COMBAT POLLUTION DAMAGE WITH THESE 3 HAIRCARE HACKS
Expanding cities and increased urbanisation of the environment means ever-rising levels of air pollution; most commonly made up of toxic chemicals and compounds such as dust and dirt particles, smoke and noxious gases produced by vehicles. While it’s widely understood that pollution can cause major damage to our skin, did you know that it can also have a negative impact on the health of your hair too?
‘Just one swipe of a cleansing pad at the end of the day will reveal the build up of poullution on the face, and if you could use a cleansing pad on your hair and scalp the results would be the same,’ explains Isadora Baudouin, Kerluxe Research and Development Consultant.
Our skin and hair act as a barrier to air pollution, providing a biological-shield against induced oxidative stresses. However, prolonged and repeated exposure to these pro-oxidative chemicals, UV radiation and physical air pollutants can cause irritation and damage to the skin, scalp and hair. ‘This leads to decreased collagen levels, skin ageing, inflammation of the scalp, hair dryness, itching, dandruff, oiliness, breakage and even hair loss,’ reveals Baudouin.
And while you may think that being indoors means you’re not exposed to pollutants you’d be wrong. ‘Air pollution is not only confined to outdoor environments, it occurs within closed building environments as well,’ adds Baudouin. The indoor air conditioning in your office that never seems to be at the right temperature releases volatile organic compounds that settle on the scalp and hair. While the heavy duty cleaning supplies envelope the air and land on your skin and mane. All these pollutants transfer into the dermis of the scalp and then into the hair follicle conduit, leading to oxidative stress and hair loss.
Thankfully there are 3 things you can do to protect your hair from indoor and outdoor pollution…
1 Use Anti-Pollution Haircare
In the same way that you’d use a protective facial moisturiser or pollution dissolving face wash, anti-pollution hair care should be your go-to. The Kerluxe Crystalisse range has been designed to tackle air and environmental pollution head on, formulated with an AntiOxi O2 Complex of active ingredients that help detoxify and protect the scalp and hair from environmental damage. The shampoo, conditioner and mask provide intense, long-term environmental defence from pollution and oxidation thanks to PuricareTM. This peptide eliminates toxic build up by forming a barrier that prevents micro-particles adhering or penetrating the scalp and hair. It also increases hair strength and resistance, repairing the damage that makes hair look brittle and dry. Best of all, the Pure Cure Spray allows you to top up protection anytime of the day as and when you need it – genius.
2 Use less Styling Products
You may well think that mouses, gels, and styling creams would work as a barrier protecting your hair from the elements. However, in actual fact they can encourage more pollutants to stick to your mane.
3 Get your Vitamins
When it comes to combating the effects of pollution, protective vitamins are key. Get a daily dose of Vitamin E as this antioxidant helps repair and build tissue, reduce inflammation and maintain follicle health. And be sure to consume a good amount of Vitamin A too, as this is needed to make sebum. Sebum is the bodies natural moisturiser, providing the hair and scalp with the hydration it sorely needs after exposure to drying pollutants.
