Pollutants & The Skin

What exactly do pollutants do to the skin? First, they can aggravate existing skin problems, including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and scaly skin, as discovered by researchers who found these diseases are more severe in urban populations. Second, they can increase the incidence of skin diseases.

But a more far-reaching problem is that pollutants generate free radicals, those unstable molecules that have been implicated in the aging process, including the aging of the skin. While the body is equipped to neutralize a certain amount of these rogue molecules, sometimes its antioxidant reserves are depleted faster than can be replenished.

Collagen and Elastin are not free radicals' only victims. Another study, found air pollutants such as ozone and nitric oxide increase the oxidation of sebum, the skin's built in moisturizer. The researchers noted that pollutants affect the smoothness and brightness of the skin, compromises the skin's natural defenses and may enhance irritation and allergic reactions.

There's one last skin problem caused by air pollution, although indirectly. Because pollutants such as chlorofluorocarbons have eaten a hole in the ozone layer, people are exposed to higher levels of UVB rays than they were in the past, putting them at greater danger of skin cancer. For every percentage decrease in ozone, there is a 2 percent increase in UVB radiation, and a predicted 2 percent increase in skin cancer.

At a basic level, Aloe acts as a barrier to pollutants. One of the skin's main purposes is to protect the body from pathogens and toxins by acting as a barrier. Applied topically, Aloe gel reinforces that barrier. How? The mucopolysaccharides contained within Aloe Vera form chemical bonds with water, giving the gel its characteristic thick, sticky consistency. By creating a gelatinous shield over the skin, Aloe helps keep pollutants out and water in.

Aloe Vera also neutralizes oxidative stress in three distinct ways.

• First, Aloe naturally contains a variety of antioxidants—including vitamins, phenolic compounds and peroxidases— that directly quench free radicals on the skin and in the body.

• Second, in addition to containing its own stores of antioxidants. Aloe Vera gel may also activate the body's endogenous antioxidant enzyme systems.

•  Finally, Aloe has the unique and remarkable ability to increase the absorption of vitamins E and C.

Another way Aloe Vera gel protects the skin is that it activates metabolism, which is responsible for inactivating, detoxifying and eliminating pollutants, including free radicals. This is a crucial function because whether a toxin ultimately causes harm is largely determined by how well the body is able to detoxify it.

Aloe also restores immune suppression caused by UVB rays. When UVB rays hit the skin, they not only create free radicals, they also suppress immunity. Unfortunately, due to the release of ozone-depleting pollutants into the atmosphere, the ozone layer does not absorb as much UVB radiation as it used to.