Saving your skin from damaging fine dust

[webfact]

Saving your skin from damaging fine dust

By THANISORN THAMLIKITKUL MD 
Special to The Nation

 

 

FOR MORE THAN two weeks, the ultra-fine dust known as PM 2.5 has blanketed Bangkok and neighbouring provinces, leading to health warnings from relevant agencies including the Institute of Dermatology. In addition to being damaging to the respiratory system, these particulates can also worsen skin conditions so those with problems such as chronic eczema and atopic dermatitis would do well to listen
 

We all know that our skin acts as a barrier to help protect against external harmful substances and retain moisture. But repetitive exposure to high level concentrations of PM 2.5 may have negative effects on the skin.

 

In recent studies done in China and South Korea, researchers found a direct correlation between outdoor particulate matter concentration and presence of symptoms in patients with chronic eczema.

 

The results indicate that PM 2.5 is not only an aggravating factor for allergic skin conditions but also another extrinsic factor promoting skin ageing.

 

The studies conclude that fine particles with a diameter less than 2.5 microns – PM 2.5 – might impair the skin barrier functions causing damage and reactions including immune dysregulation, activation of melanocytes and collagen breakdown.

 

The visible results of this damage include skin irritation, itchy rashes, hyperpigmentation and wrinkles.

 

Though the fine particles can ruin our skin, it should be noted that a person has to be exposed to them for a prolonged period of time – for more than 10 months.

 

My advice is to try to avoid outdoor activities and stay indoors as much as possible. If you are unable to do so, you should protect yourself with a mask. It is also important to shower soon after going outdoors.

 

You should thoroughly clean your facial skin daily to remove the dust and dirt. Use a gentle cleanser and avoid using harsh soap, which can further damage the skin barrier.

 

Following this, you should apply moisturiser to improve its barrier function. Put simply, you can keep the effect of pollution at bay by keeping the skin well moisturised in order to maintain an intact and functional skin barrier. Make sure that you use a product suitable for your skin types. 

 

Drinking plenty of water, at least eight glasses a day, will help rid the body and skin of toxins and maintain skin hydration as well. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants especially vitamin C and E can increase the body’s antioxidant defences and anti -inflammatory properties.

 

That means consuming lots of brightly coloured fruits and vegetable such as broccoli, yellow peppers, tomatoes, guavas, oranges and strawberries, which are full of vitamin C. Nuts, seeds and legumes are good sources of vitamin E.

 

I also suggest the general rule of thumb like getting enough sleep, sticking with exercise routines and applying sunscreen before going outdoors.

 

You may not be able to do anything about the air you breathe, but at least do something about your skin! 

 

THANISORN THAMLIKITKUL MD is a member of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery and certified in dermatological laser surgery. Send your questions for her to [email protected].

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/lifestyle/30363210

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2019-01-30

[RotBenz8888]

Does UV rays penetrate through the smog layer?

[Justgrazing]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

You may not be able to do anything about the air you breathe, but at least do something about your skin! 

So as you can look you're best from within the oxygen tent before shuffling off to an early demise .. 

[aussie11950]

Good advice

 

[NightSky]

Due to the pollution Excema is the least of our worries, firstly how about..

 

• Heart disease / widening of the heart valves / increase in heart size
• Pulmonary lung disease/bronchitis
• Asthma
• Lung cancer
• The immediate and long term health of your family/children/parents/pets