Yes, that air you waltz around in when you venture outside does affect your skin. Obviously some areas are worse than others, but nevertheless.
There are small nanoparticles in the form of dirt, dust and soot floating around in the air, all the time. These nanoparticles can enter, and negatively impact, your skin cells causing premature aging called, oxidation.
Gases in the air such as nitrogen dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide can harm our skin as well.
Our skin serves as a sort of shield or barrier against these external factors. And it does a very good job at it for the most part. But, that doesn’t mean nothing can pass through it, either.
Pollution gets through your skin’s shield or barrier by breaking down collagen and the lipids contained within it. Studies have shown that women who live in urban areas have skin that is up to 10 percent older than that of women who don’t.
Additionally, pollution can cause irritation, rashes and breakouts. Dirt particles can accumulate on your skin’s surface, which can clog pores when they mix with your skin cells and oils.
Great, Jessica, now I want to hide in my house and never see the light of day again. Bearer of bad news over here because that plan of attack has consequences, too. Let’s find a balance.
What will help counteract the oxidation and free radical damage?
Having antioxidant rich products!
Antioxidants neutralize free radicals by giving up some of their own electrons (awe, how sweet). In making this sacrifice, they act as a natural "off" switch for the free radicals. This helps break a chain reaction that can affect other molecules in the cell and other cells in the body.
Uh hi, sign me up.
Where does one find these golden antioxidants?
In vitamins A, C and E. Annndddd you can find them in all Sweet Saffron products, of course! I got your back, babe.
What other ways are there to fight off negative effects of pollution?
Diet plays a major role in the health of your skin.
Eat berries
leafy greens
citrus fruits
seafood containing Omega-3s.
These types of foods help your body fight oxidation from the inside out.
You should also drink plenty of water throughout the day. Pollution can remove moisture from your skin — so it’s important to replenish that moisture.
And last but not least, be sure to wear sunscreen!
Even if you’re hanging out inside all day, if the sun can find you through a window then you should have sunscreen on your face.
If you havent already tried Sweet Saffron products I will link it here so you can check out all the amazing antioxidant love!!