2023 Author: Jessica James | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 03:31
This year, the record for production and sales will be held by cosmetics labeled anti-pollution - against environmental pollution. Why do we need such beauty products and how they work - you will find out right now.
Surely you noticed that tourists from Asia, being in any city, do not part with protective face masks. No, they don't have the flu. And no, they are not afraid to pick up some unknown European disease. Asians - especially the Chinese - are trying to protect their bodies from atmospheric pollution, which is inevitable in the metropolis, according to a habit acquired at home. Paranoia? If.
To realize the scale of the problem, do not be lazy and search the search engines for photos taken in Tiananmen - the main square of Beijing. It will immediately become clear that not all is well with the environment in the Chinese capital. The city is regularly covered with such smog that it is impossible to distinguish the nearest buildings in the gray-yellow haze. However, smog is a phenomenon that is not uncommon for many megacities of the world, and Moscow is no exception.
According to the UN, 54% of the world's population now lives in cities. By 2050, the share of urban residents will be 66% - that is, two-thirds of the world's inhabitants. Not surprisingly, in recent years, dermatologists have begun to pay attention to the relationship between the state of the environment and the condition of the skin.
After all, our skin is not just the largest organ. It is also the body that is the first to face external negative factors and becomes a barrier against many of them.
There are many such factors; let us recall only some of the most obvious - and the most harmful. To begin with, this is the air in the room where we are constantly. If you think that it is definitely safer at home and in the office than on the street, then you are wrong. Building materials, interior furnishings, dusty textiles and, finally, insufficient fresh air circulation are not the most favorable conditions for skin health.
Now let's go outside. There seems to be sun and fresh air. It is unnecessary to remind about the harm of ultraviolet radiation, but still we recall: it causes photoaging, the signs of which are early wrinkles, pigmentation, dry skin.
As for the city air, ecologists have a very unfunny joke about it: it is safer to smoke in a metropolis than to breathe.
The city air contains many unhelpful compounds, and the most unpleasant ones are PM 2.5 particles. Get ready for the fact that this abbreviation will come across you more and more often, like UVA, UVB, HEV (by the way, this is the blue light from the monitors of any gadgets, which also causes aging). PM 2.5 is a suspension of particles with a diameter of 2.5 microns and less, including:
- soot;
- dust;
- particles of asphalt and car tires;
- heavy metals;
- nitrogen and sulfur oxides, etc.
In addition to PM particles, among urban pollutants-pests - ozone, exhaust gases, chlorinated water, organic compounds appearing as a result of fuel combustion and the operation of industrial enterprises.
All of these substances are deposited on the skin, and some even penetrate into it. And here's what they do:
- oxidize lipids and weaken the protective barrier;
- violate the skin microbiome, which means skin immunity;
- trigger inflammatory reactions;
- cause oxidative stress and damage the DNA of skin cells.
As a consequence, - premature aging, for which scientists have coined the term "urbanistic". Also, skin problems such as hypersensitivity, acne, and atopic dermatitis are associated with the influence of environmental pollution.
Reading all this, I want to know: is life in a metropolis a sure guarantee of early wrinkles, dehydration, age spots? Or avoid urban aging by not moving to the countryside, perhaps? The answer to the second question is yes. However, provided that you provide your skin with good care.
- Be sure to wash your face after returning from the street. Soft foams and no "squeaky" effect will help you.
- Apply an absorbent clay or activated charcoal mask a couple of times a week.
- Don't get carried away with scrubs.
- Don't forget about SPF cream.
- Choose cosmetics with antioxidants. The most powerful are vitamins C and E, resveratrol, coenzyme Q10.
And, of course, look for cosmetics labeled anti-pollution - against environmental pollution. These products are equipped with antioxidants and substances that strengthen the barrier function of the skin (moringa extract, yeast extract). And they literally act as a screen, preventing hazardous substances from entering the skin. Now "anti-polluting" products are produced not only by Asian, but also by European brands. And the further, the more assortment will be.
Cosmetic chemists even say that in the near future, in addition to the SPF, the PPF - Pollution Protection Factor - will appear.
And here is our selection of existing cosmetics that work as an antidote against smog, dust and PM 2.5 particles.
Cleansing: Clearly Corrective Brightening & Exfoliating Daily Cleanser, Kiehl's is a new generation cleanser. Not only does it remove impurities from the skin, it also exfoliates, but can be used twice a day. It contains birch extract and perlite mineral.
Primer: La Privelege Active Radiance Primer, Rivoli Geneve is a smart makeup base with tons of features. Evens out skin tone and relief, adds radiance, promises an anti-aging effect. And most importantly, it neutralizes the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, free radicals and environmental factors due to the UVaxine complex.
Moisturizer: Green Tea Botanical Cream, Garnier contains an antioxidant green tea extract. In general, the manufacturer claims 96% natural ingredients.
Protection in the city: Skin Regimen Urban Shield SPF 30, Comfort Zone - an emulsion with carnosine, dandelion, spinach, maca, wild indigo extracts. Protects the skin from all urban hazards such as soot, dust, heavy metal oxides. And from ultraviolet radiation, of course.
Screening agent: UV Plus SPF 50, Clarins - this fluid was one of the first products in the anti-pollution category. Protects the skin of residents of megalopolises from UV radiation, free radicals, negative environmental factors.
Spray: D-Pollution Essentiel, Chanel - a mist for the face, which is convenient to carry and use where and when you want. Extracts of red algae, blue ginger, white tea "Silver Needles" - against oxidative stress and the penetration of polluting microparticles into the skin.
Night care: Vine Activ Overnight Detox Oil, Caudalie - a detox oil that will work overnight to eliminate toxins and in general all the consequences of pollution received during the day. The formula is based on the essential oils of neroli, lavender, carrot, petitgrain, as well as vitamin E and omega 6 fatty acids.
Author: Marina Syutaeva
