Kirsti Shuba, Co-Founder, Katherine Daniels Cosmetics talks about the harmful effect of pollution on the skin.

• There are a number of things that are harmful to our skin, from UV rays to a bad diet, but two issues that have come to the fore this year are pollution and blue light from electronic devices. Why do you think these issues are trending now? Both of these issues are trending right now because they are so relevant, everyone has at least a mobile phone plus all the other gadgets we use on a daily basis, tablets, computers etc. We are becoming more and more aware of the effect of pollution and the dangers it carries when it comes to our skin, it’s always been a problem but it’s very much highlighted at the moment in the press and on social media as its very relatable.
• What damage does pollution cause to the skin? (reduces antioxidant defences at the surface, increase dehydration, increase sebum production etc. When urban pollution comes into contact with the skin, it doesn't just sit on the surface, making it dirty, although we know it definitely does this too, just think of your hands after a trip into the city! But these tiny particles, smaller than pores, infiltrate the deeper layers of the epidermis, causing not only inflammation and dehydration but also a cellular-level reaction that leads to lost elasticity and firmness. We know for a fact that pollution breaks down collagen and the lipid layer in the skin, which impairs skin barrier functions
• What are the long-term effects of pollution on the skin? (ageing, loss of elasticity) Long term, the effects are very damaging, the ageing of the skin is highly increased as a result of pollution, the most obvious appearance is a dull looking complexion and fine lines and wrinkles will appear. As a result of skin surface dirt, pores will become blocked and can result is breakout, it can also have an effect on our Collagen levels.
• What ingredients can help to protect against these damaging effects and how do they do it?  Although skin pollution sounds scary and the effects are damaging, there are ingredients found in skincare that will absolutely help to protect the skin. There are key ingredients to look out for when buying skincare for pollution protection; Hyaluronic Acid, Alginate and Mushroom Extract, these ingredients will form an ‘invisible gauze’ on your skin, this forms a protective ‘mesh’ against urban pollution and suspends our continuous moisturising complex which keeps your skin soft, supple and hydrated all day or all night long with a drip feed effect, releasing key hydrating ingredient into the upper layers of the skin.   Finally, Bisabolol will help to sooth and calm the skin. Particularly useful for a real emergency treatment giving an anti-redness effect on skin exposed to UV radiation. I recommend the Katherine Daniels Cosmetics Urban Shield (£38.45) Concentrate to help protect the skin.

http://www.katherinedanielscosmetics.com/our-products/view/urban-shield-concentrate/

• What products or treatments do clients need to invest in to stop pollution from ageing their skin? (Is an SPF not enough?) Products specifically designed to protect the skin from urban pollution is a great place to start, and SPF will certainly protect the skin against UV and UVA rays but isn’t enough to protect for new modern pollution such as traffic pollution, specialist ingredients will help protect from this that form a protective barrier on the skins surface. In terms of treatments, a good deep cleansing treatment will help rid the skin of any impurities, hydration is also key!
• What about to reverse the effects of any existing damage caused by pollution – is that possible? Would that be different ingredients? It’s always easier to protect the skin before damage occurs, however we know that this isn’t always possible. A great place to start when trying to reverse the skin of any damage is to establish a solid cleansing routine, it’s surprising how many skincare issues stem from not cleansing properly. Decongesting the skin may be required when skin has become polluted.

Kirsti Shuba, co-founder, Katherine Daniels Cosmetics