Anti-aging is one of the highest grossing industries out there, not just in the personal care industry. Every new product promises results better than any other leading brand. But what if your aging issues had nothing to do with you – just your environment!

A recently published study in Germany says long term exposure to air pollution can lead to skin aging in particular pigment spots. This research looked at the effects of long term exposure to traffic-related matter in the air on aging skin.

The results – the higher the concentration of traffic related airborne particles the higher the number of age spots. Also, the study found much higher levels of association between higher levels of air pollution and more prominent nasolabial folds (the skin folds that run either side of your nose).

So how does this happen? Most of the airborne particles produced from traffic are full of carbon. Carbon particles, especially when they are in the nano from, can penetrate the skin, which can aid in the breakdown of elasticity and healthy cells.