The best skin care ingredients and products to protect against environmental damage.Whether you are indoors or outdoors, your skin is affected by the environment.
From UV rays to blue light and pollution, “all of these environmental factors work by creating oxidative damage in the skin, which breaks down collagen and can also damage the skin’s barrier function. The damaged barrier makes the skin more vulnerable.” The harmful effects of UV rays, says Jennifer Chwalek, MD, a dermatologist at Unionderm in New York.
According to research, oxidative damage or stress occurs when the level of presence of harmful free radicals exceeds that of the “good guy” neutralizing antioxidant.
Here, dermatologists talk about the top environmental factors that damage skin, lead to aging and increase the risk of skin cancer, as well as the best products and ingredients to protect the dermis. yours from being damaged. UV rays are the biggest threat to the skin
First place:sun.
“Ultraviolet radiation is the most important environmental factor and also one of the most recognized,” says Marisa Garshick, MD, a dermatologist at Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in New York City. when it comes to skin damage and aging.
The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that UV rays trigger the production of free radicals in the skin that damage DNA and break down collagen and elastin in the skin, causing wrinkles; it also stimulates melanin production which leads to skin discoloration, says Garshick. According to research, melanin is the pigment that gives the skin its color. In addition to aesthetics, there is also a risk of skin cancer. The cumulative effects of sun exposure can, over time, lead to the formation of non-melanoma skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and melanoma. squamous cell epithelium (SCC); The WHO indicates that childhood UV exposure may be a greater risk factor for melanoma skin cancer, which can be fatal.
The sun is not the only scourge of the skin
Blue light, or visible light, is a potential skin aging cause that experts are increasingly wary of. “Blue light is in the spectrum of visible light. It’s the high-energy wavelength light emitted by our computer and phone screens,” Garshick said. While research is still ongoing and studies tend to be very small, some suggest that being glued to a screen all day can also lead to premature aging. For example, one study found that visible light increased the formation of free radicals in the skin. And one review study suggested that this free radical-generating light also includes smartphone flash. (The title even asks if selfies lead to premature aging.)
Air pollution plays a role in accelerating skin aging
Air pollution doesn’t just affect the way you breathe. As the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns, it can also generate free radicals that damage the skin similar to light. “Exposure to air pollution, including small particles, nitrogen dioxide, hydrocarbons and ozone, creates oxidative damage in the skin that increases inflammation,” says Dr. For example, consider particulate matter (PM). According to the EPA, PM is a mixture of small particles and liquid droplets, such as organic chemicals and soil or dust. One study found that PM stimulates skin inflammation and impairs collagen synthesis.
Over time, this can cause sagging and wrinkles. “Pollution creates free radicals in the skin, which prematurely eat away at collagen and elastin,” says Rebecca Kazin, MD, board-certified dermatologist of ICON Dermatology and Aesthetics in North Bethesda, Maryland. Also, if you are dealing with dark spots appearing on your face, you can blame the car.
8 steps to protect skin from the environment
Try a mineral sunscreen to prevent sun damage
Sunscreen is the #1 goal, but many dermatologists like Chwalek prefer sunscreens that contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which physically block UV rays. “Chemical sunscreens let in some of the light, so I think physical sunscreens are better. They’re a bit more aggressive in protecting you from UV rays,” she says. You’ll find them in sunscreens that say “mineral-based” on the label.
Choose a tinted sunscreen for a dual-use product
To better block blue light, look for a tinted moisturizer with SPF, says Garshick. Iron oxide, formulated in tinted sunscreens, is an ingredient that protects the skin from this type of light spectrum. (That’s what provides the color.) She prefers EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 or SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50.
Choose a functional powder for sun protection on the go
Visible light can make existing pigmentation problems worse, says Garshick, and it’s a good idea to have a re-applied product in your home. Powders with built-in SPF are great options because you can apply them over existing makeup. They are especially useful if you work in an office and need to edit in the afternoon. Try the Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50.
Power up red algae to protect you from blue light
If you don’t like tinted primer, another option is to look for a product made with red algae, which is designed to resist blue light, says Garshick. She loves Supergoop! Invisible sunscreen.
Choose vitamin C and E supplements in the morning
“Antioxidants neutralize free radicals that break down collagen and elastin prematurely,” says Garshick. According to research, vitamin C often works best when supplemented with vitamin E, so you’ll find them together in several formulations, she says. One regularly recommended by dermatologists:
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic. Use this serum in the morning to prepare the skin for the defenses it needs for the day.
Opt for antioxidants like glutathione and resveratrol
Antioxidants also have their place at night, says Garshick, because they can help repair damage caused during the day. Look for resveratrol (research has shown it is a powerful antioxidant found in red wine that helps scavenge free radicals) in SkinCeuticals Resveratrol B E. According to research, Garshick also recommends Good Science Beauty Skin Brightening Cream because it contains glutathione, another potent antioxidant that helps treat dark spots to even out skin tone. You can also get antioxidants through supplements like Heliocare, which works against sun damage from research-backed Polypodium leucotomos extract. However, it’s important to note that oral supplements can never be a substitute for wearing sunscreen.
Take a good shower before going to bed
“It is important to wash away the accumulated dirt on a daily basis. That’s why part of every good anti-aging routine is a gentle cleanser,” says Garshick. Gentle shower gels like Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash will clean the skin while keeping the skin barrier intact, reducing the possibility of irritation 카지노사이트.
Protect yourself in the afternoon
Use products that help remove dust and debris that accumulate on the surface of the skin, says Garshick. She loves Good Science Beauty Purifying Face Cream, which targets toxins with oligopeptide-10, a plant-based antibacterial peptide, notes the product’s website. Another recommendation is Elizabeth Arden Prevage Hydrating Fluid, which uses idebenone, an antioxidant that helps neutralize environmental damage.