Smog and Your Skin

We all know that the pollution that accumulates in big cities and around factories not only has disastrous consequences on the environment, but can also interfere with an individual’s breathing. However, did you know that exposure to smog can also take a major toll on your skin?

Researchers have recently confirmed that the chemical compound known as ozone causes human skin cells to respond in the same way that they would to stressful situations. This finding essentially means that ozone, once broken apart into smaller molecules by the sun’s rays, is toxic to our body’s most basic building blocks.

In fact, the studies conducted only measured the effects of exposure to 0.3 parts per million of ozone. When coupled with the knowledge that ozone levels in some cities can reach as much as 1.2 parts per million, the situation looks particularly grim.

Investigations concluded that ozone exposure reduced Vitamin E concentrations in skin cells by as much as 70%. Fortunately for urban and suburbanites alike, researches also noted that raw Vitamin C did well to counter the damaging effects of ozone exposure, and many moisturizing skin creams available today at your local cosmetics store contain significant concentrations of these vital compounds.

Contact Us

For more information on the types of products you can use to reduce the damaging effects of ozone on your skin, and for all your hygiene and skin care needs, contact the skin care specialists of the Houston medical spa Dermagenix today by calling 713-662-DERM.