It doesn’t matter what kind of climate you live in, whether it’s generally warm or cold or offers four distinct seasons, the environment has an impact on your skin. And there’s no question that the number one culprit of skin aging is the sun. WebMD says, “Over time, the sun's ultraviolet (UV) light damages the fibers in the skin called elastin. When these fibers break down, the skin begins to sag, stretch, and lose its ability to go back into place after stretching. The skin also bruises and tears more easily -- taking longer to heal.
But it’s not only the sun that you need to be concerned about when it comes to taking care of your skin. A host of other environmental factors pose risks:
Hot and cold weather
Both hot and cold weather can affect your skin, notes Kelly Williams in “Facial Issues: How the Environment Affects Your Skin.” She explains when it’s too hot, you sweat and the sweat that becomes trapped in your pores can lead to heat rash or blisters. On the other hand, cold weather combined with low humidity can cause skin to become dry and irritated.
Air pollution
Air pollution affects skin. The burning of fossil fuels used in our transportation vehicles is a major source of pollution. But it’s not the only source. Exhaust from factories and an industrial plant is another major source of pollution. Even household cleaning products can emit toxic chemicals in the air. Whatever the source, the free radicals in pollutants penetrate the skin’s surface to break down collagen -- protein in skin that gives it strength and durability productions - resulting in fine lines and wrinkles.
Allergens
Allergens from plants, molds, and bug bites can affect your skin, causing hives, swelling, dryness or irritation. And as much as you love your pets, you may have an allergic reaction to pet dander, which can cause skin issues.
Daily skin care
The bottom line with so many potential environmental conditions posing a risk to your skin, you need to take good care of it. A good daily skin regimen should include:
- Cleansing to remove makeup and dirt, oil and other debris that accumulates on your skin during the course of the day.
- Moisturizing to support a healthy skin barrier.
- Exfoliating to removedead skin cells that lie on the surface of the skin. Removing these dead cells makes skin softer and smoother.
- Sunscreen to protect skin from the damaging UV rays of the sun that destroy collagen and elastin, which lead to wrinkles.
You also can enhance your skin through the use of retinol skin care products, such as True Results Retinol Active Skincare. Retinols achieve their anti-aging results by protecting skin from free radicals and prompting surface skin cells to turn over and die rapidly so that new skin cells can grow. Retinols also slow down the breakdown of collagen.