn:
     • PM10: Particles with a diameter smaller than 10 micrometers, which can penetrate the upper skin layers.
     • PM2.5: Ultrafine particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers, which can penetrate deeper into the skin and cause inflammation and cell damage.
   • Fine particles originate from traffic, industry and the burning of fossil fuels.
2. Roet (black carbon):
   • Soot particles are a byproduct of incomplete combustion, such as diesel engines. These particles bind to the skin and cause oxidative stress by increasing the production of free radicals.
3. Polycyclische Aromatische Koolwaterstoffen (PAK’s):
   • These chemical substances are produced by industrial processes and traffic. They bind to particulate matter and can damage cell DNA, leading to inflammation and skin aging.
4. Zware metalen:
   • Substances such as lead, cadmium, and mercury are often found in pollution and can accumulate in the skin, contributing to the breakdown of important skin structures such as collagen and elastin.
5. Stikstofoxiden (NOx) en ozon (O3):
   • These gases are produced by traffic and industry. They can damage the skin barrier, leading to increased sensitivity, dehydration, and inflammation.

Oxidation and free radicals

Exposure to air pollution causes an increase in free radicals, unstable molecules that are missing an electron. These molecules attempt to steal electrons from healthy skin cells, resulting in damage to cell membranes, DNA, and proteins such as collagen and elastin. This process, known as oxidative stress, is a major cause of premature skin aging.

Effect on the skin microbiome

Air pollution affects not only the appearance of the skin, but also the skin microbiome – the ecosystem of bacteria and fungi that protect the skin. This delicate balance is essential for a healthy skin barrier and for warding off harmful substances.

1. Staphylococcus epidermidis: This bacterium helps protect the skin against harmful bacteria. Air pollution can weaken this bacterium, making the skin more susceptible to infections.
2. Cutibacterium acnes: In balance, this bacterium supports a healthy skin, but pollution can lead to inflammation-promoting overgrowth, which can exacerbate acne.
3. Malassezia: This yeast helps to keep the microbiome healthy, but disruption due to pollution can lead to skin problems such as dermatitis.
4. Corynebacterium: Supports the skin barrier and moisture balance, but pollution can reduce its numbers, resulting in drier, sensitive skin.

These disturbances can lead to a imbalance in the skin microbiome, resulting in increased sensitivity, dehydration, and inflammation.

Did you know that there was a relationship between skin acidity and a healthy skin microbiome?

The right acidity of the skin is essential for a healthy skin microbiome. A pH of 4.5 to 5.5 supports good bacteria, inhibits harmful microorganisms, and strengthens the skin barrier, leading to better protection and healthier skin. If you want to know more about this: The right acidity of your skin

Skin problems due to air pollution

Prolonged exposure to air pollution can seriously damage the skin and cause various problems:

1. Accelerated skin aging: Air pollution contains harmful substances such as fine dust and free radicals that attack the skin. These substances break down important structural proteins, such as collagen and elastin. This causes a loss of firmness, the onset of wrinkles, and a sagging skin.
2. Pigmentation spots and uneven skin tone: The skin reacts to pollution by increasing the production of melanin, resulting in dark spots and pigmentation shifts. This leads to an uneven skin tone and gives the skin a tired appearance.
3. Inflammation and acne: Microscopic particles, such as fine dust and nanoparticles, can penetrate deep into the pores. This causes irritation and inflammation, which can contribute to the development of acne and other skin problems.
4. Dry skin and moisture loss: Air pollution damages the natural skin barrier, making it harder for the skin to retain moisture. This leads to dehydration, sensitive skin, and increased susceptibility to irritations.

1 – How cleaning helps against air pollution

Daily cleansing is an important step to protect your skin from the harmful effects of air pollution.

1. Removal of superficial pollutant particles: By cleaning the skin daily, you remove fine dust and dirt that accumulate on the skin and can clog the pores.
2. Reduction of oxidative stress: Regular cleansing prevents harmful substances from staying on the skin for a long time, which helps to limit oxidative stress and damage from free radicals.
3. Support for the skin barrier: A gentle cleansing helps to keep the natural skin barrier intact, so the skin is better protected against harmful substances and moisture loss.

Best practices for cleaning

• Use gentle cleansers: Choose products without harsh ingredients that can damage the skin barrier.
• Clean twice a day: Clean your skin in the morning to refresh the skin and in the evening to remove pollution.
• Hydrate after cleansing: After cleansing, it is important to hydrate the skin to restore moisture levels and the barrier function.

2 – Antioxidants and protection against free radicals

Antioxidants form a powerful defense against free radicals that end up on the skin due to air pollution. These antioxidants neutralize free radicals and strengthen the skin barrier, which further protects the skin from the harmful effects of pollution.

Vitamins C and E are powerful antioxidants that work together to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, caused by factors such as UV radiation and air pollution. Vitamin C stimulates collagen production and reduces pigmentation spots, while vitamin E helps the skin recover and strengthens its natural barrier.

By adding ferulic acid, the antioxidant action is further strengthened, as this ingredient stabilizes both vitamin C and E and increases their effectiveness. This combination offers powerful protection against oxidative stress and promotes a healthy, radiant skin.

The unscented Anti-Aging Cream from Iconic Elements contains a combination of fat-soluble vitamin C, vitamin E and ferulic acid, which ensures stability and an effective antioxidant action. These ingredients help protect the skin from free radicals and support a healthy skin. The cream is delivered in an airless dispenser, which ensures that the antioxidants do not come into contact with air and their effectiveness is maintained for a long time.

FAQ about air pollution and skin

How often should I cleanse my skin to reduce the effects of air pollution?

Clean your skin twice a day, in the morning and in the evening, to effectively remove pollutants and limit damage from free radicals.

What are the benefits of antioxidants in my skincare?

Antioxidants neutralize free radicals that arise from air pollution, which helps reduce skin aging and inflammation.

How does air pollution affect the natural skin barrier?

Air pollution weakens the skin barrier through oxidative stress and the loss of essential lipids. This can lead to dehydration, increased sensitivity, and a higher risk of inflammation.

Can air pollution contribute to acne?

Yes, particulate matter and other pollutants can clog pores and cause inflammation, which can worsen acne and blemishes.

Now that you’re here

Our skin health undergoes a drastic change as we age. With age, the skin loses both its thickness and elasticity. As a result, it becomes more susceptible to damage in the form of cracks, skin bruises, and infections. The immune system in turn also becomes weaker, as a result, the protective layer against bacteria, viruses and other harmful factors also weakens. These changes make our skin more vulnerable to dehydration and major problems such as skin cancer, chronic and other skin conditions.

In this blog we look at how an aging skin works together with a weakened immune system and what that means for our skin health.