UV rays and pollution have a significant impact on both our planet and our skin. While we're helping the environment, we can also help you protect your skin from the effects of pollution and everyday environmental aggressors. Check out our top tips and expert advice to help you regain your glow.
We spoke with Kasia Tate, The Body Shop's Global Head of Research & Development in Skincare and Make-up, about the complex world of pollution, environmental aggressors, and the impact they have on our skin.
Kasia has been developing skincare and make-up formulations for the past 17 years after earning an MSc in Organic Chemistry & Engineering from Krakow University of Technology.
She explains how we can help protect our skin from the effects of pollution and other daily environmental aggressors in the video below. She also demonstrates the routines and products she uses to keep her skin looking and feeling fresh, protected, and healthy.
There are numerous types of aggressors that can harm our skin. Here, we learn about air pollution, blue light, and UV rays, as well as how they can affect our skin. Kasia Tate has also provided us with tips and tricks for protecting our skin from these daily aggressors. We hope you're wearing your learning hat...
Simply put, air pollution is a collection of particles and gasses that fill the air around us, both indoors and outdoors.1 Pollution is caused by a variety of factors, including industrial smog, gasses, smoke, and even changes in weather. When at a high level, it is not only harmful to the environment but also to our skin.
Listen up, city dwellers! Many different types of pollutants have been linked to oxidative stress. When there is an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants on the skin, this is referred to as oxidative stress. This can lead to common skin problems such as:
1. SENSITIVITY AND DRYNESS
Free radicals are unstable molecules that can oxidize valuable squalene within the skin's protective barrier. This means that your skin's ability to retain moisture declines, resulting in dryness and sensitivity.
2. EARLY SKIN AGEING
The same oxidative stress can cause your skin's elasticity and firmness, as well as its 'plumpness.' This can then result in premature aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles.
3. BLEMISHES
With oxidized squalene, your skin's natural protective barrier is compromised. This is ineffective when dirt, grime, and oil accumulate on the skin, clogging pores and causing blemishes to form.
Our bestselling Drops of Youth™ concentrate just got even better. Bottled with 99% natural-origin ingredients, it only takes a few drops of our Edelweiss Daily Serum Concentrate to leave skin looking smoother, fresher, stronger* and plumped with 24hr moisture. Better yet, this light, fast-absorbing serum forms an invisible veil over the skin to help protect against indoor and outdoor pollution.
Our Edelweiss Liquid Peel is something of a wonder. Now made with 95% ingredients of natural origin, including edelweiss extract, it helps gently remove impurities, lifting away dirt, dust, and grime from the skin. Smooth a couple of pumps onto dry skin 2-3 times a week, then peel away the excess to help clear the way to a fresh-faced, luminous complexion.
“A good protective routine doesn’t have to be a chore. I’m a single mum with a very busy schedule yet there are steps I follow every day.” – Kasia Tate, Global Head of Research & Development in Skincare and Make-up at The Body Shop
Begin by cleansing your face with our Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash. It works hard to remove excess oil and grime so you can always have that squeaky-clean feeling.
Dirt, dust, and grime have no chance when it comes to our Edelweiss Liquid Peel. Use 2-3 times per week to gently exfoliate impurities and pollutants for smooth skin.
Use our Japanese Matcha Tea Pollution Clearing Mask 2-3 times per week for a moment of peace. It exfoliates the skin gently, leaving it feeling refreshed and cleansed.
Apply our Edelweiss Daily Serum Concentrate morning and night to help smooth things out and protect your skin from indoor and outdoor pollution. It only takes a few drops.
Always wear safety equipment. Our Skin Defence Multi-Protection Lotion is the best we've ever made. It's lightweight and offers SPF 50+ PA++++, pollution protection, and 24-hour moisture.
While you're out and about, spray our Edelweiss Bouncy Jelly Mist to help protect your skin from pollution and blue light. Those are the kinds of things we call handy.
