How to Protect Your Skin Against Environmental Damage

When it comes to adding volume to enhance your skin, minimally invasive injectable fillers are a typically effective strategy. Options include hyaluronic acid-based formulas like Juvédem^® and Restylane^®. The Philadelphia area’s Dr. Timothy Greco explains that natural hyaluronic acid diminishes in the skin over time, as do other important elements like collagen and elastin. Although we may hear plenty about these chemical changes that occur as we get older—leading to the development of wrinkles and hollows—environmental stressors also have a major impact on the appearance and health of our skin. 

These environmental factors affect our skin regardless of whether we’re indoors or outdoors and are linked to lifestyle, occupation, pollutants, and exposure to UV radiation and blue light. Our skin is a complex organ that serves many purposes, and one of its most important roles is being the first defensive barrier for the body when it’s in contact with the environment. Extended oxidative stress—which is an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body that occurs when the level of free radicals is too high—is said to be a primary contributor to premature aging. 

Out of all the stressors, UV rays have the most significant impact on skin aging and damage. This is because chronic, unprotected exposure to ultraviolet radiation results in DNA damage, a breakdown of collagen and elastin, and production of excess melanin (pigment) by the skin. All of this leads to wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and spots on the skin, as well as a much higher risk of skin cancer. However, UV exposure isn’t the only thing to watch out for. There’s also blue light from computers, phones, and other devices. When we’re exposed to air pollution—such as particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, hydrocarbons, and ozone—this can result in increased skin inflammation and a reduced ability to generate collagen. 

We need to have the right tools in our arsenal to protect our skin against an onslaught of damage from the environment. There are several things you can do to guard your skin, including:

Wearing a Mineral-Based or Tinted Sunscreen

If you read a lot about skin care, chances are good that you’ve already guessed sunscreen would be on the list. Apply sunscreen regularly, regardless of what the weather is like. Broad-spectrum sunscreens that contain mineral blockers such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide are superior. Tinted moisturizers that contain SPF are also helpful for shielding your skin from blue light, emitted from computer screens and cell phones.  

Enjoy an Antioxidant-Rich Diet

Antioxidants are the key to protecting your skin against that oxidative stress. They break free radicals down and make them harmless. Many plant-based foods contain large amounts of antioxidants, so you should try to consume a variety of vegetables and fruits, as well as take targeted skin supplements. You should also apply topical antioxidants—such as niacinamide, glutathione, vitamins A, C, and E, and CoQ10—as often as possible to preserve your overall skin health. 

Use More Products Containing Red Algae 

If you’re serious about blocking out blue light, look for products that contain red algae, which absorbs blue light thanks to a pigment known as phycoerythrin.

Cleanse Your Skin Carefully

Step one of any good skin care routine is washing your face before bed every night to remove the dirt and grime that builds up during the day. This is a simple but very important step for keeping the skin barrier intact and reducing risk of irritation. 

Keep Stress Levels Under Control

Your mental health has an influence on your complexion, which is why it’s so important to include mindful practices like meditation in your routine. Chronic psychological stress is harmful for your overall physical and mental health in many ways. It also worsens oxidative stress in the skin, making it more likely for wrinkles and lines to appear. Since stress triggers a fight-or-flight response in your body, keeping your skin healthy becomes less of a priority than survival, and the antioxidant defenses may be overpowered. 

If you’re interested in learning more about fillers, skincare products, and protecting against damage, contact the office of Dr. Timothy Greco. Have questions about cosmetic procedures? Call (610) 664-8830 or fill out a contact form to request an appointment and learn more.