The descent of thick smog over several cities every year has become a common occurrence, and with it has come a host of skin problems faced by people, which has made the job of dermatologists harder yet more vital than ever before. Skin care and acne treatment procedures are high in demand and an increasing number of people are seeking remedies to a problem that causes them distress both physically and emotionally.
Effects:Prolonged exposure to smog combines with oil and sebum on the skin to form a layer that prevents adequate retention of sunlight and hampered production of vitamin D. There is also risk of an irritant rash developing that can very easily turn into, or exacerbate the problem of acne.
Smog is often composed of what is called finedust, particles of the PM2.5 category (2.5 micrometers), which is why they’re able to bond with water molecules and penetrate pores of the skin. This leads to formation of blackheads, blocking pores further and making a bad situation even worse. This is precisely when acne finds itself best positioned to wreak havoc on the skin. Dead skin cells that have not been exfoliated, in combination with clogged hair follicles as well the sebum and oil on the skin can easily blow up into a case of acne, which often takes the shape of pimples, zits and red spots.
Prevention:This problem though hard to fight, is not a losing battle. Simple preventive measures and skincare routines can be enough to keep your skin looking healthy and glowing even in the worst of pollution that the world throws at it.
One habit that is non-negotiable and indispensable is the regular washing of the face (at least twice a day), as well as scrubbing and exfoliation in order to get rid of the dead skin cells, dust particles and oily sebum that inhabits an unhealthy skin. Hygiene is truly the foundation of every lively and supple skin, and there is no way you can go wrong investing more time and thought than the average person on the appearance and health of your skin.
Two great enemies your skin fears in the dry and polluted air of the outside world, and the unforgiving and often carcinogenic UV rays from the sun that often make it through the depleting ozone into contact with you. It cannot be overemphasized the necessity of proper moisturizing and use of sunscreens when going outside. There is social stigma especially against men for using extensive skincare products because it is seen as an exclusively feminine domain.
