With everything going on in the world, it only stands to reason that we would be hit with something else… the addition of Canadian wildfires being part of the new “normal.” What does this have to do with skincare? Allow us to explain.
Daily Pollutants: Yay!
It’s not enough that our ozone layer has depleted significantly since 1979 (but don’t worry, we’re on track for a full ozone layer recovery by 2045 ::this is the part where you pause and reach out to your local lawmaker about global warming::). With the winds from the Northeast and all its lovely smoky air, it can make being outside for long periods of time difficult because it’s hard to breathe and makes your eyes burn. Now imagine what it’s doing to your skin.
To combat the environmental stresses on our skin, we’re starting to see more of the importance of yearly dermatologist checkups, as well as the use of quality skin care.
The Most Important Products To Protect From Pollutants
Now, unless you’ve been under a rock for the last 20 years (or haven’t read our last five blog posts, in which case, we’re hurt) you know that SPF is a must-have for your daily life. If you are currently an SPF wearer, then congratulations and cheers to aging gracefully! Unfortunately, you need more than SPF. Now we need entire skincare regimes. With so many different products, which ones are the most important? Let’s discuss.
Vitamin C, Your Bestie Among All The Besties!
Vitamin C is one of if not THE best antioxidants for your skin and it protects you from photo-damage (which can lead to cancer), and free radicals. When it comes to purchasing Vitamin C serums, consult your Skincreidble clinician for the best brand for your skin. Every brand is different and in this case, you get what you pay for.
Hyaluronic Acid
HA is a naturally occurring substance in the body that decreases with age. Applying a layer of a Hyaluronic Acid Serum, such as SKINcredible’s Ultra Hydration Hyaluronic Acid Serum will provide protection and hydration for the skin all day with a single application.
The Holy Trinity: Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid and SPF
If you want the ultimate protection from environmental stressors and the smoky air of the Canadian wilderness, you will need the power of three (no, not the Charmed ones). Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, and SPF (you remember our good old friend SPF right?) The combo of these three is key to building the ultimate barrier of protection from environmental stressors and smoky air!!
Other Important Steps You Need To Take
Increase Your H2O Intake
HYDRATE (and coffee, Redbull, and other sugary drinks don’t count). The rule of thumb is if you are thirsty, you are already starting to slip into dehydration. With that said, it’s recommended that you drink ½ your body weight in ounces per day (for example, if you weigh 180 lbs, then you should be drinking 90 ounces of WATER per day). A great app to track your hydration with a little added fun is Water Llama (iOS only at the moment).
Wash Your Face
Make sure you pick a quality face wash and be sure to cleanse and then double cleanse. Doing this nightly will ensure that your skin has time to rejuvenate and replenish itself while you sleep.
Contact Us Today
Of course, when in doubt, make sure to check with your certified Skincredible clinician about the best products and routines for your skin. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and get started on keeping your skin pollutant free!
As the leaves begin to change and the fall social scene beckons, this is the perfect time to kiss that tired, summer skin goodbye!