Loss of skin elasticity, uneven skin tone, pigmentation and dull skin. If you encounter these words on a daily basis while looking at your reflection in the mirror, blame pollution. Although diet and exercise play a vital role in how your skin looks, environmental pollution is the biggest culprit in damaging your skin.
We’ve found 5 major ways in which pollution harms your skin on a daily basis and what can be done to avoid it. Read on to find out…
Vehicles
Whether you travel by a two wheeler or a car, you cannot escape the harmful pollution caused by vehicles. Covering your face with a scarf or hat isn’t enough. To add to this, the damaging UV rays from the Sun harm your skin further. Wear a sunscreen 30 minutes before stepping out of the house, the Lakmé Sun Expert Ultra Matte SPF 50 PA+++ Gel Sunscreen is a non-sticky formula that gives a matte finish, making it suitable for all skin types.
Skipping deep cleansing
Dirt, pollution particles and impurities easily penetrate into our pores and stay there all day causing dehydration and breakouts. The best way to tackle this problem is by using a deep cleansing face wash. The Pond’s Pure White Anti-Pollution Face Wash with Activated Charcoal removes impurities from the deeper layers of the skin absorbing all the dirt that gets accumulated during the day. It gently exfoliates and reveals fair, glowing skin.
Smoking
You all know that smoking damages your lungs and can lead to cancer but did you know it can also harm your skin? It narrows blood vessels in your skin and causes wrinkles and premature skin ageing. It also damages the elastin and collagen fibres that give skin the required elasticity. So stay away from both active and passive smoking.
Chlorine water
Chlorinated water strips natural oils away from your skin making it appear dry and dull, inviting wrinkles. Avoid spending a long time in swimming pools and other places where the water is heavily chlorinated.
Not enough hydration
A well hydrated body and skin can reverse the effects of pollution on your skin. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water each day to flush out toxins from your body. Apply a moisturising lotion on your skin every day to form a barrier between your skin and the dirt particles you encounter every day.
Written by Sanya Hamdani on Oct 25, 2018
Sanya Hamdani is a skincare enthusiast and lipstick hoarder, she truly believes no two red lipsticks look exactly alike. With a Master's degree in Communication & Journalism and 5+ years of digital writing experience up her sleeve, Sanya has some of the biggest beauty experts in the country on her speed dial. When she's not swatching products or writing about the latest trends in beauty, you will find her watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S. or cooking up a storm in the kitchen.