Environmental skeptics aside, most people agree that we are doing Mother Nature no favors. The hard fact is, air quality is worsening. According to a report by the American Lung Association, more than 140 million Americans live in unhealthy polluted air areas.
Air pollution is increasing for many reasons. The primary culprits are industrial activity and an increase in wildfires. Not to mention, of course, the world’s favorite air pollution poster child, the internal combustion engine.
This toxic mix of bad air swirls around the atmosphere and things worsen when it reacts with sunlight. The haze we see hanging in the air over large cities is ground-level ozone. Apart from having a negative impact on the respiratory system, this toxic atmosphere wages war on the skin.
Airborne pollutants damage skin cells, and breaks down collagen. Collagen is the body’s go-to protein protecting and strengthening every part of our bodies. It serves the critical role of providing structure and elasticity as well as replacing dead skin cells. Elasticity loss results in pigmentation issues, wrinkles, lines, faster skin aging, and sagging skin.
“There is little doubt that overexposure to ultraviolet radiation (sun) and pollution speeds up skin aging,” says Dr. Steven Dayan. Award-wining Chicagoan Dr. Dayan is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon specializing in surgical and non-invasive aesthetic procedures.
“Studies also point at certain pollutants causing increased pigmented spots on the forehead and cheeks,” he adds. One of which is benzopyrene, a compound found in many everyday items from exhaust emissions to tobacco smoke, soot particles, and many foods.
Increase in Skin Conditions
With pollution and atmospheric changes, there has also been an increase in skin conditions, including acne. Overproduction of skin oil is one of the causes leading to acne. When this occurs, the skin’s pores become blocked, causing a build-up of bacteria, which in time can create acne.
“It was and still is believed by many that sweating can help clear out your pores,” says the NY Times best-selling author and prolific researcher. “That is not really true. Sweat glands and oil pores are two different body functions.”
The fact is, sweating can cause the conditions that lead to acne. It does this by creating a moist skin surface environment that captures dust and dirt.
Battling the Effects of Skin Damage
Aesthetic medicine and non-invasive procedures are ideally placed to counter the effects of environmental skin damage. These fast and effective treatments can produce instant results, and Dr. Steven Dayan is a recognized and well-respected authority in their best use.
“I have many patients who come to see me with damaged skin, and currently one of our more popular treatments is the HydraFacial. This treatment is revitalizing and non-invasive. It grants patients skin health benefits in as little as 30 minute,” he explains.
This multi-step treatment option can extract dead skin cells and remove cosmetic impurities while cleansing, hydrating, and moisturizing the skin. It targets wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation such as dark spots, congested pores, imbalanced skin tone, and uneven skin texture.
Non-invasive techniques have really come into prominence within the last ten years. Many of these products and procedures have been researched on behalf of the industry for FDA approval by DeNova Research, a company in which Dr. Dayan serves as Director.
This research gives an almost unparalleled insight into their uses, compatibilities, and potential for success. Dr. Dayan passes these findings to the public, his students, and his patients with refreshing clarity.
The fight against air pollution will to continue for some time. Yet, thanks to advances in aesthetic non-invasive therapies, there’s a wide range of non-invasive procedures ready to combat its harmful effects.
