From eating junk food to sleeping with your makeup on, there are a number of factors that adversely affect skin. However, the latest culprit is something unavoidable: pollution. Major cities like Dehli and Mumbai are known for their continuously rising levels of air contaminants (which by the way don’t just affect your lungs, but also wreak havoc on your complexion). “Automobiles that emit carbon monoxide and other harmful gases increases the free radical damage to our skin, causing pre-mature aging. Pollution leads to oxidative stress in the form of pigmentation, a dull complexion and uneven skin tone. Pollutants also make skin more sensitive to UV exposure.” says Dr. Jamuna Pai.
Before you launch into a full-blown panic attack, there’s some good news. By following a regular skincare routine, which involves cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen, you can protect yourself to a large degree. Better yet, by incorporating anti-oxidants in your products, you can even reverse some of the damage that has already been caused. To get you started, here are some product suggestions.
1. Lakmé Sun Expert + UV Lotion SPF 50 PA +++
Since your skin is more susceptible to UV rays, a good sunscreen is non-negotiable. Lakmé’s weightless lotion guards against UVA and UVB rays, whilst nourishing skin. Use it daily before you step out, and reapply every few hours to stay protected.
Price: INR 493/-
2. Bobbi Brown Protective Face Lotion
Enriched with vitamins, this lotion shields your face from aging due to environmental factors. The chamomile extract helps soothe and calm any irritation.
Price: INR 3,900/-
3. Dermalogica Skin Resurfacing Cleanser
Take off the day’s grime with an exfoliating cleanser like this Dermalogica’s. The presence of lactic acid speeds up cell-turnover and improves the texture of your skin.
Price: INR 975/- (30ml)
4. Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate
The path to recovery from environmental damage is full of anti-oxidants Use a few drops of this potent serum every night to regenerate your skin and fortify its natural barrier.
Price: INR 3,800/-
5. Clinique City Block Purifying Charcoal Clay Mask + Scrub
Charcoal is said to draw out impurities. The scrub part exfoliates dead skin so you’ll have cleaner, brighter complexion.
Price: INR 1,950/-
When you’ve got powerful products on your side, the battle against pollution is no match for you. Try them out and let us know what you think!