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The winds of change in the beauty industry have been blowing from the east for decades. One of the latest Asian trends is Anti-Pollution cosmetics, aimed at additional protection of the skin from the polluted air of large cities.
Why “anti-pollution” cosmetics has become a trend
How urban air pollution affects the skin
If moving to a region with virgin forests is not yet in your plans, the only thing left is to defend yourself. The skin and respiratory organs are the first line of defense. It is they that account for the main blow of toxins and free radicals, which are present in abundance in the city air.
Go out into nature more often, walk in parks where you can breathe deeply.
The result of their influence on the skin looks like this.
Black dots. This is the result of the manifestation (under the influence of UV radiation) of the melanin pigment in the composition of the pore-clogged mix of sebum, dead cells and microparticles of pollution.
Dull complexion. Substances from the air physically settle on the skin, triggering a cascade of reactions involving free radicals and causing hyperkeratosis (thickening of the stratum corneum), which makes the skin look dull.
Dehydration. Salts of heavy metals settle on the surface of the skin, as a result, moisture is lost more intensively, protective mechanisms work in a stressful mode. All this leads to an accelerated breakdown, in particular, of hyaluronic acid – the skin uses it as an antioxidant under conditions of oxidative stress.
Premature aging. It is a well-recognized fact that oxidative stress, i.e. the damage caused by free radicals, is the main cause of aging, and not only of the skin.
To make sure that everything is bad with clean air in local megacities, remember the habit, for example, of the Chinese to wear protective masks.
The skin itself can not cope with such an attack. And if before we only looked at the presence of a sun protection factor in a day cream, now it makes sense to pay attention to the ingredients that will help resist the harmful effects of the environment.
Antioxidants fight free radicals and repair the damage they cause.
mineral pigments physically protect the skin from dust and toxic aerosols. Yes, high-quality makeup performs this important function.
Lipids, hyaluronic acid, glycerin strengthen the protective hydrolipid mantle of the skin.
Light peeling elements in night remedies, they help to get rid of harmful substances accumulated on the skin and prevent their destructive effect.
“Antioxidants in sunscreens protect the skin from negative environmental factors if you spend your summer not by the sea, but in a metropolis,” says Ekaterina Turubara, Vichy medical consultant. – From an environmental point of view, summer is not the most favorable time of the year: concrete structures emit toxic substances, dust swirls in the air, and automobile exhausts pollute the atmosphere. Under these conditions, sunscreens act as barrier protection.
Toning treatments work especially well: pigments remain on the surface, preventing skin contact with toxins. Antioxidant supplements (tocopherol, resveratrol, thermal water) minimize the damage from reactive oxygen species, because these molecules are too small for a layer of pigment or mineral screen to prevent them from reaching the surface of the skin and penetrating deeper.
At the same time, there is no fundamental difference between the action of such antioxidants as, say, vitamin E or fern extract: the protection mechanism is approximately the same.
Tinting treatments work especially well with the function of barrier protection: pigments remain on the surface, physically preventing contact between skin and dust.
How to protect yourself from toxic city air
Walk away from highways. According to ecologists, on the street closest to the highway, separated even by one line of buildings, the level of carbon monoxide and other pollution associated with motor traffic is 4 times less than on the highway.
Don’t be afraid of the wind. As scientists have shown, it is on the leeward, more protected side of the street that the largest pockets of air pollution are formed.
Enjoy the rain and snow. They purify the air, reducing the level of pollution.
Get out into nature more often every day to walk in the parks, play sports in the fresh air.
Cosmetics
Day cream for the face “Luxury food”, L’Oréal Paris
Peony and jasmine extracts have an antioxidant effect, natural pink pigments even out the complexion. The cream enriched with neocalcium strengthens the skin and makes it more resistant to the aggressive environment of the metropolis.
Purifying face mask Powercell Anti-Pollution Mask, Helena Rubinstein
Marine Kritmum renews the skin, moringa extract fights pollution, lipohydroxy acid and mineral powder exfoliate, shea butter and moisturizing ingredients soften and give comfort. Apply the mask 1-2 times a week and rinse thoroughly with water.
Revitalizing night cream-mask for intensive skin oxygenation Slow Âge, Vichy
The resveratrol and baicalin product increases the level of oxygen in the skin and makes pigmentation less noticeable.
Two-phase serum for skin radiance Aquasource Aura Concentrate Serum, Biotherm
The oil-in-water serum can be applied directly to cleansed skin or added to a moisturizer or foundation.