Makeup's Skin-Protecting Powers: Pollution Protection Or Myth?

While makeup has historically been considered harmful to the skin, new research suggests that it can protect your skin from the sun and pollution. Dermatologists have found that makeup can be your skin's second-best defense against environmental aging effects, even if it is not a foolproof solution. The pigments and light-reflecting ingredients in makeup can act as physical blockers to protect the skin. Additionally, many makeup formulas now contain beneficial ingredients such as SPF, vitamins, and retinol boosters. However, it is important to properly cleanse and thoroughly remove makeup nightly to avoid any negative effects.

Makeup can provide some protection against pollution

For a long time, the conventional wisdom held that wearing makeup was generally not good for the skin. However, new research has emerged suggesting that makeup can offer some protection against environmental damage. This is especially true of "cosmeceuticals", or coloured cosmetics such as lipstick, liner, cream blush, and powdered bronzer.

According to dermatologist Phillip Artemi, solar radiation is not the only thing that is bad for the skin. Artemi advises that functional coloured cosmetics should be used alongside sunscreen to further reduce the risk of skin cancer and premature ageing, as well as to protect against the increasing danger of air pollution.

The pigments and other light-reflecting ingredients in makeup can act as physical blockers, providing some protection for the skin. Even the most basic makeup formulas can be useful for fighting off the damaging effects of pollution. Additionally, many makeup formulas now contain beneficial ingredients like SPF, vitamins, and retinol boosters.

To maximise the protective benefits of wearing makeup, it is important to practise good skincare habits. This includes cleansing twice daily with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and pollutants, and exfoliating once or twice a week to prevent the build-up of pollutants, dirt, and bacteria. It is also crucial to properly cleanse and thoroughly remove makeup nightly.

Sunscreen and makeup are a good combination

Sunscreen and makeup can be a good combination, but it is important to note that sunscreen should be the priority when it comes to skin protection. While makeup can provide some protection against environmental damage, it should not be relied upon as the sole means of defence.

Makeup can act as a secondary form of protection, offering some defence against the sun and pollution. This is due to the pigments and light-reflecting ingredients commonly found in cosmetics, which can act as physical blockers. Additionally, many makeup formulas now contain beneficial ingredients such as SPF, vitamins, and retinol boosters, further enhancing their protective qualities.

When combining sunscreen and makeup, it is crucial to consider the compatibility of the products. For instance, oil-based foundations may not sit well with water-based sunscreens, leading to issues such as pilling. It is recommended to check the base ingredients of both sunscreen and makeup to ensure they will work well together. Additionally, allowing each layer to dry fully before applying the next product can help ensure smooth application and long-lasting wear.

There are sunscreens specifically designed to work well under makeup, often labelled as 'invisible', 'clear', or 'nongreasy'. These formulas tend to blend seamlessly into the skin, creating a smooth base for makeup application. Some examples include Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50 and Vacation Inc. Crystal Gel SPF 50.

It is worth noting that while sunscreen and makeup can work together to provide protection, it is still essential to follow a thorough cleansing routine to remove all products at the end of the day. This ensures that the skin can breathe and recover, maintaining its health and radiance.

Antioxidant-rich skincare products are effective

While makeup can provide a certain level of protection for your skin against pollution, it is not a foolproof solution. However, incorporating antioxidant-rich skincare products into your routine can effectively protect your skin from pollution and other environmental factors that could cause damage.

Antioxidants bind to free radicals before they can wreak havoc on skin cells, thereby preventing pollution-induced damage. For instance, a 2020 study found that people who used an antioxidant serum with vitamins C, E, and ferulic acid twice a day for 2 weeks after laser treatments saw greater reductions in pollution-linked dark spots on the skin. Another 2020 study found that regularly applying a solution with vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid), vitamin E, and ferulic acid prevented pollution-induced damage.

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that shields the skin from the damaging effects of blue light exposure by neutralizing free radicals generated from electronic devices. Its protective properties help maintain the skin's integrity, preventing premature aging, and promoting a healthier complexion. Other antioxidants such as purslane, found in some Sturm products, stimulate the body and support skin health and rejuvenation.

In addition to antioxidant-rich skincare products, other ways to protect your skin from pollution include cleansing your skin twice daily with a gentle cleanser, applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to shield against UV rays, and minimizing outdoor exposure during peak pollution times.

Cleanse twice daily to remove pollutants

While makeup can provide a certain level of protection for your skin against pollution, it is not a foolproof solution. To ensure that your skin is thoroughly cleansed of pollutants, it is important to cleanse twice daily.

Start your morning skincare routine with a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt, impurities, or pollutants that may have accumulated on your skin overnight. Look for a non-ionic cleanser that is effective at removing pollutants and makeup without stripping the skin's natural oils. This type of cleanser is suitable even for sensitive skin.

In the evening, begin by using a gentle cleanser to remove makeup and any other impurities that may have come into contact with your skin throughout the day. Follow this with a second cleanse, using a cleanser that contains antioxidants to neutralize any free radicals caused by pollution and UV ray damage. Antioxidants such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and ferulic acid have been shown to prevent and repair pollution-induced damage.

In addition to cleansing twice daily, you can further protect your skin by incorporating antioxidant-rich skincare products into your routine. These products will help to strengthen your skin's natural barrier, minimizing the penetration of pollutants.

While cleansing twice daily is essential for removing pollutants, it is also important to be mindful of over-cleansing. Over-cleansing can strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt the skin's microbiome, which is essential for skin health. Therefore, it is crucial to find a balance and choose gentle, skin-compatible cleansers that effectively remove impurities without compromising the skin's natural protective functions.

Moisturise to create a protective barrier

While makeup can provide a certain level of protection for your skin against pollution, it is not a foolproof solution. To protect your skin from the harmful effects of pollution, it is important to incorporate certain steps into your daily skincare routine.

Moisturising is one of the most important steps in creating a protective barrier for your skin. Moisturisers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and plant oils help maintain the skin's moisture barrier, providing a defence against environmental stressors. Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant that keeps the skin hydrated, thereby preserving the skin barrier. Similarly, ceramides are effective ingredients to help boost the skin's barrier function. Plant oils can also help repair the skin barrier and prevent moisture loss.

Regularly moisturising strengthens the skin barrier, minimising the potential for pollutants to penetrate skin cells and cause oxidative stress. Moisturiser K, for example, has been found to prevent a reduction in bacterial and fungal richness, increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria. This supports the regulation of the skin's microbiome balance, providing a holistic barrier against environmental aggressors.

In addition to moisturising, it is important to cleanse your skin twice daily with a gentle cleanser to remove pollutants. Use antioxidant-rich skincare products to neutralise free radicals caused by pollution. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to shield against UV rays, which can activate certain pollutants. Eat a healthy diet rich in antioxidants and stay hydrated. Limit outdoor exposure during peak pollution times and consider wearing an anti-pollution mask in highly polluted areas.

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