Urban areas like New York, London and Paris are enticing for many reasons. The allure of the bright lights and city sounds is undeniable, and proven by the ongoing influx of tourists who travel from all over the world, for even a glimpse of the beautiful chaos.
However, it’s not always as magical as it seems – especially when you’re working 9-5 in the big city. The never-ending traffic, factory fumes and excessive rubbish produced by densely populated areas all play roles when it comes to polluting the air - and impacting your health.
As well as affecting your respiratory condition, the city air can also wreak havoc on your skin. Linked to premature wrinkles and age spots, the airborne chemicals in polluted air certainly have a damaging effect on our faces.
In a conversation with The Guardian last year, Professor Jean Krutmann of the Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine in Germany confirmed that while other factors (such as poor nutrition and smoking)also contribute to ageing, air pollution is the primary culprit. “At least for the pigment spots on the cheeks, it seems air pollution is the major driver, ”he stated.
At Sensio AIR, we’re all about prevention. Here, we reveal the ways in which you can protect your complexion from the outset.
Drink water
We’re supposed to drink two litres of water a day, which is essential when it comes to keeping your skin hydrated. If you tend to forget, set a reminder on your phone.
Use cream
If you suffer from especially dry skin, opt for a nourishing night and day cream to use before bed and when you wake up respectively for added moisture.
Avoid scrubs
Many people assume that rigorously washing their face with a scrub is doing them the world of good, when actually - it’s not. Exfoliate occasionally, but not every day.
Eat fish
Known for its skin-repairing qualities, vitamin E can be found in fish, avocado, almonds and spinach amongst other foods. It’s also believed to thicken hair and improve vision.
Go natural
If you wear makeup, it’s important to know what you’re rubbing into your pores every morning. It’s for this reason you should opt for natural makeup brands that rely on vitamins and minerals instead of chemicals.
Sources
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jul/15/air-pollution-causes-wrinkles-and-premature-ageing-new-research-shows
Tags
health, disease, illness, stress, symptoms, NHS, wellness, wellbeing, healthcare, SensioAIR, beauty, skin, complexion, makeup, natural, skincare, air, air quality, pollution, air pollution
[Image courtesy of Sydney Moore/ Unsplash]
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