Sun damage is one of the many factors than can lead to the signs of aging. This is why, at Aurora Skin & Vein, we so regularly harp on the need to apply sunscreen to our faces all year round – not just in the summer. Cigarette smoking is another. In addition to the fact that cigarettes contain countless harmful toxins, the very act of drawing smoke from a cigarette can cause wrinkles around the lips.
However, there are environmental factors that can cause damage to our skin as well. Air pollution is a major culprit for aging our skin. Do you live in a big city? Is your place of residence one where there are a lot of cars and smoke-emitting factories? If so, you may be aging quicker than you would like!
Air pollution causes premature aging.
“Air pollution is prematurely aging the faces of city dwellers by accelerating wrinkles and age spots, according to emerging scientific research,” informs Damian Carrington on TheGuardian.com, “The effects of toxic fumes on skin are being seen in both western cities, such as London and New York, as well as in more visibly polluted Asian cities and in some cases may be the primary cause of ageing. The pollution is also being linked to worsening skin conditions such as eczema and hives.”
Dr. Mervyn Patterson is a cosmetic doctor at Woodford Medical clinics in the U.K. In The Guardian article, he explains that traffic pollution is becoming the single most toxic substance for our skin. The doctor urges those who live in heavily-populated urban areas to immediately take steps to protect their skin.
Professor Jean Krutmann is the director at the Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine in Germany. He too is quoted in the article. “UV [damage from the sun] was really the topic in skin protection for the last 20-30 years,” Krutmann says, “Now I think air pollution has the potential to keep us busy for the next few decades.”
Of note, heavy traffic in urban areas emits tiny particles called PMs, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and chemicals such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). They are all known to cause problems for our skin.
What steps can be taken to ward off damage due to urban pollution?
One solution would be to pack up and move to the countryside! The less polluted your living area, the healthier your skin will be. We realize, however, that such a move may not be all that realistic.
Thankfully, at Aurora Skin & Vein, we offer a wide variety of age defying treatments. Among them is Broadband Light (BBL). As part of the treatments, we use the world’s most powerful IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) device. BBL targets skin conditions associated with aging, active lifestyles and sun damage. The treatment stimulates skin cell regeneration, leading to clearer, smoother, glowing, rejuvenated skin!
Get back your youthful glow all February long!
All throughout February, when you buy a package of three Broadband Light (BBL) full-face treatments, you will receive one free neck treatment. That’s a $200 value! If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment, please don’t hesitate to call us at 403-358-5818. You may also email us at amlvc@telus.net.