Environmental Toxins and their Impact on Skin Aging
Free Radicals are Aging us Quickly
Over a period of time of your skin constantly being exposed to damaging environmental factors, free radicals are produced. They are known to feed off of naturally occurring antioxidants found within the body. L.A. based dermatologist Jessica Wu, MD says the following about free radicals: “Excessive free-radical exposure damages the skin by destroying DNA (damaged DNA is responsible for pre-cancers and skin cancer) and cell membranes that help keep the skin intact, plump and firm. When cell membranes are disrupted or destroyed, skin cells can no longer perform their normal functions like processing nutrients and eliminating waste products,” says Los Angeles dermatologist Jessica Wu, MD. Pollution can also trigger inflammation and activate the enzymes that destroy collagen and elastic tissue, resulting in thin, wrinkled, rough, and blotchy skin. “Some people notice that their skin reacts to pollution exposure in just a few days, saying that it looks dry, irritated or broken out. Changes in the environment can definitely affect the health and appearance of your skin,” she says.