|
Protecting Skin From Everyday Environmental Hazards
Skin is our frst line of defence from external hazards. Battle
scars sustained in the process may be inevitable, yet with foresight the damage can be limited.
EVERYDAY Environmental hazards
It is irrefutable that environmental factors undermine
skin integrity. In our offices and homes, the arid
atmosphere generated by air-conditioning and central
heating leaches moisture from the skin, encouraging
a dry, taut and potentially sensitive surface. Outside,
further threats await. Cold winds dehydrate and stress
the skin, especially by contrast - going straight from a
warm room into icy air gives skin scant time to adjust its
temperature and circulation setting. Atmospheric pollution
creates a further risk by triggering the action of free radicals
destructive molecules within the skin itself.
Free radicals are opportunist, super-oxygenated molecules
that cruise the bloodstream ready to pick on weak and
ailing cells. As members of the body’s "clean-up" squad they
play a key role in natural tissue breakdown. But they are also
highly excitable. Smoking, traffic fumes and sunlight all trigger free radical activity.
Free radicals oxidize skin lipids both between cells and
in their surface. To neutralize the damage, skin chemicals arc
released, notably the anti-inflammatory interleukin-II. In the
skins blanket attempt to neutralize toxic activity, cells themselves become casualties, Antioxidant ingredients in skin
reams help counteract environmental damage,
but the best way to avoid excessive skin cell destruction is to
minimize your skin's exposure to pollution and sunlight.
|
