With climate change, caring for skin health becomes an increasingly greater challenge. Rising temperatures and UV radiation, along with exposure to various forms of air pollution, are factors that can lead to permanent skin damage. This damage may include the early appearance of wrinkles, changes in skin color, dryness, and various types of inflammation, and in the most severe cases, it can even result in skin cancer. Scientific studies show that skin cancer is now the sixth most common cancer globally and one of the top twenty causes of death from this type of illness.
As the largest organ in our body, the skin is both an interface and the main indicator of changes happening in the environment. Problems within our body, linked to climate change and air pollution, can also manifest on the skin. These include increasingly common conditions like allergic asthma, certain autoimmune diseases, and infectious illnesses. It is possible to fight against the escalating dangers caused by climate change, and applying sunscreen is just the first step, but not the only one.
How to Protect Skin from Air Pollution
The burning of fossil fuels in cars, power plants, and heating systems, as well as the continued existence of numerous individual heating units in our region, leads to increased air pollution. As a result, cities in Serbia often rank at the top of the list of the most polluted cities in the world, especially during the winter months.
Carbon monoxide, fine particles, and nitrogen oxides are some of the substances released during these processes, and their presence in the air can lead to serious skin damage. They have the ability to bind to the skin and break down its protective lipid barrier, which most often results in accelerated skin aging.
The most effective way to protect our skin from air pollution is through a good nighttime skincare routine. This includes cleansing after daily exposure to pollutants to thoroughly remove them from the skin’s surface. Use a gentle, mild cleanser to remove pollutants and protect your skin's natural barrier. Most importantly, be persistent, as this will provide lasting protection for your skin.
For this purpose, we have created a gentle micellar water with aloe vera, designed for all skin types and suitable for daily use. In addition, the SOFI antioxidant face serum Haberlea + Acacia is a powerful formula that helps create an effective protective barrier against harmful external factors.
Safeguard Your Skin From Heat and UV Exposure
Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to dehydration, especially as global warming causes longer periods of heat and more frequent, intense heatwaves. This weakens the skin’s protective barrier, making it more vulnerable to damage and infections.
The combination of heat and sunlight radiation can harm the complex structure of our skin. It can lead to changes in skin color, more frequent occurrences of irregularities like rosacea and melasma, as well as wrinkles and premature aging.
It’s important to understand that UV radiation is not exclusive to the summer months. In fact, UVA rays are present year-round in equal amounts across all parts of the planet, while UVB rays are strongest during the winter months. In addition to sunscreen, which is one of the solutions, there are other equally important ways to protect your skin from these harmful effects.
The first step in your daily skincare routine should be hydration, along with products rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, which help combat free radicals caused by daily UV exposure. SOFI Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid serum reduces oxidative stress on the skin and boosts natural collagen production, giving your skin a more youthful appearance and enhanced elasticity. A face cream, such as SOFI Almond Cream for normal and dry skin hydrates, restores lipids, and provides essential moisture.
Prioritize Your Skin's Health
In times of intense climate change, optimal skin protection to promote its health and limit the impact on premature aging and skin damage becomes a necessity. Just as we’ve made habits like drinking more water to stay hydrated or using accessories to protect our skin from direct harm, it’s now time to build and follow a skincare routine that offers protection and care.
