Along with the rise in air pollution, the number of people who are affected by these pollutants has considerably increased, especially in India’s New Delhi, the country’s capital. The body’s outermost barrier and first line of defense against external environmental factors like pollution is the skin, but various air pollutants and factors that cause air pollution, like ultraviolet radiation, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds, oxides, particulate matter, ozone, and cigarette smoke, can have serious effects on human skin when exposed for an extended period of time.
The following are precautions to take in order to protect yourself from harmful air pollutants:
- Making it a habit to wash your hands and face each time you come in from the outside or after a few hours will help you avoid skin issues. Using an oil-based cleanser or face wash can help the skin become more cleansed by eliminating pollutants from the skin’s surface as well as contaminants that have gotten inside the skin pores.
- Exfoliating twice a week is an additional preventative measure. A couple of times per week of exfoliating aids in removing dead skin cells as well as the debris and impurities that are lodged in the pores of the skin. To avoid irritating the skin during exfoliating, it is advisable to employ gentle circular strokes.
- One preventative measure is to incorporate antioxidants into their normal skincare regimen. To stop the onset of oxidative stress symptoms like dark spots, fine wrinkles, and drooping skin, strong antioxidants like vitamin C should be taken frequently.
- Regular use of sunscreen may not provide immediate protection against pollution, but air pollutants and UV rays can mix to produce compounds that are extremely harmful to the skin. So, using sunscreen frequently is crucial to reduce UV damage.
- Hydrated skin is healthy skin, thus preserving the skin’s ideal moisture levels can help protect it from damage. Use nourishing moisturizers before venturing outside on a busy day to avoid looking overly oily and to shield your skin from corrosive air pollution.