In today’s world, the constant rise in pollution levels is affecting not just our health but also the health of our skin. Air pollution, especially in urban areas, is loaded with harmful toxins like particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide, and heavy metals, which can penetrate the skin and accelerate aging, dullness, and other skin issues. While skincare products play a critical role in protecting and nourishing the skin, supplements can provide an extra layer of defense, boosting skin health from the inside out.
Why pollution affects your skin
Pollution is one of the biggest contributors to skin ageing and other dermatological problems. Oxidative stress, inflammation, and premature aging are some of the unhygienic byproducts from penetrating the skin barrier in polluted air. Common skin problems caused by pollution are:
Dullness: It tends to clog pores along with obscuring the innate glow of the skin.
It also leads to premature ageing in the form of fine lines and wrinkles and also loss of elasticity due to oxidative damage to collagen and elastin.
Acne and breakouts: Clogged pores due to pollution eventually lead to acne.
Hyperpigmentation: Pollution boosts up the production of melanin, which makes the skin darker, discoloured, and spotted.
Dehydration: Pollution leads to a loss of natural moisture of the skin and causes dry, itchy, and irritated skin.
The harmful effects of pollution on the skin need to be combated with a holistic skincare approach, which should include using the right topical products to boost skin health through oral supplements. Among the most effective supplements are those listed below, which help restore radiance, protect the skin, and repair the damage caused by pollution.
Vitamin C
As a strong antioxidant, vitamin C is one of the most needed supplements in the fight against the deleterious effects of pollution. Vitamin C destroys free radicals that come from exposure to environmental toxins and UV radiation. It produces collagen, a protein responsible for the skin’s firmness and elasticity, making it a potent ally in preventing early aging caused by pollution.
Furthermore, vitamin C lightens the skin because it represses the production of melanin, thus aiding in the diminution of pigmentation and establishing bright, even skin tone. In addition, it helps improve the state of the skin’s natural barrier, thus enhancing its defence system against environmental stresses.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids, present in oils extracted from fish and flaxseed, keep the skin healthy. The essential fatty acids lend moisture to the skin, making it less likely to dry out or become inflamed in the presence of toxins in the environment. Omega-3 also has anti-inflammatory properties. For example, inflammation from toxins may be significantly reduced.
These fatty acids work by creating a strong skin barrier preventing damaging toxins from going in; they help to keep the elasticity of the skin long-lasting. Further, it promotes collagen production that keeps the skin firm and smooth.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E: It is an antioxidant that protects the skin from oxidative stress resulting from pollution. It synergizes with vitamin C, which eliminates free radicals to prevent damage to the skin and enhance the general texture of skin. It also helps to heal, reduce the formation of scars, as well as melanosis resulting from pollution.
This vitamin E gives the skin an ability to boost the natural moisture barrier of the skin, therefore keeping it hydrated and preventing dryness that is caused by environmental factors. It also has anti-inflammatory features making it a perfect supplement for soothed, irritated skin.
Astaxanthin
One strong antioxidant is derived from microalgae and helps maintain protection against the harmful effects of pollution and UV radiation on the skin. It can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, both key contributors to premature aging and skin damage.
Astaxanthin, on the other hand, can penetrate deep into the skin. Thus, it can protect the skin internally. It helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines, promote elasticity, and tone your skin overall. For people living in polluted places, this is a must-try supplement for radiant skin.
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Zinc
Zinc is one mineral that keeps the skin healthy, as it regulates oil production, helps minimize inflammation, and promotes healing. It also has some kind of antimicrobial properties that may reduce the breaking out of acne associated with pollution.
In addition, zinc offers protection of the skin against UV damage due to interactions between air pollutants and solar radiation. It also helps in the process involved in restoring damaged skin cells through the repairing processes such that affected skin from pollution and environmental stress is recovered.
Collagen
Collagen is a primary structural protein that lends strength and elasticity to the skin. As we age, our collagen production decreases, and the process is accelerated further by pollutants and other environmental factors. The daily supplementation with collagen peptides rejuvenates the natural defenses of the skin that have a feel for softness and appear younger.
Collagen also helps the skin retain moisture, preventing dehydration caused by environmental stressors. It’s an excellent supplement for improving skin texture, reducing fine lines, and enhancing overall radiance.
Probiotics
In addition to the positive effects of beneficial bacteria, probiotics, on the gut, an increase in favourable gut microbiota also enhances healthy skin functions. A properly balanced gut microbiome catalyzes an immune system that functions at its best and reduces the production of inflammation factors, both critical for counteracting pollutant effects damaging the skin.
Probiotics provide the means to enhance the strength of the skin’s barrier, increase hydration, and enhance the health of the complexion. They also aid in healing the skin while reducing any caused by pollutants from redness and irritation.
Green Tea extract
Green tea contains high levels of polyphenols, one of which is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), who has been recognized as a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Green tea extract helps protect the skin from oxidative stress due to pollutants and UV rays.
It also has anti-inflammatory property, and it can therefore be applied to soothe irritable skin due to harmful environmental pollutants. Regular consumption of supplements containing green tea extract might help in the decrease of lines on the face, wrinkles, and even pigmentation, giving an agile and smooth-toned skin.
While skincare lotions and creams applied on the outer skin are quite inevitable for healthy skin, supplements are an alternative source of inner nourishment and protection in a polluted world. In addition to using the right supplements, such as vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, and collagen for protecting your skin against those pollutants, repairing its radiance, and keeping it young and healthy, don’t forget maintaining a proper skincare routine, hydrating regularly, and protecting your skin from the harsh ultraviolet sun rays.
Source: times of india
