TIP!

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Get blackout curtains for an undisturbed sleep. When it’s dark, your body releases the hormone melatonin, a powerful antioxidant which helps combat inflammation. You say “Growing up in a small town with two traffic lights and tons of trees, I didn’t hear the word pollution too often. Since moving to a big city six years ago, I’ll often see clouds of brown air settle between the buildings (humid, stagnant air retains more pollution, I’ve learnt). My skin has definitely got more sensitive, but whenever I leave town, it’s calmer and clearer overnight.” – Kate, 28

The experts say Studies show that long-term pollution exposure does cause free-radical damage on the skin, the same way UV rays do, says Dr Zeichner .“It breaks down collagen and can lead to wrinkling, premature ageing and dark spots.” And pollution isn’t limited to big cities: “It’s generated by machinery and farmyard chemicals, too,” reveals dermatologist Dr Ava Shamban. “It’s pretty hard to escape.”

Get an oscillating cleansing brush or mechanical exfoliating cleanser to gently scrub off any invisible toxic gunk. Apply moisturiser to act as a barrier and always use sunscreen. We like Nivea Perfect & Radiant 3-In-1 Mattifying Cleanser (R89.99).

It could take months or even longer. “Avoid pollution and take the right steps to silently invest in your skin,” assures Dr Tanzi.

/ Tone up

of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, when two of four weekly cardio workouts were HIIT ( high-intensity interval training) routines and included strength training, exercisers decreased both total and visceral fat – the kind deep inside the gut – faster.