Article Overview
Environmental aggressor is a broad term that refers to a range of external factors that can affect both the skin’s appearance and condition.
These factors include UV rays, infrared radiation, air pollution, cigarette smoke, extreme weather and dramatic temperature changes, and artificial heat and air conditioning.
We’re surrounded by these aggressors every day, and exposure to them can lead to the formation of free radicals that can adversely affect both the skin’s moisture barrier and penetrate deeper layers of the skin.
What are the types of Environmental Aggressors?
Most environmental aggressors come from outside, like UV rays, air pollution, cigarette smoke, cold winds and humidity. But, you can also be exposed to irritants indoors, where there is artificial heat, air conditioning, and indoor air pollution when there is a lack of ventilation. Research has also pointed to the blue light from devices linking to an increase in free radicals that can affect the skin.
What are Free Radicals?
Free radicals are unstable molecules that seek balance by reacting with neighbouring molecules and “stealing” electrons. Within the skin and cells throughout the body, free radicals can harm the skin, with effects amplifying over time.
Long-term, prolonged exposure to free radicals generated by UV rays, ozone, and air pollution contributes to skin ageing. This is due to a decrease in collagen and the loss of skin plumpness and firmness that causes wrinkles. Free-radical damage can also contribute to an uneven skin tone (particularly UV rays) and lead to oil oxidation that can play a role in breakouts.
How To Protect From Environmental Aggressors
Whenever you're exposed to environmental aggressors it's important to protect the skin either with a physical barrier or by strengthening the skin's natural moisture barrier. Wearing protective clothing, including a hat, gloves and sunglasses, can help to reduce your exposure to environmental aggressors and minimise the risk of the harmful effects of free radicals.
Skincare-wise, the key players are: moisturisers, antioxidants, and sunscreen.
Moisturise and hydrate
Hydrating skincare is essential for strengthening and maintaining the skin moisture barrier that's essential for protecting the skin from environmental factors. Make sure you're moisturising both morning and night and drink plenty of water. A hydrating serum containing hyaluronic acid can also benefit very dehydrated skin or dry skin types.
Protect from UV rays with sunscreen
Sun protection is an essential part of any skincare routine, protecting the skin against harmful ultraviolet rays that lead to premature photoageing and sun damage. Both UVA and UVB rays are environmental aggressors that can damage the skin, with UVA rays penetrating the skin more deeply. A broad-spectrum sunscreen, like the Ultra Defense SPF 50+ Facial Sunscreen* that helps protect your skin from UV radiation, which is especially important in Australia where we are exposed to much higher levels of ultraviolet radiation.
ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE.
Apply 20 minutes before sun exposure. Sunscreen is only one part of sun protection so wear protective clothing and seek shade. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming, towelling and perspiring in accordance with directions.
Incorporate a topical antioxidant
Free radical exposure depletes the skin’s natural antioxidant defences, which is why supplementing the skin with a daily topical vitamin C antioxidant is essential for the skin's overall condition, as well as its appearance. A properly formulated antioxidant works by donating an electron to each unstable free radical. By stabilising free radicals, antioxidants help stop the process that can potentially lead to premature skin ageing.
SkinCeuticals Vitamin C serums
C E Ferulic Vitamin C Serum
Ideal for dry skin, fine lines, and wrinkles, this award-winning patented formula with vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness, and other visible signs of skin ageing and visible sun damage.
Phloretin CF Vitamin C Serum
With a combination of vitamin C, phloretin, and ferulic acid, this antioxidant shields skin from environmental aggressors as it improves the appearance of fine lines, discoloration, and overall skin tone.
Silymarin CF Vitamin C Serum for Oily Skin
This daily topical antioxidant serum for oily and blemish-prone skin can provide protection against the free radicals that cause oil oxidation as well as premature skin ageing. This targeted antioxidant serum also helps minimise oil while refining skin texture, enhancing skin clarity, and improving the appearance of fine lines.
Serum 10 AOX+ Vitamin C Serum for Sensitive Skin
An introductory antioxidant serum suitable for sensitive skin types. Containing 10% L-ascorbic acid and 0.2% ferulic acid, this serum is a powerful antioxidant serum that provides effective protection against environmental aggressors by neutralising free radicals.
Shop Featured Products
C E Ferulic Vitamin C Serum
A vitamin C serum for fine lines and wrinkles.
Phloretin CF Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C serum for discolouration
Silymarin CF Vitamin C Serum for Oily Skin
Vitamin C serum for blemish-prone and oily skin types
Serum 10 AOX Vitamin C Serum for Sensitive Skin
A daytime introductory antioxidant serum that offers environmental aggressor protection for all skin types, including sensitive skin, while improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
