By Candace Noonan, Director of Education, DermaConcepts

At Environ Skin Care, we believe in beautiful science—the magnificent marriage of efficacious skin care ingredients that actually make a difference in the appearance and address the specific needs of the skin.

As an industry, we are ever-evolving and becoming more aware of the effects of the environment on our skin. In the 1980s, Dr. Des Fernandes, a prominent South African plastic surgeon, started taking more interest in skin health, particularly because it was apparent that malignant melanoma was becoming more prevalent than it had been in the 1960s.

Modern-era trauma to the skin has not decreased and seems relentless in waging a war of aging on our skin. Various air pollutants, such as ultraviolet radiation, still exist, but now we face even more attacks from modern aggressors, such as volatile organic compounds, oxides, particulate matter, ozone and cigarette smoke.

These compounds affect the outermost layer of our skin and cause oxidative stress. And, although the skin is meant to be a biological shield, acute and chronic exposure to high levels of these pollutants has extremely negative effects on the skin. It is no secret how much any of the above pollutants damage the skin, and how each of them contributes to premature aging. If you haven't seen it, a simple Google search of "twin skin studies" will bring up numerous pictures comparing twins, where one has protected their skin from exposure, versus the other who has not.

Fortunately, due to this beautiful science, we are able to develop powerful and intelligent ingredient combinations that target the effects of specific skin concerns, including the damaging effects of pollution.

If you're suffering from skin that feels fragile and looks sensitive due to the harmful effects of free radical damage, exposure to pollution, smoking, stress, temperature extremes, etc., and specifically live in an urbanized environment, this is where you should definitely tune in.

Environ has proudly introduced two new anti-pollution products: Complete Antipollution Spritz and Purifying Anti-Pollution Mask. These two product powerhouses contain combinations of ingredients that will assist in desensitizing and rebalancing the look of the skin. From charcoal powder with effective absorbing, purifying and detoxifying properties to Phytofuse Renew, which soothes the skin and provides benefits such as moisturization and protection, these products will assist the skin's natural beneficial ability to protect itself and will leave the skin appearing calmer and healthier-looking.

The skin's delicate microbiome is easily imbalanced with our sometimes-stressful lifestyles, which can affect our cutaneous pH and increase diffuse redness. Actibiome aids in returning the microbiota to its initial condition. This leads to homeostasis of the skin.

Thankfully, although the forward progress of civilization brings with it new challenges to our skin, the beautiful science provided by Environ Skin Care will maintain the appearance of health and give a glorious glow in the appearance of your skin.

Candace Noonan is a master trainer and director of education for DermaConcepts, the exclusive U.S. distributor of Environ Skin Care. As a licensed aesthetician, she hosts trainings on the efficacy and science of products and ingredients, as well as hands-on demonstrations and interviews with industry experts. Noonan holds certificates for internationally recognized programs—such as Advanced Skin Analysis, Dermal Needling and Oncology Esthetics—and is a frequent public speaker at medical and skin care conferences throughout the U.S. Her belief is to never stop learning and sharing the knowledge gained by her continued studies. Born in South Africa, and having personal experience battling melasma, she feels her passion for skin care is her biggest asset.