Protect Your Skin: Preventing Pollution Damage

Air pollution can have a detrimental effect on skin health. The skin is the body's first line of defence against harmful pollutants, but these pollutants can infiltrate deeper layers of the epidermis, causing inflammation, dehydration, and a cellular-level reaction that leads to lost elasticity and firmness.

The effects of pollution on the skin include:

- Premature ageing (fine lines, wrinkles, redness, blotchiness, and aggravated acne)

- Hyperpigmentation

- Inflammation

- Dehydration

- Disruption of collagen production

- Destruction of the skin's natural barrier

- Allergies

- Skin cancer

To protect the skin from pollution, it is recommended to:

- Wash your face thoroughly in the morning and at night

- Use a mild cleanser

- Exfoliate gently

- Cleanse, double cleanse or even triple cleanse, especially at night, to remove residue

- Apply a moisturiser to nourish the skin

- Apply sunscreen

- Use antioxidants to neutralise free-radical damage

Cleanse your face with the right products

Cleansing your face with the right products is an important step in preventing pollution from affecting your skin. Here are some tips to help you cleanse your face effectively:

• Use a mild cleanser: Unless you have very oily skin, opt for a gentle cleanser that won't strip your skin of its natural oils.
• Double or triple cleanse at night: At night, it's important to thoroughly remove all traces of pollution, dirt, and makeup from your skin. Consider double or even triple cleansing to ensure your skin is thoroughly cleansed.
• Use a cleansing brush: Using an electronic cleansing brush can help remove pollutants more effectively than washing by hand.
• Exfoliate gently: Exfoliating can help remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, but be gentle and limit exfoliation to a few times a week to avoid irritating your skin.
• Cleanse morning and night: Cleansing twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, is essential for removing pollutants and preparing your skin for the day ahead.
• Use a non-exfoliating cleanser: When cleansing your face, opt for a non-exfoliating cleanser to avoid over-exfoliating your skin.
• Follow with toner: After cleansing, use a toner to remove any remaining residue and refresh your skin.
• Choose a cleanser that suits your skin type: If you have sensitive skin, opt for a gentle, hydrating cleanser. If you have oily skin, look for a cleanser that contains ingredients like salicylic acid to help control excess oil.
• Avoid over-cleansing: While cleansing is important, over-cleansing can strip your skin of its natural oils and disrupt its protective barrier. Limit cleansing to twice a day, and avoid using harsh scrubs or brushes if your skin is sensitive.

By incorporating these tips into your skincare routine, you can effectively cleanse your face and help protect your skin from the harmful effects of pollution.

Exfoliate your skin regularly

Exfoliation is a great way to remove dead skin cells and other impurities from the skin's surface. It helps to unclog pores, improve skin texture, and enhance the skin's overall appearance. Here are some tips to exfoliate your skin regularly to prevent pollution from affecting it:

• Choose the right exfoliator for your skin type: Different skin types require different types of exfoliators. For example, physical exfoliators, such as scrubs or brushes, may be too harsh for sensitive skin. In that case, a chemical exfoliator, such as a product containing alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), may be a better option.
• Exfoliate gently: Be gentle when exfoliating your skin. Avoid using harsh exfoliators or scrubbing too vigorously, as this can irritate the skin.
• Exfoliate regularly, but not too frequently: Exfoliating once or twice a week is usually sufficient. Over-exfoliating can strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt the skin barrier, leading to dryness and irritation.
• Moisturize after exfoliating: Exfoliation can sometimes leave the skin feeling dry, so it's important to moisturize afterward to replenish hydration and protect the skin.
• Don't forget the rest of your body: Exfoliation isn't just for the face! Use a gentle body scrub or exfoliating gloves to exfoliate the skin on your body, focusing on areas like the elbows, knees, and heels, which tend to accumulate dead skin cells.
• Exfoliate before shaving: Exfoliating before shaving can help prevent ingrown hairs and razor bumps by removing dead skin cells and lifting the hairs for a closer shave.
• Use natural exfoliants: Natural exfoliants like ground coffee, sugar, or oatmeal can be effective and gentle on the skin. Simply mix them with a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil, to create a DIY exfoliating scrub.

Moisturise your skin

Moisturising your skin is an important step in any skincare routine, and it's especially important when it comes to protecting your skin from pollution. Moisturising helps to strengthen the skin's barrier function, which can be compromised by pollution.

Moisturising products that contain ceramides or hyaluronic acid are particularly effective at boosting the skin's barrier function.

Moisturising should be done twice a day, and it's important to use a gentle cleanser before moisturising to ensure that your skin is free from any dirt or pollutants that could compromise the skin's barrier function.

It's also important to use a mineral sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to protect your skin from UV rays and pollutants.

Wear sunscreen

Sunscreen is an important part of your skincare routine, especially when it comes to protecting your skin from the effects of pollution. Here are some reasons why:

• Sunscreen protects your skin from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can cause skin cancer and accelerate the skin's ageing process.
• Sunscreen can also protect your skin from pollution-related damage. Ground-level ozone, a toxic gas formed when UV light hits mono-nitrogen oxides, is one of the primary causes of pollution-related skin damage.
• Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher provides a physical barrier to both UV rays and pollutants.
• Some sunscreens contain antioxidants like vitamins C and E, which can help to repair and protect your skin from pollution-induced damage.
• Mineral sunscreens, which contain zinc oxide or titanium oxide, are reef-friendly and safe for the environment.
• Sunscreen should be the last step in your morning skincare routine. If you're using a chemical sunscreen, apply it before your moisturiser.
• Sunscreen should be reapplied every 80 minutes, especially if you're out in the sun, to ensure continuous protection.

Tips for choosing and using sunscreen:

• Choose a sunscreen that suits your skin type. For example, if you have sensitive skin, opt for a sunscreen designed for sensitive skin.
• Look for sunscreens with ingredients like ceramides or hyaluronic acid, which help to strengthen the skin's barrier function.
• If you're using a spray sunscreen, be careful not to inhale it, as this can be harmful to your lungs.
• Be mindful of the amount of sunscreen you use. Most people don't apply enough sunscreen, so make sure you're using enough to adequately protect your skin.
• Don't forget to protect other areas of your body that are exposed to the sun, like your neck and hands.

By incorporating sunscreen into your daily skincare routine, you can help protect your skin from the damaging effects of pollution and UV rays.

Use antioxidants

Antioxidants are a great way to protect your skin from the effects of pollution. Antioxidants can help to neutralise the free radicals caused by pollution, which can otherwise lead to inflammation, collagen damage, and skin barrier breakdown.

How Pollution Affects the Skin

Pollution can cause skin ageing, dark spots, acne, and even skin cancer. This is because pollutants can infiltrate the deeper layers of the skin, causing inflammation and dehydration.

How Antioxidants Help

Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E can help to neutralise the free radicals caused by pollution. They can also help to repair the damage caused by pollution, such as collagen and protein damage.

How to Use Antioxidants

You can use antioxidants in your skincare routine by applying a serum with antioxidants after cleansing your face in the morning and at night. You can also eat antioxidant-rich foods such as blueberries, leafy greens, and beans.

Product Recommendations

Some products that contain antioxidants and can help to protect your skin from pollution include:

• Kayo Daily Vitamin Boost
• Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Defense SPF 45 Advanced UV Defender
• Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart
• Restorsea PRO Intensive Treatment 10X
• Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2

Frequently asked questions