Three factors that are damaging your skin

It’s easy to get caught up in the everyday and forget to consider what’s happening to our skin. While it’s easy to remember to slap on some product in the morning and take it off each night – there’s a lot that goes on in between. So why is it that some people, who take lots of love and care with their skincare regime and spend many dollars on products promising to work miracles, look in the mirror and see things continually deteriorating? Here are three factors to consider that may be damaging your skin.

Pollution

As we move about our day, our skin is constantly absorbing anything which sits and lands upon it. That includes toxins and fumes, particles of soot, metals and organic or biological materials. The air is full of these things due to industry, fires and wind-blown dust but the most concerning comes from traffic as these particles are on the nano-scale meaning they are able to penetrate deeper.

Harmful cosmetic & skincare ingredients

While some brands claim to do miraculous things to our skin, it’s vital to keep an eye on what they actually include in the products. Unfortunately, our cosmetics are filled with many harmful ingredients which can lead to, not only premature ageing but also irritation, organ toxicity and even cancer. Keep an eye out for components such as Diethanolamine (DEA), Phthalates, 1,4-dioxane and Hydroquinone among others.

UV rays

Just how much do you know about UV rays? Yes, they come from the sun. Yes, they can burn and lead to skin cancer. But did you know that, while UVB rays burn the skin and are known as the ‘cancer causing’ rays, UVA radiation penetrates the skin far deeper and is responsible for speeding up the ageing process of our cells? Furthermore, whilst UVB rays can be inhibited by barriers and sunblock, UVA rays can still damage your skin even through the window of your car! According to Cancer Council Australia, clear auto glass can block around 97% of UVB radiation yet only 37% of UVA radiation. That’s why it’s important to choose an SPF that is ‘broad spectrum’ as it will protect from each form of radiation.