How Your Environment May Be Ageing Your Skin
Many people are concerned with the impact of ageing on their skin and bodies, and look for ways to slow down the process. Did you know that where you live and environmental factors have a huge impact on how your skin ages? Evidence suggests that environmental exposures, including but not limited to UV rays, air pollution, hormone-disrupting chemicals, and noise, may accelerate biological aging. There are a huge variety of products on the market that can help decrease signs of ageing, such as innovative skincare solutions like these.
There are some ways to mitigate the negative effects of the environment on your skin, to prevent premature ageing. Here are some common environmental factors that may be leading to premature ageing, and how to mitigate the effects.
UV rays
UV rays are one of the most common environmental damages to your skin. Many people only wear SPF when it is sunny, and a common misconception is that you only need it when you will be in direct sunlight. However even if it is cloudy, UV rays can penetrate the clouds and harm your skin. Skin damage can damage the elastin in your skin and lead to premature ageing, including wrinkles, sagging skin, and dark sports. Wearing SPF protection every day is the only way to protect your skin from sun damage, and to avoid premature ageing.
Pollution
If you live in a city, pollution may be a factor that is damaging your skin. Pollution like smog and gas emissions from cars is tough to avoid. Exposing the skin to pollution and breathing it in can lead to dryness and premature ageing. The best way to mitigate these effects is through a good cleanser, that can help to remove the build-up of pollution. There are also some skincare products that can provide a protective barrier against pollution so it is less likely to penetrate your skin.
Infrared light
This light can come from both the sun, and from electronic devices like smartphones. Prolonged exposure can affect collagen and skin elasticity, leading to premature ageing. This is because it damages healthy cells and causes the death of cells. Research has suggested that blue light from phone screens can cause more hyperpigmentation than UVA and UVB rays, because it can travel deep into the dermis where the collagen and elastin are. Most of us spend hours per day looking at our phones or at screens in general, and exposures as short as 60 minutes can trigger these changes. It is important to have time away from screens not only for your mental health, but for your skin to help mitigate premature ageing.
Exposure to cigarette smoke
It will come as no surprise that cigarette smoke leads to premature ageing. The toxins in nicotine change the cells in your body, leading over time to sagging skin, wrinkles, and a hollow complexion. Smoking can also lead to uneven skin pigmentation and dry skin. According to the American College of Dermatology, it is common for the skin of a 40-year-old heavy smoker to resemble that of a 70-year-old non-smoker. It is important to note that just giving up smoking cigarettes is not enough to help curb premature ageing, as nicotine in any form leads to a narrowing of blood vessels and inflammation which leads to premature skin ageing. Furthermore, exposure to second-hand smoke even briefly can have adverse effects on the ageing of your skin, alongside other adverse health effects. Fully avoiding any inhalation of cigarette smoke is the only way to protect your skin and your health from the harmful effects.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8023055/
https://uk.oriflame.com/beautyedit/health-beauty/4-ways-the-environment-is-damaging-your-skin
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/23105-premature-aging
