The smoke is ruining your skin: The pollution in the air is causing age spots, rosacea and AGEING – but there are three ingredients that can help prevent damage
- Ultraceuticals Global Education Director Elizabeth Fardon takes care of our skin
- She has revealed that the recent Australian bushfires can seriously affect us
- PM’s, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and nitrogen dioxide are in our air
- They can accelerate wrinkles and age spots, as well as hives and inflammation
A beauty expert has explained how the smoke from bushfires can damage your skin.
Ultraceuticals Global Education Director Elizabeth Fardon has shared the worrying long term effects of air pollution on our skin, saying that accelerated wrinkles and age spots are a serious concern for city dwellers.
‘Forest fires discharge microscopic particle matter into the atmosphere called PM’s, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2),’ she told FEMAIL.
Ultraceuticals Global Education Director Elizabeth Fardon has shared the worrying long term effects of air pollution on our skin (pictured)
Global Education Director Elizabeth Fardon
‘The biggest concern with these chemicals is, as they are often invisible to the eye, we don’t realise the damage they are causing until it becomes visible on the skin.’
As they pass through our skin they ‘highly irritate it’ and when they penetrate even further into dermal layers they aggravate many pathways of inflammation.
‘These can trigger melanocytes (a melanin-forming cell) which stimulate an overproduction of pigment, speeding up the process of uneven skin tone,’ Ms Fardon said.
They can also cause general redness, rosacea and even hives.
The best cause of action is to start by double cleansing every evening, after a full day of being surrounded by these pollutants
The best cause of action is to start by double cleansing every evening, after a full day of being surrounded by these pollutants.
‘Oils and debris left on the skin can contribute to congestion, ageing and there is more potential for sensitivity,’ she said.
‘You just won’t get the best value or results out of the active serums you’re applying by not preparing the skin first.’
Once you’ve cleansed turn to products that contain Vitamin C and Vitamin E, which work to fight against free radical damage together.
‘Niacinamide, or Vitamin BC, is also a versatile ingredient depending on the formula and will strengthen the skin’s barrier function,’ Ms Fardon said.
Once you’ve cleansed turn to products that contain Vitamin C and Vitamin E, which work to fight against free radical damage together
‘Exposure to these airborne pollutants can lead to accelerated ageing and dullness – so niacinamide works as much as a preventative measure as it is does to relieve current skin concerns.’
If you have the time to try an in-clinic treatment to fight the damage, a customised lactic or mandelic peel will decongest the skin and give it a much deeper cleanse than you can achieve at home.
What you shouldn’t do during this time is over exfoliate, use products that are incorrectly pH balanced, stress or avoid SPF protection.
‘Always layer antioxidants under SPF to achieve complete protection and always use products at night, when the skin is at its maximum recovering and repairing phase,’ she said.
While everyone is at risk of pollution damage those with eczema should be especially mindful, because these conditions suggest an imbalance in the essential substances that make up a healthy skin barrier.