According to a report in the 2016 journal of investigative dermatology, vehicle emissions aren’t only harmful to your lungs; they are also detrimental to your skin. It has been proven that air pollution damages your skin, particularly your face, as it is often the most exposed area of your skin.

Woman suffering from air pollution damage to her skin while in a busy city

Did you know that vehicle emissions aren’t only harmful to your lungs; they are also detrimental to your skin? It has been proven that air pollution damages your skin, particularly your face, as it is often the most exposed area of your skin.

Although this doesn’t sound particularly hopeful for those who live in built-up areas, several treatments can help to correct unwanted pigmentation, dull and congested skin, acne, collagen damage, and increased lines and laxity, all caused by air pollution.

What is Air Pollution?

Air pollution can be comprised of liquid droplets, gases, or solid particles and of natural or man-made origin. There is both visible and non-visible air pollution that each act in harmful and deadly ways.

Air pollution coming from a factory

Main air pollutants, like sulphur dioxide (SO2) emitted from factories or carbon dioxide (CO2) from vehicle emissions, have been introduced in large quantities into the earth’s atmosphere and contaminate the air we breathe.

How Air Pollution Affects Your Skin

The pollution from traffic emissions is the primary culprit in damaging skin cells. As a result, the collagen that gives your skin its strength and structure and replenishes dead skin gets broken down, which leads to a long list of skin issues, including:

  • Abnormal skin pigmentation
  • Dull and congested skin
  • Acne
  • Collagen damage

Skin ages faster in heavily polluted areas – for every increase of 10 ug/m3 in the concentration of the air pollutant nitrous oxide (NOx), there has been a reported 25% more dark spots, particularly on the facial area.

Opinions differ about the composition of the air pollution, but it is thought to be covered by smaller polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). They have a lipophilic quality that allows them to dissolve in your skin’s oil, penetrate the outer layers of your face, and cause abnormal discolouration and wrinkles.

A woman looking through a magnifying glass at her skin

Fighting the Damage

While removing your make-up every day is a mandatory skin care practice, and a change to a healthier diet is a step towards improving the body’s natural defences, they won’t repair the damage caused to the deeper skin tissue. Instead, you must invest in the right facial treatment to fight the damage and bring restoration to your skin. So let’s take a look at some of the treatments available here at Aesthetic Skin Clinic that could be the best course of action for you.

Obagi Blue Peel

The Obagi Blue Peel treatment helps to correct skin imperfections and abnormal pigmentation. By using products from the world’s number-one skincare brand, this procedure helps to improve your skin’s appearance through the correction of wrinkles, scars, and large pores, as well as the aforementioned abnormal pigmentation. In addition, the Obagi Blue Peel assists with improving your skin’s health by removing thin layers of aged or damaged skin on your face.

This quick and simple procedure is performed only by our experienced, professionally trained doctors and nurse prescribers who specialise in the treatment in order to tailor its depth to your individual requirements here at Aesthetic Skin Clinic.

Someone having IPL Photo Rejuvenation treatment

IPL Photo Rejuvenation

Our IPL Photo Rejuvenation treatment is a safe and effective procedure to stimulate the production of new collagen and repair skin ageing damage. It works through Intense Pulsed Light therapy (IPL), which is when light is flashed repeatedly and converted into heat, which triggers anti-inflammatory reactions in the skin. As a result, your skin’s texture will lose its dull look, and any dark pigmentation or age spots will be effectively removed. This also firms and smooths the skin, providing a more youthful appearance and a healthy glow. It is one of our less invasive treatments, and there is a minimal amount of downtime, so you can get out there and show off the results within no time.

Anti-Wrinkle Injections

Wrinkles caused by natural ageing can be troublesome, but wrinkles caused by external factors like air pollution can be damaging to self-esteem, as they can appear at any age. An anti-wrinkle injection treatment will block the nerve impulses from reaching the affected area and maintain your smooth and wrinkle-free skin. We can treat any area of the face, so whether you’re affected by crow’s feet, forehead wrinkles, or smile lines, we can help you.

Hydrafacial

Our Hydrafacial procedure helps to correct discolouration and age spots that ruin your complexion. It does so by unclogging pores, removing dead skin, cleansing, and exfoliating the treated area. Designed for all skin types, this treatment is a safe way of rejuvenating your skin and bringing back your healthy glow.

If you’ve noticed that your skin has developed any abnormal colouration and believe it may be due to air pollution, you can get in touch with us and book your discreet consultation. Our award-winning, medically-trained dermatologists will devise a treatment plan for your individual requirements by listening to your needs and wants and combining this with our expert knowledge and experience in skincare.

Change your life by contacting our team today.