Did you know the kind of environment you are in can affect your skin? So although going on holiday may be great for getting a tan and relaxing your mind, the sudden change in climate may also worsen your skin.
If you experience these symptoms you may be suffering from environmentally stressed skin:
- Acne flare-ups
- Hives or rash
- Redness and rosacea flare-ups
- Irritation
- Dry skin
- Dull skin
- Psoriasis and eczema flare-ups
- Saggy skin
Below we break down the environmental stressors that may aggravate your skin:
- Pollution: this can irritate your skin as the dust in the air can clog the pores, and increase bacteria which can lead to acne. Pollution can also trigger rosacea and pigmentation as well as damage enzymes which lead to the breakdown of collagen and elastin.
- Chemicals pollutants: can disrupt your skin's barrier and break down natural oils that would retain moisture in your skin. Chemicals can also cause bacterial infections, irritations and changes in pigmentation.
- Harsh temperatures: these conditions disrupt the skin's barrier, affecting the ability to retain moisture, drying it out. Extreme heat can also lead to premature ageing, hyperpigmentation and potential skin cancer. This can accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin, leaving the skin looking more wrinkled.
- Windy conditions: wind can cause the outer layer of the skin cells to weaken and dry out and fall off, this results in reduced efficacy when it comes to protecting your skin.
- Water quality: areas with hard water which leave alkaline minerals on the skin which can lead to flare ups of dryness and irritation as this compromises your skin's barrier, making it more sensitive. This can inflame skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea.
Tips:
- Always use a gentle cleanser on your skin every morning and evening to wash away dirt
- Do not use extremely harsh settings on appliances such as radiators, heaters and air conditioning
- Make sure to give your skin a little love with active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides to help repair your skin's barrier
- Apply an antioxidant serum to protect against free radicals such as pollution and UV exposure
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