Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/363800
Create your free business website! www.ascpskincare.com 7 The environment we live in has a tremendous impact on our health, including our skin. Air pollution is one environmental factor we can't escape. It is present even in the most remote areas of the world, and those of us who live in urban areas are exposed to it daily. Along with sun exposure, air pollution is a major environmental cause of skin damage and premature aging. Exposed parts of the body—most commonly the face, hands, and neck—are the most affected and show the most damage. What Pollutants Harm Skin? Air pollution includes car exhaust, airborne dirt and dust particles (think about passing by a construction site!), smog (a combination of vehicle emissions and industrial emissions that react with sunlight to form a toxic, oxidizing mixture), and smoke. Cigarette smoke has well-known toxic effects, but smoke from natural sources like wildfires and volcanic activity also adds particles to the air that can damage our health. A major pollutant that affects the skin is sulfur dioxide. It has many sources, but the main offenders are vehicle emissions, the pulp and paper industry, and petroleum refineries. 1 Protection From the Outside Like any other type of dirt that is allowed to stay on the skin, air pollution clogs the pores. Clogged pores contribute to acne and dull-looking skin. As a result of the skin becoming oversensitized, eczema and skin rashes can also develop when a person has long-term exposure to air pollution. A good skin care routine provides external protection against the consequences of air pollution. Washing the face daily will remove airborne particles. Exfoliating twice a week, or as often as appropriate for the individual's skin condition, helps keep pores clear. Moisturizing at least once a day helps maintain and repair the skin's natural protective barrier. Support From the Inside We also need to think about skin health from the inside out. While air pollution affects the outside of the body, it also is entering our bodies as we breathe. wellness Drinking sufficient water every day hydrates the skin and helps the liver to process and remove toxic substances from the blood. Without plenty of water, our organs do not work as efficiently, and the results will show up in the skin. To ensure your liver is functioning optimally, you can begin your day with a glass of warm water and lemon, and add liver-friendly foods to your diet: beets, broccoli, cabbage, kale, Swiss chard, and other cruciferous vegetables will support this important organ and its detoxification work. Eating more fruit is advantageous as well, because of its antioxidant properties. Think of the rainbow of colors: the deeper the color of a fruit or vegetable, the more antioxidant boost it will have. Berries and red beans are at the top of the list for antioxidant quantity per serving. 2 Shelley Burns, a doctor of naturopathic medicine, completed studies at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and has certification in complementary and integrative medicine from Harvard University. She can be reached at the Executive Health Centre at 416-222-5880 or shelley.burns@executivehealthcentre.com. NOTES 1. P. Wiwatanadate, "Acute Air Pollution-Related Symptoms Among Residents in Chiang Mai, Thailand," Journal of Environmental Health, January/ February 2014, 76(6): 76–84. 2. WebMD, "20 Common Foods With the Most Antioxidants," accessed July 2014, www.webmd.com/ food-recipes/20-common-foods-most-antioxidants. While air pollution affects the outside of the body, it also is entering our bodies as we breathe. Clear Skies, Clear Skin Protect Skin Against Air Pollution by Shelley Burns