In 2020, Earth Day will celebrate its 50th birthday. Since its inception in 1970, it has continued to evolve, and participants celebrate the Earth’s bounty by giving back to the environment. One guiding premise has continued to be front and center since the very first Earth Day — lessening humanity’s impact on the environment. Whether you’re planting trees or taking to the streets, pollution is and will continue to impact your quality of life and even your skin. Before you head out to raise awareness about species in crisis or clean up your local beach, here are some ways that pollution is affecting your skin (and what you can do to stop it).
Free Radicals = Damage
Every cell in your body has a job. Free radicals are natural by-products of bodily functions, like fending off germs or digesting food. Free radicals seek out other cells to bind with, and when the process goes into overdrive, your bodily systems can be weakened. Pollution, unfortunately, is inescapable, and you don’t have to live in a highly populated city to be impacted by its negative effects. Oxidative stress occurs even in small towns with minimal pollution due machinery and other important operations that make life worth living. Wearing sunscreen daily can slow the aging process and stop free radical damage, but your skin needs more than sun protection in order to remain healthy.
Antioxidants = Protection and Rejuvenation
As the name implies, antioxidants prevent or lessen oxidation. Think of them as your own personal army, fighting the good fight, so your skin won’t suffer the signs of aging. Your diet probably includes many fruits and vegetables that are antioxidant-rich, and these nutrients work to keep your internal system functioning normally. In skincare, antioxidants, like vitamin C, neutralize free radicals to prevent hyperpigmentation and the signs of photo-aging.
Studies show that ultraviolet radiation (UVR) contributes greatly to the body’s oxidative stress, which is why adding green tea extract to your skincare routine makes good sense. Including it in your diet is easy, but having those concentrated polyphenols in a daily serum could stave off environmentally induced inflammation and redness, especially when used in tandem with a medical grade sunscreen.
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While there’s no way to stop free radicals from forming, you don’t have to succumb to their damage without a fight. Many drug store skincare brands include antioxidants in their formulas, but to achieve true results, choose medical grade products with documented research and ingredients with the proven strength to achieve your goals. Replenix Power of Three Cream with Resveratrol protects against free radicals, improves skin’s appearance, including redness, and reduces inflammation.
Our team can also help you choose the right products for your needs. Just reach out to them or take our skin care quiz. And if you need some Earth Day inspiration to find out what you can do to help the environment, click here.
Happy Earth Day,
Team Reflect
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