It’s no surprise that pollution has become an inevitable part of our daily lives. While its impact on the environment is widely recognized, we often overlook its detrimental effects on our skin. Today, we’re going to focus on this concept and answer a few common questions: does pollution make skin worse, does pollution cause breakouts, and we’ll also look at how to protect skin from pollution. Let’s dive right in.

What Is The Skin Barrier?

We’ve covered the skin barrier in many different blogs, but a quick recap is in order. The skin barrier, also known as the stratum corneum, is the outermost layer of our skin. Its primary function is to protect the deeper layers from external factors such as pollutants, allergens, and irritants. It’s really our first line of defense against all environmental stressors – yet not everyone knows about how important it is to keep it healthy.

A healthy skin barrier maintains optimal hydration, prevents water loss, and defends against harmful substances. However, pollution can disrupt this protective shield, compromising the overall health and appearance of our skin.

What Does Pollution Do To The Skin Barrier?

Here are just a few things that pollution and particulate matter do to our skin barrier:

Increased Free Radical Damage	Airborne pollutants, including particulate matter, heavy metals, and exhaust fumes, generate free radicals upon contact with the skin. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that can cause oxidative stress, leading to collagen degradation, premature aging, and skin dullness.
Inflammation and Sensitivity	Pollution also triggers inflammation in the skin, disrupting its delicate balance. This can result in increased redness, irritation, and heightened sensitivity to other irritants.
Impaired Barrier Function	Pollutants penetrate the skin and disrupt the lipid barrier, reducing its ability to retain moisture. This can lead to dryness, roughness, and an increased risk of skin infections.

 

Does Pollution Cause Breakouts? Does Pollution Make Skin Worse?

When our skin comes into contact with pollutants, such as dirt, dust, and particulate matter, they can clog our pores, leading to acne breakouts. Additionally, pollutants generate free radicals that cause oxidative stress and inflammation, triggering skin irritation and exacerbating existing skin conditions like acne, rosacea, and eczema. 

Pollution not only causes breakouts but also worsens the overall health and appearance of our skin. It is crucial to take proactive measures to protect our skin to mitigate its negative effects.

Learn More: 5 Pollution Statistics That Might Surprise You

How To Protect Skin From Pollution

Ok, so you want to repair a damaged skin barrier (or better yet, prevent it from happening in the first place). Where do you start? Here at Rejuvaskin, we recommend that you start a comprehensive skincare routine that uses anti-pollution products and antioxidant products. If you’re looking for high-quality, high-efficacy products that don’t irritate your skin, check out our Rejûvaskin Facial Cleanser and other products.

In summary, pollution poses a very real threat to our skin, impairing its barrier function and leading to a range of skin issues. Remember, a little extra care today can ensure your skin's well-being in the long run!