Pollution is an issue that we have been facing for a long time now. Those living and working in major urban cities are exposed to toxic substances for skin including tiny particles called PMs, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and chemicals such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). It has a negative impact on our skin, hair and overall health. In this article, we will discuss how air pollution affects your skin and how you can reverse the ageing due to pollution by preventive action and following the right skincare routine.

Does air pollution affect your skin?

Skin problems caused by air pollution can include:

• Acne

• Skin allergies

• Psoriasis

Air pollution causes these skin issues because it can irritate the human skin, and especially its upper layer, called epidermis. The human skin is constantly exposed to environmental factors such as UV light, dirt and other microorganisms that may cause inflammation or infection. In order to avoid this happening, the human body has developed a barrier function which consists of a lipid layer called stratum corneum (SC) on top of SC cells. When pollutants enter our bodies through inhalation or ingestion they reach this protective layer where some may be absorbed into our bloodstream while others remain trapped underneath SC cells. Agents with a very irritating effect (e.g., sulphur dioxide SO2) once they get into our bodies activate multiple pathways of inflammation within them (e.g., keratinocytes). Some pathways ignite melanocytes which produce too much pigment and end up giving you unwanted sun spots while others increase production of mucus in your nose causing runny noses etc."

How to reverse skin ageing due to pollution

Reversing the skin damage caused by pollution can be a challenge, but there are several steps you can take to help improve your skin's health.

• Apply sunscreen every day: Sunscreen is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself from pollution-related skin damage. Make sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and apply it liberally when going outside for an extended period of time (1 teaspoon per arm and leg). A good rule of thumb is that you should reapply your sunscreen every two hours while outdoors, even if it's only cloudy outside.

• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water and keep your body hydrated.

• Cleanse your skin gently: Gentle washing can help to remove pollution, makeup, and other substances without irritating the skin.

• Wear a mask when going out in polluted areas:  While this may not seem like an obvious solution to reversing the effects on your skin caused by air pollution, wearing a face mask when exposed to high levels of particulate matter can help reduce some of its negative impact on your complexion in addition to protecting against other types of pollutants (such as heavy metals or pesticides) that might otherwise become absorbed into your bloodstream through inhalation over time.

• Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet: Avoid eating unhealthy foods such as processed meats and fried foods often used in fast food establishments around high traffic areas where large crowds gather regularly because these items tend not only contain high levels fat but also sodium which causes dehydration which results in dryness which leads ultimately causes wrinkles at those points where skin folds together such as corners between brows & eyes; corners between nose & upper lip; and sides of mouth near chin area.

Best skincare products for ageing skin

• Moisturise: As we age, skin becomes drier and loses collagen and elasticity. This causes wrinkles to form around our eyes, mouth and cheeks. To prevent this from happening, use a good quality moisturiser every day before you go to bed. If your skin is already dry or wrinkled, then use an oil-based one instead of water-based as they penetrate deeply into the layers of your skin keeping it hydrated all night long without causing breakouts!

• Protect yourself from pollution with sunscreen! If you're going outside for more than 15 minutes in sunny weather then make sure that you put on sunscreen every time! Sunscreen works by absorbing harmful UV rays that cause sunburns which can lead to premature ageing as well as cancer so keep applying it every few hours throughout the day if needed! Don't forget about those hidden parts too like underneath your arms or neck so remember to wear something protective when outdoors during summer months unless otherwise specified by a dermatologist such as SPF 50+.

• Replenish skin with hyaluronic acid serum Hyaluronic acid serum is a proven and effective skincare ingredient, and it can be used for natural hydrating, anti-ageing and skin-smoothening effects on the face or other areas of the skin. It helps reduce signs of ageing by  plumping up your skin and decreasing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Is skin ageing reversible?

As you can see, air pollution can be a serious detriment to your skin. If signs of ageing due to pollution bother you, you may want to see a dermatologist. At Clinikally you can take online dermatologist consultation who can provide personalized treatment plan based on your specific skin concern. 

There are steps that you can take to help reverse skin ageing and keep your skin looking young and healthy.

• As we age, skin becomes drier and loses collagen and elasticity. This causes wrinkles to form around our eyes, mouth and cheeks. To prevent this from happening, use a good quality moisturiser every day before you go to bed. If your skin is already dry or wrinkled, then use an oil-based one instead of water-based as they penetrate deeply into the layers of your skin keeping it hydrated all night long without causing breakouts!

• Protect yourself from pollution with sunscreen! If you're going outside for more than 15 minutes in sunny weather then make sure that you put on sunscreen every time! Sunscreen works by absorbing harmful UV rays that cause sunburns which can lead to premature ageing as well as cancer so keep applying it every few hours throughout the day if needed! Don't forget about those hidden parts too like underneath your arms or neck so remember to wear something protective when outdoors during summer months unless otherwise specified by a dermatologist such as SPF 50+..

Effectively treat wrinkles and fine lines!

With all that pollution around, your skin is doing a good job of trying to keep itself protected. However, that can lead to clogged pores and make you look older than you really are. To reverse the effects of air pollution on your skin, it's important to use a good moisturiser each day. This will help prevent dryness and flaking in even the most polluted areas.

Then there are some specific skincare products that can help: sunscreen is always important, but especially if you're in an area with heavy pollution; retinol can be used as an anti-ageing product (but also works well against pollutants); peptides work as both antioxidants and anti-pollution agents; vitamin C helps protect against UV damage while also working against pollutants; finally cleansers are key in removing dirt from pores so they don't become blocked by oil residue or dust particles.