There’s aging…and then there’s atmospheric aging. While our planet’s atmosphere helps block many of the sun’s harmful rays and regulates the temperature, with all those pollutants and greenhouse gases, there have been some pretty big changes. Along with those changes, it brings on premature aging of the skin.

The term atmospheric aging refers to the aging of skin through UVA and UVB rays, infrared radiation, and ozone pollution. With UV rays, free radicals run rampant and destroy your skin’s structural support. Infrared radiation goes even deeper than that to hit your dermis layer which not only sets off free radicals but also enables MMP-1, a collagen-degrading enzyme. As for ozone pollution, it destroys the natural antioxidants stored in your body and further enhances aging.

While you might want to hide in a bubble to save yourself, there are other things you can do to minimize the impact of atmospheric aging. This is especially true for anyone that spends a lot of time outdoors.

So, how can you prevent atmospheric aging? A little extra defense can go a long way to keep your youthfulness intact!

Use sunscreen

Sunscreens protect skin on the surface. You’ll want to choose formulas that are broad spectrum to both reflect and absorb those nasty UVA and UVB rays. It’s important to remember that you should always protect your skin from the sun’s rays even on cloudy, cold, or rainy days. Many people also falsely assume that just because they’re not directly exposed to the sun that they aren’t getting damage. Even sitting in your car on the way to work can expose you to more damaging rays than you bargained for!

Get more antioxidants inside and out

Antioxidants will neutralize any free radical they encounter and strengthen your skin from within when you eat the right foods. You can also use skincare formulas with topical antioxidants to add more protection on the outside.They target infrared radiation, pollution, and UVA/UVB rays, letting skin repair itself.

Dress to protect

Along with your sunscreen and antioxidants, make sure you cover yourself with protective measures. Sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats add more protection when you go outdoors. If you spend time exercising outdoors, it’s wise to invest in UV-protected clothing to keep your skin free from damage too.

Thankfully, there are ways you can correct any existing damage. On the non-invasive side of things, you can use skincare products that target wrinkles, pigmentation, and skin texture. You may also choose lasers or fillers to help though these are significantly pricier and require even more care and maintenance from you so as not to incur more atmospheric aging damage in the future.

Looking for 100% chemical-free, all-natural nourishing face and body oils? Check out Earth & Elm Nourishing Face Oil and Earth & Elm Nourishing Body Oil. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral health and skincare. If you are looking for more health resources check out the Trusted Health Resources list. 

Written By:

Jennifer Raskin is a freelance writer, wife and mom that loves cold weather despite her location in Florida, cooking, reading, watching ‘80s movies, weight-lifting, and wine tasting.

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.

Photo by Julia Kuzenkov on Unsplash