Protecting your skin from the worst effects of air pollution
As well as impacting the health of our heart and lungs, fumes from air pollution can also have a negative effect on many other organs, including our skin.
According to a recent study, published in the International Journal Of Molecular Sciences, the main components of pollution contribute to skin inflammation and aging by impairing the natural collagen synthesis process, leading to dryness, acne, dullness and irritation.
Here, Lisa de-la-plain, beauty therapist and co-founder of website Beauty Flash, shares her advice for protecting our skin against the invisible danger of toxic air.
Food for thought
Eating foods with high levels of antioxidants, such as leeks, berries and spinach, can help our bodies detoxify and purge impurities from the inside out. Look out for chlorella, acai berries and spirulina, which are powerful antioxidants and can help to boost your skin. However, your skin is the last organ to receive nutritional benefits from food, so a twopronged approach is your best line of defence. Products with high concentrations of antioxidants, such as Balance Me’s Balancing Face Moisturiser (£24), are great for battling pollution.
With a lightweight formula, the hydrating moisturiser is rich in spruce knot, a purifying antioxidant that’s high in Vitamin E and renowned for skin regulating properties.
Keep grounded with earth ingredients
Charcoal is a great ingredient for clearing dirt build-up in your pores.
Medik8’s Activated Charcoal Refining Mask (£35) detoxes the skin using sustainably sourced activated bamboo charcoal, which acts like a sponge to soak up impurities, clarifying and refining the complexion.
If you have sensitive or dry skin, clay-based products are a great alternative to charcoal. Dermalogica’s Medibac Sebum Clearing Masque (£44.50), gives a cooling, refining, deep clean.
Ditch public applications
A warning to those who apply make-up during their morning commute – pollution sticks to moisturisers.
If you apply your moisturiser before you leave home then put your make-up on while commuting, you risk sandwiching harmful pollutants under your products and pressing them further into your skin.
The same goes for touchups throughout the day - it’s best to clean the skin and start again.
Hydrate and protect
Keeping the skin hydrated is a crucial step in shielding against pollution and UV damage.
UV rays can damage the skin and accelerate conditions such as hyper-pigmentation, and intensify the effect of pollutants by introducing heat. Decleor’s Hydra Floral BB Cream 24-Hour Hydration (£33) has an SPF 15, is a light, ultra-fresh and refines the skin with five benefits in one. It offers 24-hour moisture, and protects against harmful UVA/UVB rays and urban pollution.
Supercharge your cleansing routine
Even if you follow a regimented skin care routine – cleanse, tone, hydrate – consider incorporating an extra step to build a barrier against pollution.
Smooth on a cleanser like Dermalogica’s Precleanse Balm (£42). The new balm to oil formula cuts through build-up in just one application, and comes with a double-sided, ergonomicallydesigned mitt for enhanced cleansing and exfoliation, leaving the skin super clean. There are several excellent products to detox and purify your skin