PM2.5 air pollution, the cause of skin health problems

 

Air pollution harms your health more than you think. One of the major pollutants that floats in the air, which is a big problem and difficult to manage, is PM2.5 or fine particulate matter not exceeding 2.5 microns. It has been increasing every year and is something we must face in our daily lives that cannot be avoided, and it adversely affects the respiratory system and skin health.

PM2.5 particles react with the lipid film on the skin's surface, serving as a barrier to protect the skin, causing irritation, inflammation, clogging pores, and skin problems such as acne, wrinkles, and dark spots.

 

PM2.5 particles are smaller than hair follicles by up to 20 times, making it easy to penetrate into the follicles. The direct impact on the skin depends on the concentration and duration of exposure to PM2.5 particles, which can be divided into two stages:

Acute stage - causing inflammation, skin irritation, and unbalanced moisture due to PM2.5 particles destroying the outer layer of skin cells or the epidermis and the collagen and elastin proteins responsible for protecting the skin.

Chronic stage - PM2.5 particles stimulate the production of free radicals, disrupting the skin cells' normal function, leading to faster aging, collagen destruction, and skin wrinkles, as well as promoting the production of pigment cells, which is the cause of melasma, freckles, and dark spots.
 

If exposed to PM2.5 dust at only 10 micrograms per cubic meter for a period of no more than 2 hours, it can stimulate skin inflammation. And if facing dust particles at a level of 50 micrograms per cubic meter, it can cause skin aging and a decrease in the skin's immune system function.

For people with oily skin, they may experience clogged pores and an increased likelihood of acne. Those with sensitive and easily allergic skin may develop rashes, itching, and irritation easily. In addition to the face, red and itchy rashes can also occur in other areas of the body such as joints.

To prevent the effects of pollution and PM2.5 dust, in addition to wearing masks, it is important to bathe and cleanse the body immediately upon returning home. Also, pay special attention to cleaning the face with gentle facial cleansers suitable for each skin type. Using a mask that can absorb dirt and excess oil from the skin once or twice a week can also help improve the skin condition. After washing the face, using toner can help cleanse any remaining impurities, as well as tighten pores and prepare the skin for further care.

Therefore, cleaning the skin is a starting point and an extremely important aspect of caring for and preparing the skin before moving on to the next step of restoration and ongoing maintenance.

 

Facial cleansing products help clean dirt, including dust particles that stick to or remain on the skin, without clogging pores, which can lead to acne.

Another important product is sunscreen, which should be used regularly to help delay the onset of wrinkles, reduce the appearance of dark spots, and prevent sunburn. Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure and should cover both UVA and UVB rays. It should also contain antioxidants to inhibit the attachment of dust particles to the skin.

A special skin care product beyond facial moisturizers, facial masks help tighten and strengthen the skin, as well as absorb pollutants under the skin. They also help deeply nourish and restore the skin, making them suitable for use during the current air pollution crisis. Regular use of facial masks every week can help moisturize the skin and make it look healthy, plump, and hydrated, especially in these times of air pollution.

 
The criteria for selecting various products should include a combination of natural extracts that have properties to nourish and protect the skin, particularly those with outstanding moisturizing properties that help restore skin cells from dryness and damage. In addition, they also help inhibit the process of tyrosinase enzymes in the process of creating melanin granules, such as rice oil, which is rich in beneficial fatty acids, vitamin E, and gamma oryzanol, providing moisture and antioxidant properties that protect the skin from pollution.

Moreover, it is important to choose to consume healthy foods, including a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, as well as to avoid engaging in outdoor activities or exercise, get enough restful sleep, drink plenty of clean water throughout the day, and always monitor your own health.

For those interested in creating their own skincare products, you can consult with a cosmetics manufacturing factory, Creamery Plus, which can produce and create various types of skincare and makeup products. They are happy to provide advice on various extracts and formulas to meet the needs of customers, with international standards controlled under GMP, ISO 9001, FDA, and Green Industry.