Environmental Aggressors Can Cause Premature Aging—18 Products That Play Defense

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(Image credit: @kimseidensticker)

Let's be honest. There are a lot of beauty terms that get thrown around that aren't always the most intuitive. One term that's always tripped me up? "Environmental aggressors." I know environmental aggressors are bad, and I know there are products out there that can help your skin avoid them, but I honestly have never fully understood what the heck environmental aggressors actually are. 

I reached out to some of the best dermatologists in the industry to give me a crash course on environmental aggressors. If you're also confused about this skincare term, you should probably keep reading. 

What exactly are environmental aggressors?

Basically, "environmental aggressor" is a blanket term for anything that can harm the skin with repeated exposure. "The most prevalent are sunlight, blue light (especially at high dosages over long periods of time), infrared radiation, air pollution, aggressive temperature changes, and cigarette smoke," says Divya Shokeen, MD, FAAD

When your skin is exposed repeatedly to these kinds of aggressors, there can be detrimental effects. "Environmental aggressors produce free radicals, which are unstable compounds that cause cellular damage by 'stealing' electrons from stable molecules, creating a destructive domino effect in the skin," says Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon. Engelman explains that damage from environmental aggressors can lead to premature aging by causing fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. At their worst, these aggressors can also cause skin cancer. 

How can you shield your skin from environmental aggressors?

Sunscreen. "Sunscreen is always going to be essential to protect against environmental aggressors, and some sunscreens may offer protection against UVA, UVB, and blue light," says Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD.

Antioxidants. "Antioxidants are key for preventing damage from environmental aggressors because they pair with free radicals that are looking to 'steal' electrons from other molecules, thus neutralizing the damage," says Engelman. "Vitamin C is particularly effective at preventing and combating damage from environmental aggressors because of its exfoliating properties, which both brighten the skin (reducing hyperpigmentation) and boost collagen production by stimulating cell turnover. Skincare products that are rich in antioxidants, specifically vitamin C, are excellent for protecting skin from environmental aggressors."

Moisture. "Aggressive temperature changes can damage the skin barrier, so in the winter, remember to utilize your moisturizer and humectants, and during the summer, use your hydrating serums and toning mists to keep your skin cool," says Shokeen. 

Associate Beauty Editor

Katie Berohn is the associate beauty editor atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing . Previously, she worked as the beauty assistant for Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day, and Prevention magazines, all part of the Hearst Lifestyle Group. She graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder, with a major in journalism and minor in technology, arts, and media, and earned her master's degree at NYU's graduate program for magazine journalism. In addition, Katie has held editorial internships at Denver Life magazine, Yoga Journal, and Cosmopolitan; a digital editorial internship at New York magazine's The Cut; a social good fellowship at Mashable; and a freelance role at HelloGiggles. When she's not obsessing over Wholesale Replica Bag skincare launch or continuing her journey to smell every perfume on the planet, Katie can be found taking a hot yoga class, trying everything on the menu at New York's newest restaurant, or hanging out at a trendy wine bar with her friends.