Anti-aging cosmetic products are a thing of the past - a whole new beauty trend has been in the spotlight for a few months now. Anti Pollution comes from Asia and translated from English it means “anti-air pollution” in German. Due to urbanization, we are exposed to pollutants such as exhaust gases, particulate matter, ozone, industrial waste and cigarette smoke on a daily basis. That thesea range of health problemscause is no longer a secret. However, very few people know that even the smallest impurities in the air have a negative effect on our skin. Luckily, the beauty industry reacted quickly and developed anti-pollution cosmetics that are intended to protect the skin from environmental stress. We'll tell you in our article whether this really makes a difference and which ingredients are important for it, as well as lots of other useful information!
A study conducted by the Leibniz Institute in 2010 came to the conclusion that women who are exposed to increased concentrations of pollutants in everyday life developed 20% more discoloration and pigment spots than women from rural areas. What's more, women who live in a big city are up to 180% more likely to struggle with enlarged pores. So it's no wonder that the shelves in drugstores and perfumeries are filled with all kinds of anti-pollution products. From affordable skin care ranges from Nivea to luxury brands such as Sisley, Shiseido and Estee Lauder - there is something for everyone. The new beauty trend is primarily about two aspects: the preventative protection of the skin from pollutants and the repair of existing damage.
Anti Pollution Cosmetics – What exactly is it?
If you live in a big city, you are most likely exposed to all kinds of pollution. The free radicals that are generated by air pollutants are particularly dangerous. They attack the skin cells and affect their ability to function. This in turn causes the skin to lose elasticity and its defense mechanisms become weaker. But since it's not that easy to move to the country, Anti Pollution Cosmetics is our salvation. Its task is not only to deeply clean the surface of the skin and remove dirt, but also to protect it from it effectively and permanently. The products are intended to form a protective shield on the skin to make it more resilient and strengthen its natural barrier.
How does air pollution affect our skin?
Oxidation can lead to premature skin aging and skin care products rich in oxidants can counteract this process. Some of the most important ingredients that Anti Pollution cosmetics contain are vitamins C and E, prebiotics, algae, caviar, green tea, zinc oxide and other minerals. In order for the products to work, you also have to choose the right cosmetics for youcontinuous and proper skin careof great importance. Make-up, dirt particles or remnants of old cosmetics clog the pores and can lead to various skin problems. Therefore, thorough daily cleaning in the morning and evening as well as removing make-up are an absolute must.
If you thought that air pollution was only a problem in large metropolises and industrial areas, then we're sorry to disappoint you. According to a study by the Health Effect Institute, more than 95% of the world's population is exposed to dangerous pollutants. We are all aware of the consequences for our health. Our skin serves as a kind of natural barrier against external influences, but unfortunately small nanoparticles in the form of dust, dirt and soot can still penetrate the skin cells and damage them. Exhaust fumes and industrial waste can lead to many diseases such as acne, redness, eczema and rosacea.
The pollutants settle on the surface of the skin and in this way the metabolism and oxygen supply are slowed down and prevented by the dirt deposits. The result is clogged pores, blemishes and deteriorated skin texture. Free radicals and particulate matter weaken skin elasticity and this can cause dry, dull skin or even severe rashes. Here is an overview of the consequences of air pollution for the appearance of the skin:
- premature skin aging
- Pigment spots
- Destruction of the protective layer
- Skin blemishes and rashes
- Cell damage caused by free radicals
Fine dust and exhaust fumes can also damage the hair structure and scalp
Numerous scientific studies have shown that dirt particles, exhaust fumes and pollutants can not only have a negative effect on our face, but also on our hair and scalp. The microparticles settle on the scalp, impair microcirculation and the result is a disturbed balance and brittle, dry hair. In exceptional cases, redness or flaking may even occur. To avoid this, we recommend using hair products rich in antioxidants and vitamins C and E. They have a moisturizing effect and provide deep but gentle cleansing.
Should all the products in your skincare routine be designed to combat pollution?
Now that you know how harmful pollution can be to our skin, we wouldn't be surprised if you want to buy 10 different anti-polling products at once. However, that would be a complete waste of money. Even though skin care should serve to protect the skin from harmful external influences, not every single product has to be specifically anti-pollution. Above all, make sure that you moisturize your skin thoroughly and cleanse it thoroughly. A little tip from us: Use creams and masks that are rich in antioxidants and primarily made from natural ingredients.
What ingredients must the anti polling contain?
In order for anti-pollution cosmetics to develop their full potential, the products must contain certain ingredients that are important for skin health. These primarily include vitamins A, C and E, as well as antioxidants such as flavonoids, polyphenols andCoenzym Q10, which bind free radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. Vitamin C is particularly effective in the fight against pigment spots. Vitamin E neutralizes the effects of free radicals and protects the skin cells from destruction. However, so that you can benefit from these properties, we recommend that you only use cosmetic products with a vitamin E concentration of around 2-3%. Minerals like selenium and zinc are also some of the best remedies for air pollution. Other important ingredients include:
- Plankton ferment extract plays a very important role not only in skin care, but also in healthy nutrition. This is an active ingredient that is produced by plankton. Anti Pollution Cosmetics with Plankton forms a protective layer on the skin and keeps free radicals and dust away.
- Activated carbon is a real all-rounder and all-rounder and a particularly popular ingredient in the beauty industry. It quickly attracts toxins and deeply cleanses the skin. In addition, it tightens the pores again, protects the skin from harmful external influences and accelerates the renewal of skin cells. Products containing activated charcoal have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects and combat acne or skin redness.
- Anti-pollution creams and cleansers that contain extracts of omega fatty acids and chia seeds support the regeneration of the skin's protective mechanisms and prevent fine dust and microparticles from adhering to the skin.
What should the perfect main care routine look like?
For radiant and, above all, healthy skin, the right care is the be-all and end-all. No matter how expensive the cosmetics you use are - without continuous use, the results are zero. We have a few helpful tips for you so that you can successfully protect your skin from environmental pollution.
- Washing your face morning and evening is the most important thing. To do this, use a mild cleansing gel that cleanses the skin thoroughly but does not dry it out. A cream is then applied that has a moisturizing effect.
- Now the anti-pollution product is applied, which forms a protective film on the skin. Whether you use a cream or a serum is up to you. It would be even better if the care product also contained a sun protection factor. However, if this is not the case, apply a sunscreen product.
- In the evening, clean your face thoroughly and make sure that you completely remove all make-up. Only when a cotton pad remains completely white is your skin really clean. We recommend that you complete this step immediately after you arrive home. For more intensive skin care, use ampoules containing hyaluronic acid in addition to a moisturizing and vitamin-rich anti-pollution night cream.
- The use of oneFace mask or facial peelingtwice a week ensures that environmental deposits and dead skin cells are completely removed.
