Travelling in the streets of India comes with pollution, dust, and smoke. Moreover, there are harmful particles that contaminate the environment and damage your skin. Everybody thinks about their lungs when discussing the hazards of pollution. But what about the skin? The impact that it may have on their skin goes largely unnoticed. Being the body’s first organ the skin is constantly in contact with its surroundings causing it to exhibit signs of premature discoloration blemishes and hypersensitivity. Being in a heavily polluted urban environment simply commuting to and from work may have a detrimental effect on the skin.
What is Air Pollution?
The concept of air pollution can be explained as contamination of the atmosphere with harmful substances or gases. In urban India, air pollution results from the mixing of particulate matter and toxic gases. Particulate matter that causes irritation on the skin comprises PM2.5 and PM10. Such particles have the capacity to enter the skin and harm its integrity. The toxic gases such as nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and ozone cause oxidation reactions on the skin.
In urban India, the sources of air pollution include industrial fumes, vehicle emissions, burning of agricultural wastes, and dust particles from building constructions.
How Skin Damages Due to Pollution?
The skin is the organ that protects your body from external factors. However, when subjected to pollutants continuously, the skin is unable to protect the body. Minute particles of pollutants collect on the surface of the skin and find a way to enter through the pores and hair follicles. The pollutants lead to the production of too many free radicals, which damage skin cells.
“Oxidative stress” leads to the breaking down of collagen and elastin fibers. Apart from drying up the skin because of the interference of lipids, pollutants may cause changes to the skin’s natural bacterial balance.
How Can Pollution Impact Your Skin?
Premature Aging
Premature aging is one of the effects of pollution. For instance, fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin may appear if you expose yourself to many toxins. In addition, free radicals generated by pollution may damage collagen that is responsible for the skin’s firmness. Thus, the skin becomes loose and ages prematurely. Sometimes pollution may lead to fast skin aging comparable to the aging caused by sunlight.
Hyperpigmentation and Uneven Skin Tone
Toxins may induce hyperpigmentation since pollution induces the generation of extra melanin pigments that generate spots on the skin. This statement is valid for people who have problems with hyperpigmentation.
Breakouts and Acne
The presence of harmful particles creates pores on your skin . As a consequence, bacteria multiply within the skin and cause breakouts and blackheads. Furthermore, pollution may increase sebum production.
Skin Sensitivity and Allergy Problems
When the skin comes into contact with pollutants, it makes the skin sensitive to the surroundings. This leads to skin problems like redness, irritation, and itchiness. If the skin suffers from eczema, it will worsen because of the pollution surrounding it. The skin can become sensitive when exposed to pollution.
Dullness and Dryness
If you notice that the skin has become less vibrant, it may be because of the effects of pollution. Pollution causes dehydration in the skin. Due to the inability of the skin to hydrate itself, the skin becomes dull.
Factors That Damage The Skin in Indian Cities
There are various factors that damage the skin from pollutants even worse in Indian cities. One such factor is the population density. With so many people in cities, the number of cars in these cities is high as well. As a result, there is a higher rate of emissions. In addition, the cities experience traffic jams. Consequently, people remain exposed to pollution for longer hours.
Environmental factors are another important issue. For example, most regions of the country experience smog during the cold season in Northern India. Moreover, there is a great deal of heat and humidity in other parts of the country. As a result, the pollutants stick to the skin.
Signs of Skin Affected by Pollution
However, there are several factors that you can consider when determining whether your skin issues are due to pollution. Frequent acne eruptions despite maintaining proper hygiene suggest that your pores are clogged by environmental pollutants. Diminished glow and discoloration might also occur due to the damage caused to the skin barrier layer.
Irritation and sensitive skin might be a sign of exposure to excessive external factors. When your skin feels wrinkled and dry, it is a sign that your skin is affected by pollution.
Step-by-Step Guide on Protecting Your Skin from Pollutants
Cleanse Your Skin Properly
It is very important to clean your skin thoroughly. Prepare to cleanse your face with double cleansing technique by using an oil cleanser before cleaning your face with a normal cleanser. Applying a facial cleanser alone may not be sufficient to cleanse your skin thoroughly.
Antioxidant Facial Skincare Products
Antioxidants have proven to be very effective in the protection of the skin from pollutants. You need to find antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and niacinamide in your skincare products.
Application of Sunscreen Every Day
Sunscreens help in protecting your skin from ultraviolet radiation; however, they are just as essential in shielding your skin from pollutants. Exposure to pollution and sunlight causes skin aging.
Reinforcing Skin Barrier
The use of creams containing such substances as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and fatty acids will help in strengthening the skin barrier. The barrier will be better able to withstand any harm done due to external influences. It is not suggested that you should exfoliate yourself too much, as it may cause additional damage.
Lifestyle Tips
A proper lifestyle approach might work for you. For example, you need to drink a lot of water in order to hydrate your body. Also, you should have plenty of fruits and vegetables as you need to get enough natural antioxidants. Do not forget not to touch your face too often; otherwise, you may transfer some pollutants to your skin.
Taking Precautionary Measures
If you leave the house, wear a mask or a scarf so that your face would not be exposed. Another good way out is to wash your face when you return home.
Professional Treatment Methods
If there is damage caused by pollution, then professional treatment methods are highly advised. Your dermatologist may suggest you opt for a chemical peel, which will strip away the layers of skin that have been damaged. You can even use antioxidants in your facial treatments to get back your healthy skin glow.
Conclusion
Pollution can be considered to be an invisible threat that is capable of wreaking havoc on your skin. While you may not be able to do anything about the air outside, there is nothing that stands between you and your ability to protect yourself from the negative impacts of pollution. Once you have realized the threat of pollution, you can take adequate measures to ensure that your skin is in tip-top shape.
FAQs about How Pollution in Indian Cities is Damaging Your Skin
Is pollution responsible for acne problems?
Indeed! Pollutions create impurities that clog the pores, which lead to excessive sebum production by the body, and consequently, bacteria lead to acne formation.
Can I experience aging of my skin prematurely due to pollution?
Yes, indeed! Pollutions create free radicals, and thereby, collagen fibers present within the skin get destroyed, creating wrinkles and fine lines due to premature skin aging.
How many times should I clean my skin in a day due to pollution?
Cleaning of skin twice a day would suffice; however, in the case of exposure to the outside atmosphere, an extra cleansing would prove useful.
Is it mandatory to apply sunscreen when indoors also?
Yes, it is necessary for me to apply sunscreen while indoors and outdoors as some pollution particles may get into my home environment too.
Are there any food products that help protect my skin against pollution?
Yes, indeed! Healthy food products help protect the skin from the adverse impacts of pollution as they provide anti-oxidants against the free radicals.
