Various air pollutants such as soot and exhaust gases produced by combustion, hang in our living spaces.
In Vietnam, air pollution is especially serious. PM2.5 fine dust is considered a special problem and refers to microscopic air pollutants with a particle size of 2.5 μm (1/1000 of 2.5 mm, or about 1/30th of the way). particles of dust) or less, easily penetrate deep into the lungs, raising concerns about their effects on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
Air pollution often focuses on its effects on health, but in reality, these pollutants are allergens that can also have negative effects on the skin.
Air pollution-induced allergens tend to impair skin function and are a major risk factor, especially for people with “sensitive skin.”
How does PM2.5 fine dust affect the skin?
Why does PM2.5 adversely affect our skin?
As mentioned above, PM2.5 is a small particle less than 2.5 μm in diameter, which is said to be less than 1/20 the size of a pore and 1/30 the size of a hair. Therefore, PM2.5 is a very small particulate matter that can penetrate the pores.
It is believed that PM2.5 entering the pores becomes an allergen, causing skin irritation, itching and other painful symptoms.
In addition, external stimuli such as PM2.5 can easily lead to overproduction of reactive oxygen species.
Reactive oxygen species initially play an important role in protecting us from external stimuli, but when they are overproduced, they destroy collagen, elastin and other vital components involved related to skin elasticity, promoting wrinkles and sagging.
2 ways to protect your skin
1. Wash your face properly
Recent studies have shown that 80% of skin aging is caused by external factors.
In other words, the more you protect your skin, the more you can delay the aging process. For PM2.5 and other pollutants, the most important thing is to wash your face.
Make it a habit to remove any substances that have entered your pores at the end of the day. Make sure to keep your skin clean by removing makeup and washing your face as soon as possible after returning home.
Be careful not to injure the skin by scrubbing too hard or conversely, not to leave dirt on the skin by washing too often..
If you want to clean your face in a short time or if you are not confident about your face wash, then using a low irritating facial cleanser like an ultrasonic cleaner is an effective way to do it. there.
2. Avoid skin contact with external agents
To prevent PM2.5 fine dust from sticking to your skin, you should wear a mask, glasses or hat when going out.
One way to do this is to choose clothing and hats made of materials with smooth surfaces that easily remove PM2.5 and other particulate matter.
Makeup is also another way to protect yourself. It creates a makeup film on the skin that prevents PM2.5 from coming into direct contact with your skin.
Get in the habit of removing PM2.5 by gently brushing your hair, skin, and clothing by your door when you return home.