Can Natural Skincare Products Help Fight Against the Ageing Effect of Toxic Pollution?

According to London Air Researcher Dr. David Carslaw of King’s College,  London’s Oxford Street is one of the worlds most polluted with levels of nitrogen oxide exceeding ten times that of the legal limit. It is believed that toxic pollution and dust from the Sahara Desert create micro particles in the air which are wreaking havoc on our skin.  Do you have a skincare regimen and if so is it protecting your skin from the harsh environmental conditions and toxic pollution we face everyday in the urban jungle? Although there are steps you can take to fight against the ageing effect of toxic pollution.

Natural skincare products are great because they are free from: SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), parabens, petroleum, parrafin, alcohol, synthetics, artificial colours and artificial fragrances, all of which have been linked with cancer. Natural skincare products are gentle on skin and helpful in removing dirt, toxic pollution and dead skin cell build up. Natural skincare products immerse your skin in an essential mix of nutrients, minerals and anti-oxidants. The bioactive properties in natural skincare products are effective as anti-ageing treatments and can give the skin protection from the harsh effects of your day to day environment.

​IS TOXIC POLLUTION RESPONSIBLE FOR AGEING SKIN?

Dr. Neuser in an interview with Raconteur claims that, “living in a highly polluted area ages people 10% faster then their country cousins. He says "we recruited two groups of 100 women aged between 30-45, one living within the ring-road of Beijing and the other in the suburbs. The scientists measured the hydration barrier function, softness, texture and proteins on the skin. We found that the women in the city centre had 10 per cent lower and weaker barrier function because of significant lower levels of protein that make the barrier strong”. So is this proof that living in urban areas is wreaking havoc on our skin and prematurely ageing us.  Many women are slowly beginning to wake up to this realization with 28% of UK women using a facial moisturiser to counter the effects of pollution and the environment and the ageing effect it can have on your skin.

7 WAYS TO COMBAT THE AGEING EFFECT OF TOXIC POLLUTION ON YOUR SKIN

1. Cleanse
Cleansing is the first step in any everyday skincare regimen. It removes make-up, grease and dirt built up from your day in the urban jungle. Cleansing your skin should be a two step process, according to dermatologist Dr. Jeanine Downie, "many cleansers can't take off concealer or foundation completely, especially around the eyes and nose."  So it is important to use oils, or a cream cleanser which contain oils to dissolve makeup. Using a cream cleanser with a muslin cloth or flannel is another gentle method for cleansing the skin and removing dead skin cells.
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2. Tone
After cleansing the skin use a good toner which will remove makeup and oil residue without drying the skin and removing too much of the natural oils. Toners which include alcohol are likely to strip the skin of natural oils and can cause the skin to become dry and irritated. The best toners are alcohol free and gentle on the skin. 
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3. Moisturise
​Choose a moisturiser with natural ingredients which best suit your skin type. Is your skin dry, sensitive, normal, combincation or oily? A night cream should be nutrient rich and effective in skin cell restoration, repairing your skin as you sleep. It is best to choose a face cream with natural anti-ageing properties, which will give your skin a youthful, healthy and glowing appearance. There are so many natural ingredients, and natural skincare brands which a combine an essential mix of botanic organic and natural ingredients which are excellent anti-ageing treatments.
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4. Exfoliate
You should exfoliate your skin at least once a week. It is best to  and exfoliator which is not harsh or abrasive when you scrub. Again there are so many natural skincare products which are gentle and effective in removing dead skin cells. Honey as an excellent ingredient as it naturally sloughs away dead skin cells whilst protecting the skin. Leaving your skin soft, supple it has skin brightening capabilities excellent for dull looking complexion.
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5. Steam

A few times a month you should treat your face to a steam, after cleansing and/or exfoliating. Steaming your skin deep cleans right into your pores and can be easily done as a DIY skincare treatment. Add boiling water to a bowl, being careful not to touch it (you wouldn't want to burn yourself) make sure your face is about 10 inches away from the water.  Sit comfortably with a towel over your head for up to 10 minutes. A steam is a great way of promoting your skins circulation and boosting your skins circulation is associated with anti-ageing as it will influence collagen production, oxygen distribution and detoxification.​​​

6. Mask
A mask complements a steam perfectly and should be used a few times a month for the best results. A mask helps to balance your skin and stimulate circulation. Apply a smooth layer to a clean, damp and/or freshly steamed face, Allow to dry and suffuse your skin with its essential minerals and nutrient rich ingredients. It absorbs excess dirt and oil, leave on for up to 10 minutes feeling the drying 
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7. Hydrate

Natural skincare needs an holistic approach, looking at the inside and out. The best way to hydrate skin is to be sure to drink lots of water. The office environment, travelling on the tube or subway,  toxic pollution in the urban jungle, radiators in the winter all contribute to dry. lacklustre skin. Replenishing your body will in turn replenish your skin. Water and liquids such as herbal teas are  a great way to help your skin stay soft, supple and hydrated. Herbal teas fill your body with vital antioxidants to fight off the effects of ageing, herbal teas such as rooibos (red bush) tea and moringa tea are nutrient rich. 
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