Anti-pollution skincare
Turns out city living isn’t very kind to your skin. Shock, horror. Time to invest in a product that’ll help combat the impact of your commute
Think SPF has your skin covered against all those environmental aggressors? Well, maybe not. King’s College London found Oxford Street in Central London to be among the world’s worst streets for the pollutant nitrogen dioxide, with pollution limits frequently exceeded. You might think this would mainly affect your lungs, but your skin can suffer, too. According to a study*, women in heavily traffic-polluted areas have 20% more pigmentation on their cheeks and foreheads. Clearly, it’s time for action. Team WH tries out the products that claim to protect your skin against urban air.
1. BEST FOR COMBATIVE COVERAGE LANCÔME CITY MIRACLE CC CREAM £31.50
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Tested by: Georgie Lane-godfrey, WH contributor
They say: A CC cream with SPF50 that perfects like a foundation and beautifies like an illuminator, while also protecting you from the elements.
Georgie says: I use tinted moisturiser instead of foundation, so this CC cream’s anti-pollution protection gives it the edge. The fact that there are only three shades is puzzling – the middleground 02 looked distinctly orange, but 01 proved a better match. It smoothed on beautifully and lasted all day, but until there are more shades, I won’t be adding it to my beauty arsenal.
2. BEST FOR GETTING RID OF GRIME
THIS WORKS EVENING DETOX CLEANSING WATER £22 Experience
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Value for money
Tested by: Nikki Osman,
Features Editor
They say: Wipe away pollutants with this detoxifying micellar water. Sweet almond oil and aloe vera cleanse as liquorice root soothes.
Nikki says: Working in Central London, I often walk through the door with skin feeling as dull and clogged as the M25 on a Monday morning. This left my skin feeling soft, bright and squeaky clean. Definitely worth adding to your routine.
3. BEST FOR REHYDRATION SIMPLE POLLUTION PROTECT SHEET MASK £2.99
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Tested by: Nathalie Gimson, Deputy Art Editor
They say: Inspired by Asian beauty rituals, this antioxidant-enriched sheet mask is infused with vitamin E, vitamin B3 and agave americana to minimise the drying effects of pollution.
Nathalie says: This made my skin feel hydrated as promised, but it was very sticky. I applied it just before bed and my face ended up sticking to the pillow. Still, when I woke up, my skin was plump and dewy, so hopefully it worked its magic. For £2.99, you can’t really go wrong.
4. BEST FOR PRIMARY PROTECTION DECLÉOR HYDRA FLORAL 24HR HYDRATING LIGHT CREAM £43
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Tested by: Victoria Rudland,
Chief Sub Editor
They say: This 70% water-based gel cream is enriched with moringa oleifeira extract to guard against free radical attacks and anti-inflammatory centella asiatica to soothe city skin.
Victoria says: Pollution isn’t really something I consider when it comes to my skin – and probably should – so getting some protection via my moisturiser is a bonus. I’m pretty committed to my current face cream so it takes something special to turn my head, but this was super-hydrating, smelt beautiful and left my face genuinely glowing. Love.
5. BEST FOR A DEFENSIVE LAYER REN FLASH DEFENCE ANTI-POLLUTION MIST £24
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Tested by: Roisín Dervish-o’kane, Features Writer
They say: Shield skin from harmful free radicals with this detoxifying mist. Zinc and manganese amino acid battle oxidative stress while biosaccharide gum creates a barrier against pollutants.
Roisín says: I used this mist over my standard daily make-up and it didn’t smudge. But by 4pm when my skin tends to get oily, my face felt sticky and I had to apply more powder. While a spritz is refreshing, it’s not essential enough to warrant a place in my overstuffed make-up bag.