Is pollution wreaking havoc on your skin? Here’s how to protect your skin from pollution and achieve a healthy, radiant complexion.
Due to the surge in pollution levels, maintaining healthy skin has become an arduous task. Numerous studies show that the effects of pollution on your skin can be just as damaging as its impact on your health. Whether it is cigarette smoke, particulate matter, blue light from electronic devices or air pollution (exhaust fumes and smog), they can all wreak havoc on your skin and contribute to the early signs of skin ageing. Exposure to pollutants can also clog your pores and make your skin appear dull and dry. Since high pollution levels have become a lived reality and escaping to the countryside is not really an option for most of us, we need to tweak our skincare routine to combat the adverse effects of pollution. Here’s a list of tips and tricks to get clear skin while living in pollution:
Cleanse thoroughly
The foundation of clear skin in a polluted environment begins with a consistent and thorough cleansing routine. Regular cleansing can reduce the particle load of pollutants on the skin, especially particulate matter. Use a mild cleanser morning and night to remove pollutants, grime, and makeup that accumulate on the skin throughout the day. Consider double cleansing with an oil-based cleanser at night for squeaky-clean skin. If you are looking for a gentle cleanser that can reverse the harmful effects of pollution and help you achieve clear skin, try Dr G Gentle Facial Foam. It removes the dead skin cells, dirt, and extra oils that clog pores by gently exfoliating your skin.
Incorporate antioxidants
If you want to combat the adverse impact of pollution on your skin, you need to incorporate antioxidants into your skincare arsenal. Antioxidants bind to free radicals, preventing them from wreaking havoc on skin cells. According to a 2020 study, people who used an antioxidant serum with ingredients like vitamins C, E, and ferulic acid twice a day for two weeks following laser treatments had a greater reduction in pollution-related dark spots on their skin. So, to achieve glowing, clear skin, integrate an antioxidant-rich serum or moisturiser into your daily skincare regimen with ingredients such as niacin amide, retinol, vitamin C, E, or ferulic acid. These potent ingredients aid in the neutralisation of free radicals, preventing them from causing damage to your skin cells. You can try Dr G Active Vitamin C Serum to revitalise your skin as it acts as a defence system and neutralises damaging pollutants.
Protect with a sunscreen
Are you wondering how to keep your skin healthy? Sunscreen is your strongest ally in the fight against pollution-induced skin damage. Pollution and UV rays form a lethal combination that accelerates skin ageing by entering the skin and exploding collagen and elastic fibres. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and use it every day, even on overcast days. This shields your skin from UV radiation while also acting as a barrier against hazardous pollutants. Dr G Sun Block SPF 50 is an excellent option if you are looking for a sunscreen that shields your skin against UV damage, pollution, and blue light.
Detoxify with a mask
Is pollution making your skin dry and lifeless? Once or twice a week, use detoxifying masks to get rid of impurities and refresh your complexion. Are you wondering how to choose the right mask in your battle against pollution? Reach out for masks containing ingredients like clay, charcoal, or antioxidants as these can help purify and soothe the skin. You can try Dr G Glow Mask. Formulated with potent ingredients like vitamin C, glycolic acid, arbutin, rose water, and calamine clay, this detoxifying mask nourishes the skin, removes impurities, excess oil, and dirt by unclogging pores, and improves skin texture.
If you want to learn more about how to tackle pollution-induced damage and boost your skin health, book a consultation with me here.