What can pollution do to the skin?

Pollution has a significant negative impact on the skin, leading to various detrimental effects. It can introduce harmful particles and toxins that penetrate the skin barrier, resulting in an increase in oxidative stress. This oxidative stress is a major contributing factor to premature aging, as it damages collagen and elastin fibers, leading to the loss of skin elasticity and firmness. Additionally, exposure to pollutants can cause inflammation, which often manifests as skin irritation and can exacerbate existing skin conditions, such as acne, leading to breakouts.

Moreover, pollution can result in a dull complexion, as it contributes to the accumulation of dead skin cells and interferes with the skin's natural renewal process. It essentially hampers the skin’s ability to reflect light vibrantly, thus causing a lackluster appearance.

Understanding these effects reinforces the importance of implementing protective skincare measures, such as using antioxidants and barrier-boosting ingredients to help combat the adverse impacts of environmental pollutants on the skin.