Air Pollution an Ageing Concern for City Dwellers

SCOTLAND’S face and body experts are warning city goers to be wary of the potentially harmful effects of air pollution.

According to Morningside-based Dermal Clinic, the effects of pollution in hectic city centres, such as Edinburgh, are largely overlooked when it comes to skin health.

It has been estimated that people living in cities have a 10% faster rate of skin ageing than those living in rural areas, with 91% of the world’s population living in places where the World Health Organisation’s air quality guidelines are not met.[1]

With Edinburgh having just experienced its busiest month of the year, Jackie Partridge, co-founder and Clinical Director at Dermal Clinic, believes it is more important than ever to be aware of the environmental stresses caused by increased air pollution.

Jackie said: “Living in an extremely busy city like Edinburgh, we are exposed to pollution every day without even knowing it.

“Pollution has shown to accelerate wrinkles, age the skin, and increase spots and dryness, reducing the amount of collagen produced – the protein that strengthens and tightens skin.

“For good skin health it is vital to keep hydrated and top up on essential vitamins and nutrients to keep you glowing inside and out.”

Around 244 toxins are present in the air around us, attaching themselves to microscopic particles which penetrate the skin and go deep into our pores.

These particles attack the proteins in the skin known as keratins, leaving our complexions dry and dull.

However, there are a selection of ways to banish environmental stresses and protect against harmful damage.

Jackie added: “Making sure your general health is up to scratch is key. This includes a balanced diet and regular exercise.

“Feeding your skin with the right nutrients is just as important as what you apply to the outer layer.

“Giving your immune system as boost with antioxidants – found in berries and leafy greens – will help provide every day protection from free radicals in the air.

“Around half of women are also deficient in vitamin A. An easy way to hit your daily quota is with a supplement, such as the Advanced Nutrition Programme.

“However, probably one of the most important things to factor into your daily routine is SPF protection.

“Many of us use foundations or make-up products that contain SPF – but it is rare that they are meeting the industry standard of SPF 50.

“These are just simple tweaks that can be woven in to day-to-day routines, cutting the risk of skin cancer and providing essential nutrients for skin health.”

The Advanced Nutrition Programme is priced at £80 and is available, alongside a selection of antioxidant and SPF rich products, at Dermal Clinic.

Multi-award-winning Dermal Clinic, located on Church Hill Place in Morningside, offers state-of-the-art cosmetic treatments performed by medically-qualified practitioners.

To find out more about Jackie and her team or the treatments available at Dermal Clinic to make you look better, feel better, visit: www.dermalclinic.co.uk

[1] http://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ambient-(outdoor)-air-quality-and-health