Skincare Solutions: What is an Environmental Aggressor?

I throw the phrase “environmental aggressors” around a lot because Bioelements creates formulas that are designed to counteract them. But every once in a while, someone will look at me with a puzzled expression and ask, “Who in the world are these environmental aggressors?”

Well first off, they’re not mean-spirited humans on a nasty environmental mission. But they are skin destroyers that will make your clients look older than they should. Let’s take a look at the worst of the worst:

• SMOKE – This goes for cigarette smoking, and to a lesser extent, second-hand smoke. It chokes your skin’s tissues, causing blood vessels to constrict, which leads to wrinkles, sallow tone, rough texture and I’ll say it again…wrinkles!  Seriously, I can’t repeat it enough – smoking is one of the most preventable skin agers, and one of the worst environmental aggressors.
• UV RAYS – No matter if it’s summer or winter, the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are there. The skin’s epidermis is literally paper-thin, so UV rays can pierce through it easily. UVA rays (the ones that cause premature aging) penetrate the deepest, all the way to the dermis, where blood vessels and nerves are found. Who knew?
• POLLUTION – There are just some places where you can actually see the pollution. Remember that grimy-looking air during the Beijing Olympics? But you don’t have to see pollution for it to harm to your skin. Clogged pores and a dull complexion will tell the story.
• STRESS – Skin stress can come in different forms. External stress from harsh weather or overly-strong product usage can redden and irritate. Internal stress—work, family, relationships—can show up as blotchy patches or overall sensitivity.

So, now that I’ve told you about the environmental villains, what about the heroes? Protect your clients’ skin during the day with a UVA/UVB sunscreen (try Bioelements’ SPF 50 FaceScreen), and a topical antioxidant serum (like Urban Detox) to fend against smoke and pollution. To combat the effects of smoke, nothing beats quitting (click here: http://smokefree.gov/).  As for stress…when you figure out the answer, let me know. In the meantime, try Stress Solution so at least the skin can cope!

Do your clients do battle with any of these environmental aggressors? Share your comments here.

—Barbara Salomone, founder and president of Bioelements Professional Skin Care