Our skin is exposed to harmful pollutants every day. While we all know the important role that diet and exercise play in our skin’s health, what many of us don’t realise is that environmental factors such as air pollution and even the blue light from our devices can wreak havoc on our skin. Heath’s Cosmeceuticals – one of the latest offerings in both our men's grooming categories – have developed powerful formulations to protect the skin in a switched-on world. We spoke Heath to find out about the effects environmental stressors have on the skin.
While the effects of air pollution on the lungs have been well documented, its impact on skin is still not quite as largely understood. But our skin is our body’s first defence against the environment – and its biggest organ – which makes it a major target of environmental stressors such as air pollution, UV radiation, dust and dry air, and even blue light.
Studies show that frequent exposure to high levels of air pollution can have profound negative effects on the skin. It can cause irritation, clog pores and compromise the function of the protective natural skin barrier, leading to wrinkles, decreased elasticity, and accelerated aging.
In fact, studies show that 90% of premature ageing is caused by environmental damage, including ultraviolet (UV) rays. Research also shows that traffic pollution is emerging as the single most toxic substance for skin – and these effects are being observed in both western cities, such as London and New York, and more visibly polluted cities across Asia.
As more of us spend more time on our devices, over the past decade, scientists have also been learning more about how blue light — which is emitted by both the sun and our digital devices — could be damaging our skin health. Research has shown that blue light exposure can lead to oxidative damage in the skin, which accelerates collagen breakdown to cause fine lines and wrinkles.
For the millions of us living in busy cities and towns, it is important to ensure your skincare routine can adequately safeguard your skin from everyday environmental stressors, which are a normal part of urban life.
Safeguarding the skin
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s actually super important to step back and reflect on how the things we are exposed to daily are affecting us. Every day we are constantly exposed to electronic screens, from our phone to computers and TVs.
Many of us know that blue light from phones and computer screens can cause eyestrain, but what many of us don’t realise is the effects on our skin. It is known to penetrate deeper than UV light, and there is mounting evidence that it can stimulate premature ageing of the skin, with studies showing that 60% of people are spending more than 6 hours a day in front of digital devices. Having grooming solutions to counteract this impact on skin is an increasingly important necessity in today’s switched-on world.
Defending against blue light and pollutants
Recognising the growing research into the effects of Blue Light and its detrimental impact on the skin, Heath is one of the first grooming brands to actively incorporate powerful technology to defend from this new threat. They also use a range of unique, natural ingredients to minimise the harmful effects of pollution on the skin.
Powered by Protective Ingredients
Derived from naturally sourced vegetal yeast, the brand has introduced Pollustop® – this new-generation active forms a breathable film on the skin to protect from the three forms of pollution – atmospheric, UV light and domestic – which can weaken the skin barrier causing irritation and premature ageing.
Powered by Pollustop®, Heath’s Hand Salve is packed full of Shea Butter, Allantoin, and Pro-Vitamin B5 to protect the hands from the ageing effects of pollution. Formulated and crafted for men, the brand’s Post Shave Repair uses a powerful formulation of Allantoin, Aloe Vera and Pollustop® to instantly soothe problem areas.
Meanwhile, the Heath moisturiser is formulated with Soliberine NAT, an active ingredient that protects the skin from the harmful effects of blue light.
Also known as Butterfly Bush, Soliberine NAT is a hardy plant found in the mountains of China that has adapted to high levels of UV exposure and is high in the antioxidant phenylpropanoid. This active ingredient has a strong capacity to neutralise Blue Light-induced free radicals, that lead to premature ageing and photo-ageing.
Infused with Soliberine NAT, Heath’s eye serum is also designed to deliver daily defence against oxidative stressors like blue light. The brightening and firming formula is infused with Hyaluronic Acid to intensely hydrate, helping to erase dark circles and rejuvenate the under-eye area.