Did you know that one in every three Americans reports getting sunburned every year? What's even more surprising is that sunburn is only one of the harmful effects of UV rays. Apart from this, rising air pollution and UV rays break down the collagen, causing severe skin damage. It can lead to premature aging, acne, inflammation, and, worst of all, skin cancer.
That's why it is essential to take care of your skin and protect it from pollution.
How? Well, by making skin-vestment, i.e., investing and using products that give you healthy and supple skin.
So, without further ado, let's learn the measures!
How To Protect Your Skin From UV And Pollution
Never Go Out Without Sunscreen
Good Sunscreen is your skin's best friend. It helps reflect the harmful UV rays away from the skin, just like a shield or a mirror. Thus, blocking the rays from getting absorbed into the skin.
However, some pollutants might react with the ingredients present in the sunscreen and affect the skin. Therefore, it is recommended to use mineral-based sunscreen (specifically titanium and zinc oxide). These are proven to create a physical barrier for both UV rays as well as pollutants.
Note: Many people neglect applying sunscreen during winters as there is very little sunlight. However, you must understand that even a few minutes of exposure to the sun can cause significant damage. That's why, no matter what time of the year it is, you must wear sunscreen whenever you are going out.
Ensure Your Products Contain SPF
Makeup helps in highlighting the best features of your face and also gives a whole new confidence level. However, it is essential to select the correct tone/shade for makeup to look good. Likewise, to protect the skin from sun damage while you have different layers of products, presence of SPF becomes crucial.
In simple terms, your foundation, compact, primer, lip balm, setting spray, etc., must have high SPF in them. Why high SPF? Well, high SPF means high protection. It will ensure that whatever you do throughout the day, your skin stays safe.
Plus, if you ever forget to use sunscreen, the SPF present in your makeup can come to your rescue.
Give A Try To Red Algae
Most people are aware of the harmful effects of UV rays. However, very few people know that blue light from the sun can also damage the skin. It has both positive and negative effects on the human body. Blue light helps in regulating the sleep and wake cycle of the body. Thus, you get proper sleep which benefits your skin and body.
But, blue light can enter the epidermis and dermis of the skin, as well as the subcutis layer, considerably deeper than UV radiation. It can cause both temporary and long-term pigmentation, which can last up to three months.
Thus, to protect your skin from blue light, you should use products that contain red algae. It has a high concentration of natural polysaccharides, which assist in improving the skin's barrier function, replenishing the skin's hydration, and increasing moisture retention.
Keep Your Skin Moisturized
You probably have heard or read the statement "Don't forget to moisturize." But why is moisturizing so important? Well, moisturizing on a daily basis can help to prevent excessive dryness or oiliness. Both of these are damaging to the skin and can lead to acne and other skin problems.
Lack of moisture will also make your skin dry and flaky. Plus, pollutants will damage the skin even more. Thus, you must use barrier cream moisturizer to help skin rejuvenation. Moreover, it will also help in soothing sensitive skin and reduce signs of aging.
Tip: Wet skin absorbs the products best. Therefore, every time you wash your face, apply the cream or lotion before the skin gets dry. It will ensure that the product penetrates into deeper layers.
Use Antioxidants
Antioxidants are great for the skin. They soothe irritated skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, neutralize free radicals, and brighten skin. There are several studies that have proven the benefits of antioxidants for the skin.
Now, the question is- What antioxidants are the most beneficial? Well, every antioxidant plays its own part in improving the skin texture and providing healthy skin. Some of them are as follows:
- Vitamin C
- Retinol (Vitamin A)
- Vitamin E
- Niacinamide
- Resveratrol
- Coenzymeq10 (CoQ10)
- Polyphenols
- Flavonoids
- Ferulic Acid
- Astaxanthin
- Glutathione
You can get all these antioxidants from fruits, whole grains, nuts, meat, and vegetables. That means to avail of its benefits, you just need to make a few changes in your diet. It goes without saying that it will also benefit your overall health.
Always Remove Your Makeup Before Bed
It's critical to remove the filth and grime that gets accumulated on the skin after a long and tiring day. That's why you must cleanse your face and remove all the makeup before sleeping. It is because when you sleep, your skin renews itself- the blood flow increases, collagen is rebuilt, age spots and fine lines are reduced.
But, if you wear makeup, the body's natural repair cycle will get disrupted. In fact, it will damage the skin, even more, causing dark circles, swollen eyes, acne breakout, etc.,
Tip: You should create a nighttime routine to help revive your skin. Use a mild cleanser to remove all the dirt and also exfoliate the face twice a week. Use moisturizer before you sleep to help the skin with collagen production.
Visit Your Dermatologist
Last but not least, if you notice any irritation, dryness, or acne breakout, you must visit your dermatologists. They can help you understand the reason behind breakout and provide you with treatment.
Also, make sure to read the product description before using them, especially if you have sensitive skin. Rising pollution and the sun can further damage the skin. Thus it is better to stay on the safer side.
To Sum It All Up!All these measures will ensure that you keep your skin protected from pollution. Furthermore, these will ensure better collagen production and reduce the signs of aging. Nonetheless, you also have to improve your lifestyle and start eating healthy.
