YOUR ENVIRONMENT

Think where you choose to live has no impact on your skin? Think again.

UVA AND UVB RAYS

They’re public enemies number one and two when it comes to free-radical damage – and are the primary cause of skin ageing and, more seriously, skin cancer. Commit to wearing SPF every day, rain or shine, even if you’re only spending five minutes outside (sun damage is cumulative and every little bit counts). Chanel CC Cream Super Active Complete Correction SPF50, £46, contains antioxidants and a skin-perfecting tint as an added bonus.

INFRARED RADIATION

You’re constantly exposed to infrared radiation (IR) – from hot objects more than cold ones – which produces free-radical damage that can cause dullness and hyperpigmentation. When you feel the warmth of a heater or the sun on your face, that’s your skin absorbing IR. No need to bunker down in a walk-in freezer though; just be sure your skincare routine has you covered. An antioxidant serum, like Dermalogica Biolumin-c Serum, £81.50, will help combat the effects.

HEV LIGHT

Research shows that prolonged exposure to high-energy visible (HEV) light – the blue stuff emitted from your tech devices – can trigger an inflammatory response in skin, leading to dark spots and wrinkles, says dermatologist Dr Shereene Idriss. Two ways to shield your skin (and maintain a relationship with your smartphone): Elemis Daily Defence Shield SPF30, £46, sits smoothly underneath make-up to protect against UV and blue light, while Murad Rapid Age Spot Correcting Serum, £70, prevents pigmentation from coming to the surface and fights existing dark spots.

POLLUTION

Microscopic bits of dirt, dust, soot and smog are all small enough to enter your pores and create inflammation, says dermatologist Dr Shari Marchbein. Your best defence? Clinique Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly, £31, creates an invisible barrier over skin to keep pollutants from penetrating pores, while the Simple Kind To Skin Pollution Protect Sheet Mask, £2.99, has vitamin B3 to combat free-radical damage.