your Tech-proTecTion kiT… Skin enemy #4: WeaTher

Elemis Daily Defence Shield SPF 30, £46, protects the skin during the day from UV and HEV light. Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Complex, £45, helps prevent and repair the skin from environmental aggressors. Vitage Vitamin C Tightening Serum, £39, vitage.co.uk, helps boost collagen and antioxidant protection, and even out pigmentation. Air pollution is not just harmful to our lungs, it seems that toxic fumes are causing untold damage to our skin too. “Living or working in a city environment exposes us to environmental factors that can weaken our skin’s protective barrier,” explains Dr Zamani. Studies have revealed [Mintel 2016] that those of us living in highly polluted areas could see a rapid increase in the signs of ageing by up to 10% more than those in rural, cleaner spaces. And links have been found between traffic-related air pollution and increased pigmentation on the skin.

So aside from walking around wearing a shroud, what can we do to protect our skin? “It is wise to wear a cream with SPF daily and use skincare products containing antioxidants to reduce oxidative stress and create a protective shield from everyday stress and pollution,” advises Dr Zamani.