Every year, I get questions from my patients about the latest skincare trends that they’ve read about in a new beauty magazine or while scrolling through information online. Most times, I find it helpful to talk through their skincare goals and come up with a specific strategy tailored to that goal. Recently, though, one question has become more common among my patients.
How do I protect my skin from pollution?
In the wake of the 2018 California wildfires, several patients have made their way into our office asking ways in which to combat this serious issue.
Who can blame them?
The air quality in the Bay area rose to indexes of 200+, indicating an “unhealthy” environment. In Berkeley alone, classes and football games were canceled at the university with authorities advising people to stay indoors.
You don’t have to live in the Bay Area, Beijing, or New Delhi to realize the harmful effects of pollution to your skin. If you are commuting every day on a subway, bus, or cars, you are likely experiencing similar negative impacts to the quality of your skin. Growing up in Southern California, my skin is sensitive to even slight changes in temperature (as I found out at a recent East Coast wedding last summer).
These effects can include:
- Dryness
- Rashes
- Eczema
- Acne
- Pigmentation
- Inflammation
- Wrinkles
- Premature aging
That leaves you with two options:
Option 1: Live indoors, wear a gas mask, and dedicate your life to the Netflix overlords, vowing to watch every show ever created while hugging your air purifier
Option 2: Come up with a proactive skincare routine that helps fight the effects of pollution
For those choosing Option 2, I’ll skip ahead and tell you about one service that works wonders for those wanting to prevent the impact of pollution on their skin:
Anti-Pollution peels!
This peel gently exfoliates all types of skin, decongests pores, hydrates skin, and helps improve the appearance of environmental damage. Our Anti-Pollution Peel can be administered once every 4-6 weeks to help lessen the harmful effects of the atmosphere.
While the threat of pollution in the atmosphere continues to impact the way we live, we can help you stay proactive about your skin.
Just call me, your Berkeley dermatologist, at (510) 330-2264 to book an appointment today for a complimentary consultation to learn more about our Anti-Pollution Peels.
I am Dr. Devika Icecreamwala, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Icecreamwala Dermatology, a cosmetic and medical practice in Berkeley, CA.
Find us at www.icecreamderm.com or at #icecreamderm on Instagram.
At Icecreamwala Dermatology in Berkeley, we believe in the importance of simplicity in any skincare treatment or regimen. Our experience in skincare allowed us to custom tailor solutions for patients to help them maintain healthier, simpler skin.
At Icecreamwala Dermatology, we provide:
- Cutting-edge skincare treatments.
- Weekend appointments.
- Short wait times.
- Personalized care and attention.
- A wide range of accepted health plans.
To book an appointment with Dr. Icecreamwala or to learn more about Icecreamwala Dermatology, call (510) 330-2264 today!
