The 3 Skin Care Tips Every City Dweller Should Follow

Recent research has cast some light on the potentially harmful effects of air pollution on your skin and these risks are even higher if you live or work in a bustling city. With the soot, smoke, nitrogen and carbon dioxides, and added exposure to bacteria from public transportation, city living could be doing a number on your skin’s health and appearance. But the good news is that it’s not too late to reverse this effect. City dwellers should follow these three essential skin care tips to fight atmospheric aging and maintain healthy, smooth skin.

1. Use Antioxidants

City smog, smoke, and other pollutants put oxidative stress on your skin, which can lead to premature lines, wrinkles, and discoloration (Journal of Signal Transduction). Utilizing the power of antioxidants, from both dietary sources and topically applied skin care products, can help to neutralize the free radicals that cause oxidative stress. Even better, the skin benefits of antioxidants extend to their ability to provide some protection from sun damage caused by UV rays.

When seeking out the best antioxidant ingredients for your skin, it can be helpful to talk to your dermatologist about professional-grade products that contain vitamins C and E. One such product, Skinceuticals CE Ferulic, contains a unique blend of 5 percent pure vitamin C, 1 percent vitamin E, and 0.5 percent ferulic acid to enhance protection against environmental damage.

2. Use a Daily Cleanser

In addition to using nourishing ingredients in your skin care products, washing your face at least once a day with a gentle, yet effective cleanser can help to prevent city-induced skin damage. This can help ensure that any dirt or debris that has built up on your skin throughout the day is swept out of your pores. Those with very sensitive skin may want to wash their faces only once a day, whereas people with oily skin might benefit from washing twice a day.

Equally important is removing your makeup before going to bed each night, as makeup can become trapped in your pores as well, which may lead to breakouts and other unwanted skin conditions.

3. Seek Professional Treatment

Periodically, adding a “super cleanse” to your skin care regimen can help to revitalize the look and feel of your complexion. Professional treatment options such as chemical peels and microdermabrasion can provide deep exfoliation to remove the outer layer of dead skin cells, dirt, and debris that may be keeping your skin from looking its best (The International Dermal Institute). Additionally, professional exfoliation may boost the effectiveness of your skin care products by allowing them to better penetrate the skin.

Both microdermabrasion and chemical peels are quick, simple procedures requiring little to no downtime and can significantly improve skin radiance and smoothness. They can also reduce the appearance of acne and acne scars, other skin discolorations, and even fine lines and wrinkles.

Although many men and women notice a significant difference in their complexion after just one treatment, multiple sessions may be required in order to achieve the best possible results (American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery).

The Bottom Line

If you’re considering either of these skin rejuvenation treatments, it is important to work with a skilled and experienced professional. At Acqua Blu Medical Spa in Upper St. Clair, the team under Dr. Brian V. Heil, MD, FACS can provide a thorough assessment of your skin condition. They will gladly design a custom-tailored treatment plan to help you achieve your skin care goals. We also offer a variety of Skinceuticals products, including CE Ferulic, in our retail boutiques.

For more information about your skin rejuvenation options, or to schedule a consultation, please contact us at (724) 933-1800. You owe it to yourself to take a little time out of your busy schedule to improve your skin’s health and overall appearance.