Smog consists of a combination of tiny particles of dust and soot; pollutants including nitrogen dioxide, lead, and carbon monoxide. While the ozone layer in stratosphere helps to protect us from damaging UV rays, ground-level ozone can turn the sun's rays into dangerous free radicals that send the body's cells haywire. Scientists have discovered links between free radicals and diseases like Parkinson's, and have identified how free radicals can harm skin's resilience and age us more quickly.

Pollutants, which are so tiny that they easily penetrate your epidermis, make it more difficult for your skin to maintain healthy oxygen levels, increasing wrinkling and loss of elasticity. Pollutants can also cause rashes and acne breakouts in sensitive skin. The older you are, the more damaging these pollutants can be. Healthy skin cells can lose their ability to break down pollutants -- which can alter skin's chemistry --which can lead to serious medical conditions such as skin cancer.

Sunscreen is a crucial protective layer that will not only block UV rays, but help maintain your skin's natural barrier. Laser treatments can help in repair of sun and environmental damage (such as the 1540 non-ablative fractional laser). Skin care products work synergisticly with lasers to fight free radicals. Choose topicals containing antioxidants and/or growth factors to help combat the effects of pollution. AboutSkin carries many sunscreen & antioxidant options and provides complimentary product consultations.