Skin Defence Against Indoor and Outdoor Pollutants

Healthy skin is always coveted but often challenging to achieve considering the multifaceted environmental aggressors we face. Whether in extreme or mild weather conditions, many environmental skin pollutants and harmful UV rays are unavoidable and require effective solutions.

Outdoor pollutants, coupled with less-discussed indoor pollutants, contribute to generating oxidative stress in our skin. This imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in our bodies can eventually lead to cell and tissue damage, which is not easily reversible.

What are indoor and outdoor skin pollutants and why shouldn’t they be ignored?

Continuous exposure to heat and pollutants is a quick way of stripping moisture and leads to countless skin issues. Premature aging, dryness and dullness, dehydration, blemishes, acne, increased skin irritation and sensitivity are only a handful of the consequences. Healthy skin needs to breathe and purify itself from within, and also requires as much external support as it can get from a balanced diet combined with protection from the elements.

Skin damage can be caused by indoor as well as outdoor pollutants. Dust, smoke, sweat, UV radiation, and vehicle fumes are forms of outdoor pollutants, while chemicals, air conditioning, bacteria, animal hair and fur act as indoor pollutants. Even our beloved hairsprays, perfumes and candle fumes contribute to polluting our skin. 

The sun is without question the number one source of skin aggression. Short Ultraviolet Burning (UVB) and Long Ultraviolet Ageing (UVA) rays penetrate the dermis of the skin, leading to premature ageing. 

Step up to defend your skin. 

A sufficient diet with enough nutrients and regular water intake is the best route to great skin. Replace impulsive caffeine intakes with juices and fresh liquids with higher water content and consume nutrient-rich balanced meals. Fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains are some of the greatest sources of nutrients for your skin and overall health.

What you wear on your skin matters.

Skin defence isn’t just a matter of eating and drinking healthy. Carefully formulated, environmentally friendly products such as sunscreens and moisturisers are crucial to keeping skin shining and breathing well throughout the day. No amount of make-up will ‘make up’ for the loss of a quality sunscreen! 

The Body Shop’s Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essence SPF50+ is 100% vegan and protects against broad spectrum UV filters. With a highly effective triple shield protection against UVB and UVA rays, indoor and outdoor pollutants, The Body Shop’s Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essence SPF50+ keeps multiple skin aggressors at bay while giving your skin the smoothness and healthy shine it deserves. The lightweight formula works well on both your face and neck as a daily moisturiser and sunscreen, as well as a pre make-up base. Enriched with organic aloe vera, algae extract and vitamin C, this formula results in skin that’s more refined, luminous and hydrated.