Here’s How To Protect Your Skin From Pollution…
We don't feel great about telling you this, but essentially you skin is under attack. Right this second.
We’re all acutely aware of the havoc sun can wreak on the skin - those UV rays can do some serious damage beneath the surface - but it’s also pollution that we now need to be extra vigilant against. You see, pollution can do an awful lot of harm to your poor complexion too. We're talking uneven skin tone, dark spots, accelerated ageing and blemishes, to name a few.
Just like UV rays it’s invisible, which is why you won’t necessarily be aware of it, but those tiny particles of soot, acid, smoke and other pollutants are in the air around us constantly. As they are so microscopic, they don’t just sit on the surface, but can actually be absorbed into your skin, in turn disrupting the way it functions.
When pollution makes contact with our skin it causes the body to produce free radicals, which in turn interferes with the skin’s ability to produce collagen, the scaffolding-like structure that keeps skin firm and taut. You see? There’s no way to sugar-coat it, but there are ways to protect yourself. Three, in fact.
By incorporating the process of cleanse, repair, protect into your skincare regime, you'll be able to help minimise damage. Here are our skincare picks in the fight against pollution...
Cleanse Not only does it do a great job of cleansing your complexion, but this creamy face wash from Clarins is also packed full of natural antioxidants moringa, shea and mango, to help undo the damage exposure to pollution has caused. Clarins Extra Comfort Anti-Pollution Cleansing Cream, £25
Oil up This essence-oil is the perfect texture for getting deep down into skin and contains Lady Thistle Extract, a known anti-irritant and antioxidant, that works to supercharge the skin’s own barrier so it can better protect itself from pollution’s effects. Dr Weil for Origins Mega Defense Barrier Boosting Essence Oil, £39
