If you live in a big city, your skin is exposed to greater environmental toxins from pollution and smog. Air pollutants prevent your skin from getting enough oxygen, making your skin lose its color and sag. If you live in a very sunny part of the world, you also have a lot more sun exposure, which is the leading cause of premature aging. All these factors cause an increased production of free radicals in the skin, which leads to increased risk of many health problems, including accelerated collagen loss and, of course, premature aging.
To make matters worse, living in the city usually means higher levels of stress. Simply coping with your daily tasks requires from you much more effort comparing to those who live in countryside. In addition, statistics show that people who live in the city are more likely to live alone, which is not a plus for your emotional well-being.
Want more? People in the city typically eat less fruits and vegetables and are more likely to eat junk food instead. Women tend to overprocess their skin by wearing more makeup, which may cause irritation. Hopefully you aren’t shooting yourself in the foot by smoking.
What to do?
Simple awareness can do wonders. Starting from today, take a purposeful action to giving more to your skin. Eat better, exercise, spend time with friends and family, get out of dysfunctional relationships, find a way to release stress.
Feed your skin. Flood it with materials it needs for optimal functioning. Protect it from sunlight and pollution. Fortunately, what is good for your skin is also good for your overall health and well-being. Taking care of yourself is not a matter of applying expensive creams, it’s a whole lifestyle.