The perils of the modern world are wreaking havoc on our skin and our bodies. A recent report showed that almost 2,000 locations in the UK have levels of air pollution that are exceeding safety limits. So, what can we do to protect our bodies from pollution and reduce levels of pollution in our lives? Below are just four easy-to-implement ways to counteract pollution in our environment and our bodies for healthier living.
The Anti-Pollution facial
Our skin is now subject to both gaseous and non-gaseous pollutes that can starve the skin of oxygen, clog pores and can result in premature wrinkles and acne if not dealt with. The Intraceutical Oxygen facial from Dr Nyla is a deep cleansing, rejuvenating facial which clears our pores from hidden toxins, resetting our skin from the effects of air pollution. Using high impact ingredients with a highly effective technique the Intraceutical facial can revive our skin cells and furthermore protect our skin from the copious amounts of free radicals in the air. The rejuvenating range uses a hyaluronic layering system to help reset, resurface and revive the skin. The rejuvenating serum will hydrate the skin, is rich in antioxidants and can rebalance any uneven skin tone.
Dr Nyla – Harley Street, Liverpool or Cheshire
Spider plants
According to NASA’s clean air study the spider plant is the best plant to help clean the air around you, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen through photosynthesis. Whilst the spider plant is one of the best plants for this, any plant in your home or office will help clean the air around you. The other high scorers were the peace lily, chrysanthemums (which also smell divine) and also the flamingo lily. Fill up your inside spaces with a diverse collection of plants to help boost your mood and reduce pollution build up in the office or home.
Antioxidants
Many aspects of pollution and toxic elements from food or our lifestyles trigger free radicals in the body. This oxidation damage can cause havoc if left unchecked – one of the best ways to protect our bodies from free radical damage and toxicity in our environments is antioxidants. Antioxidants counteract damage done by stress, poor diet, smoking, prolonged consumption of medication, toxicity or chemical exposure and other natural factors. Well-known antioxidants include enzymes and other substances, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta carotene or Vitamin A, which are capable of counteracting the damaging effects of oxidation. Great foods with high sources include tomatoes, carrots, pumpkin seeds, sweet potatoes, pomegranate, strawberries, kale, broccoli, grapes, squash, and wild-caught salmon. Try and get two to three portions in per day (one handful is equal to one portion) to protect yourself against pollution in the air and our environments. If you feel like you need a supplement some support, one of our favourites is a multivitamin by Wild Nutrition which will give you antioxidant support but also help your immune system and nervous system.
Non-toxic household products
Finding household products that will be kind to you and the environment is also important. So many brands contain microbeads that end up in the ocean, damaging fish and sea life, use packaging that is non-biodegradable and even use ingredients that may be harmful and toxic to our skin and bodies. Choose household products that are organic, contain natural ingredients and are biodegradable. Here are our recommendations…
Method – natural and organic, using ingredients that come from plants so when they’ve washed away you know they won’t do any more damage
Ecover – these products are people, pet- and planet-friendly. These are packaged in a mixture of plant-based plastic and recycled plastic to reduce the impact on the planet as well as using all plant-based derived ingredients.
Marcel’s – 100% Recycled Plastic. Environmentally friendly and enriched with essential oils. This product contains no colouring agents, parabens, phosphates, chlorine, ammonia or acids and is full of natural ingredients, 99% biodegradable.
As well as reducing the effect of pollution on our body, we all have a responsibility to reduce pollution worldwide by choosing options that can reduce our carbon footprint – taking more public transport, eating local, seasonal food, flying less when possible, consuming less in the fashion industry and reusing or repairing old clothes. We all can play a part to support the environment and our bodies.
words by Rachel Cruickshank
Nutritionist and Yoga Teacher
@thebodynatural
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