5 Ways to Fight Skin-Damaging Pollution (Giveaway!)
Author: Shannon Miller Lifestyle
A few years ago, bronze was beautiful, and a dark tan, even with tan lines, meant health and vitality.
Well, we used to think smoking was ok, too. Now we know better.
What about pollution and our skin, though? Who really talks or knows anything about that?
Well, actually pollution is one of the main sources of damage to the skin. As smog, dirt and dust float through the air, they often come in contact with the sun’s ultraviolet rays, which create free radicals, highly charged oxygen molecules that are harmful to the skin and the body [source: Davis]. Free radicals attack cells and damage DNA, and both air and water pollution can strip skin of moisture, causing discoloration, fine lines and wrinkles [source: WebMD].
Studies show that using products that contain antioxidants may also combat pollutants in the skin. Not only that, but you really need to get your water tested. You can filter your drinking water to remove chlorine (causes dryness and wrinkling prematurely) and other toxins, and you can limit the amount of time you spend in swimming pools and other highly chlorinated water. There are also tons of great products on the market that can help protect you from skin damage from both the sun’s rays that combine with these free-radicals AND the smog effect.