In (Belated) honor of Earth Month, today we're going to deep dive into something many of us probably overlook - and that's how our environment impacts our skin.
So you think you're doing everything right: eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, getting enough sleep, and using the right skincare products. But there's just one pesky little factor that you might be overlooking, and it's all around us, and pretty hard to avoid in the modern age of 2023 - pollution.
Yep, we're talking about the smog, dust, and grime that can make city living less than ideal for your complexion.. and your airways for that matter.
But don't worry my dahlings, I'm not here to rain on your parade (or your rooftop happy hour). Instead, I'm here to give you the lowdown on how pollution can affect your skin and most importantly... what you can do about it.
First off, let's talk about the science. Pollution can cause oxidative stress, which is basically a fancy way of saying it can damage your skin cells. This can lead to all sorts of annoying skin concerns, like wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, and uneven texture. Pollution can also trigger inflammation, which can make existing skin issues worse and even lead to acne and rosacea... Sigh.
While retreating to the mountains for pure, pollution-free air may seem like the ultimate (thought maybe extreme) solution, most of us can't exactly drop everything and head for the hills.
So, what ELSE can you do to protect your skin from pollution (without leaving your beloved cities).
Here are a few tips:
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Use a gentle cleanser: You want to get rid of all the dirt and grime that can accumulate on your skin throughout the day, but you don't want to strip away your natural oils or irritate your skin. Clean Canvas is a great option from our range.
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Use an antioxidant serum: Antioxidants can help neutralize free radicals (the molecules that can damage your skin cells) and protect your skin from pollution. Look for serums that contain ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin E, and resveratrol. Nectar Drops or True Shade are great choices from our collection.
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Wear SPF: UV rays from the sun can also contribute to oxidative stress and inflammation, so it's important to protect your skin with sunscreen. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply every two hours. We've got you covered with Throwing Shade.
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Consider a detoxifying mask: If you feel like your skin needs a little extra TLC, try a mask that's formulated to draw out impurities and pollutants. Look for ingredients like activated charcoal, kaolin clay, and sea kelp.
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Move to the countryside: Joking..(sort of). But if you can escape the city for a weekend, your skin will thank you. Fresh air, greenery, and wide-open spaces can all do wonders for your complexion.
At the end of the day, we can't control the environment around us (unless we all decide to become hermits and live in caves, but that's not very realistic in 2023). But we can control how we take care of our skin. By being mindful of the impact of pollution and taking steps to protect and nourish our skin, we can all achieve a healthy, glowing complexion – even in the midst of a concrete jungle!
So go ahead, get out there and enjoy the city living, just remember to take these steps to protect your precious skin along the way!