We know that an unhealthy diet, lazy skincare regime and few too many glasses of Pinot Grigio can wreak havoc with our skin but did you stop to consider how much damage your journey into work had on your face this morning? Nope, us neither.
Research from Swedish beauty and wellness tech brand, FOREO, found that travelling into work can wreak havoc with our skin – with the tube, in particular, being the most likely to contribute to premature ageing due to pollution, with the Victoria, Northern and Bakerloo lines the worst offenders.
The study found that the amount of pollution in tube stations in particular can be up to 30 times higher than that found on London roads – and with an average of 4.8 million journeys made on the underground every day, it’s a problem that so many commuters face. And this doesn’t even take the UV and weather damage from people who may choose to walk or cycle their commute into account.
“Pollution and general commuting grime and bacteria can all contribute to clogged pores and hyperpigmentation – and for those who walk or cycle, UV rays can increase the risk of sun damage,” explained Chris Luckham, Education Specialist UK & Ireland at FOREO.
“A recent study showed that living and working in a polluted area ages your skin by over a year once you reach the age of 40 – and exposure to even a small amount of pollution can increase age spots by 25%.”
And, as anyone who has attempted to squeeze themselves onto the Northern line in rush hour knows only too well, the sheer stress of commuting can also play a huge part in skin damage.
“Stress causes a chemical response in your body that makes skin more sensitive and reactive – it can also make it harder for skin problems to heal,” adds Chris. “Studies have shown that taking a bus or a train to work for a journey that lasts longer than half an hour can have a severely detrimental effect on your personal wellbeing; and your skin will show that.”
So, if working from home isn’t an option, what can you do to protect your skin from the daily commute?
Chris says: “Commuting is a fact of life for millions of people, but ageing skin doesn’t have to be. Adding in just a few, regular steps to your beauty routine means that you can counteract – and repair – the damage that commuting is doing to skin and retain that healthy glow.”
Banish commuter face with Chris’s top tips:
Deep cleanse
One of the main issues with commuting is the extra grime and dirt from the environment, which then clogs up your pores and causes spots. The best way to counteract this is with a proper deep clean every evening to remove free radicals and potentially harmful pollutants along with makeup and everyday dirt. I strongly a cleansing device like the LUNA 3, which removes up to 99.5% of dirt and oil that can contribute to blocked pores, blemishes and adult-onset acne breakouts. The soft silicone bristles gently pulsate over skin to help loosen clogged pores and lift away grime to keep skin clear and glowing.
Stay hydrated
A combination of pollution from transport and moving from hot to cold environments can seriously dehydrate your skin, so make sure to drink plenty of water and add hydrating products such as hyaluronic acids to your routine.
Wear a good SPF daily
Even on a cloudy day your skin is susceptible to sun damage, so wearing a good SPF daily will protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays – this is especially relevant if you’re one of the thousands of people who walk or cycle your commute!
Wash your hands before touching your face
With so many commuters travelling every day, bacteria can easily spread, so make sure to wash your hands before you touch your face to prevent spots and clogged pores – it sounds simple, but you’d be surprised how many people end up with spots around their chin and jawline from not doing this.
Make sure to mask
Adding in masks to your skincare routine is a great way to counteract the effects of commuting – whether you need extra moisture or a detoxing mask to unblock congested skin – plus it will help you to relax after a busy day.
