Is Pollution Bad for my Skin?

iscover how to reduce the effects of pollution on skin.

1. A Pollution Protection Formula for Your Skin
   While the sun can rob skin of its fairness, the combined effects of UV exposure along with pollution can expedite the aging process and also cause skin to darken. Living in a high-traffic area has been linked to skin damage—those living in urban areas are 20% more likely to suffer from hyperpigmentation than their rural counterparts¹. But there are ways to help make your skin city-proof.
   
   
2. The Effects of Pollution on Skin
   When skin is exposed to pollution, the innermost layers weaken and wreak irreversible damage on the outermost layers. Pollution doesn't just sit on the skin’s surface—air pollution particles are 20 times smaller than the size of a pore, making it easy for them to infiltrate into the deepest layers of the skin. Once there, they starve skin cells of oxygen and cause the outer skin to darken.
   
   
3. How to Fight the Effects of Pollution
   If you live in a country or city with high pollution levels, it’s crucial to protect and hydrate your skin with quality moisturizers during pollution peaks.
   Body sunscreens focus on protecting the skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays. However, that’s not enough to protect skin from the the effects of pollution. A strong protective skin barrier is better able to resist pollutants, better protecting the surface skin from pollution damage. That’s why it’s important to choose a moisturizer that’s specially formulated to defend skin against daily environmental aggressors.
   
   For an extra layer of skin protection, apply Vaseline® Jelly after applying a sunscreen to seal in moisture and help protect your skin for external insults. The occlusive properties of Vaseline® Jelly mean that not only will moisture be locked into the skin, but they also act as a protective barrier for skin.
   
   Protecting skin from external aggressors can be tricky, but taking the time to care for your skin—especially if you live in a city with high pollution levels—can go a long way in maintaining the healthy look of your skin.
   
   Expert Advice
   The advice in this article does not constitute medical advice, it is solely available for information purposes.

1. “Airborne Particle Exposure and Extrinsic Skin Aging.” Airborne Particle Exposure and Extrinsic Skin Aging - ScienceDirect, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022202X15346455.
2. Valacchi, G., Sticozzi, C., Pecorelli, A., Cervellati, F., Cervellati, C., and Maioli, E. (2012). Cutaneous responses to environmental stressors. Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 1271, 75–81. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2012.06724.x