Protecting your skin from pollution is one of the main concerns of French people, especially in large cities. Dull complexion, imperfections, skin aging ... pollution has many harmful effects for your skin. Discover our advice to properly protect your skin from pollution and opt for appropriate cosmetic care.
What is pollution?
We have been hearing about air pollution for years. Pollution is a phenomenon that, due to ever-increasing human activity, degrades the functioning of the planet.
The atmosphere is considered to be polluted because it has impurities or an “abnormal” rise in some of its constituents. In gaseous, liquid or solid form, pollutants come from nature (vegetation, oceans, volcanoes) and human activities (factories, transport). A balance, unstable today, must be found between the formation of pollution and its dispersion / transformation in the environment.
Pollutants can be classified into two families:
- The primary pollutants, which are the best known and come from road transport, industry, heating, agriculture. They generate, for example, carbon oxides, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, light hydrocarbons, metals (lead, mercury, etc.).
- The secondary pollutants, created by chemical reaction between several gases. UV rays and high temperatures, for example, promote the formation of ozone, the reaction of oxygen in contact with nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons.
What are the effects of pollution on the skin?
Promotes the appearance of irritation and inflammation
When skin is chronically exposed to pollution, one of the first signs of its effects is the appearance of irritation and inflammation on its surface. It then becomes much more sensitive to external aggressors, becoming increasingly fragile. This can lead to the development of certain skin conditions such as rosacea , eczema, or psoriasis.
Accelerates the aging of the skin
Some studies conducted in recent years have shown that exposure to pollution is responsible for almost 80% of cellular aging! The fine particles present in pollutants penetrate into the epidermis, causing deep damage and promoting the appearance of oxidative stress responsible for aging.
Duller complexion, dehydration and lack of radiance
Another consequence of pollution on your skin : a duller, greyish complexion lacking radiance, caused in particular by pollutants in the air, but also by the stress generated by an urban lifestyle.
Pollution also accelerates skin dehydration in the most exposed areas such as the hands and face.
Unbalances the production of sebum and promotes its oxidation
By affecting sebum production, pollution disrupts the skin's balance and promotes the formation of imperfections such as acne breakouts and blackheads. Sebum can also oxidize upon contact with sunlight and UV rays, facilitating hyperpigmentation and the appearance of dark spots on the face.
How to effectively protect your skin from pollution?
To prevent pollution and stress from damaging the skin on your face, the most sensitive and exposed part of your body, you need to adopt a daily skincare ritual to cleanse, restore and protect your skin from pollution.
Step 1: Gentle cleaning
On a daily basis, it is essential to gently cleanse your face in the morning and evening.
This step will allow you to remove all the pollution particles that have settled on your face during the day or night. Invisible and painless, these particles are nonetheless responsible for the damaging effects mentioned above.
To remove makeup residue, an initial cleansing with a cleansing oil is recommended. This will remove the first layer of impurities, which tends to be oily. Each skin type should be treated according to its specific needs: dry, normal, combination, oily, or mature. Be careful not to use an unsuitable product, as this will only worsen the imperfections you are trying to eliminate.
Once or twice a week, perform a deeper cleanse using a facial scrub . This will remove all traces of pollution and dead skin cells, and help detoxify your skin.
Step 2: Nutrition and hydration
After cleansing the skin, providing both hydration and nourishment will allow you to better protect it from pollution and its effects.
We recommend using skincare products rich in vegetable oils containing fatty acids and moisturizing agents to limit skin dehydration, promote its regeneration and protect it effectively and naturally against the signs of skin aging.
Following the steps of cleansing, moisturizing, and nourishing is essential and sufficient for maintaining healthy, resilient, and radiant skin. These rituals effectively combat the appearance of blemishes , which are often exacerbated by pollution. It's up to you to find your own ritual tailored to your skin and lifestyle!
Our selection of HO KARAN treatments to fight against the effects of stress and pollution
Cannabooster Detox Serum
Apply after cleansing and before your moisturizer. The Cannabooster Detox Serum contains a blend of cannabis terpenes, algae from the island of Ouessant, and a zinc astringent complex to effectively combat blemishes. Day after day, your skin is protected from the effects of pollution and deeply detoxified, pores are tightened, and the complexion is more radiant.
Natural Detox Deodorant
To combat stress and purify your skin, discover our Natural Detox Deodorant : a blend of cannabis terpenes and zinc, it effectively eliminates unpleasant odors and absorbs moisture while preserving your skin's natural balance. You'll also appreciate its ultra-fresh and invigorating botanical scent, perfect for starting your day right!