7 Reasons To Start Following An Anti-pollution Skincare Routine RN

#1: You live in a city

Did you know that women who live in urban areas have skin that is up to 10 per cent older? If you live in a city, then pollution poses the biggest threat to the appearance of your skin.

Your skin is constantly exposed to environmental stressors such as smog, traffic fumes and dust. The answer is anti-pollution skincare!

#2: You’ve started noticing early signs of ageing

To be honest, the first time I heard of these pesky little things called free radicals, I didn’t think it was worth the worry. But, do you know that free radicals are the culprit behind premature ageing?

Pollutants like smog and smoke generate free radicals which when coming in contact with your skin, causes fine lines and wrinkles.

We suggest you get your hands on the Dermalogica Antioxidant Hydramist, a hydrating toner which helps tighten the skin and prevents it from premature ageing.

#3: Your skin tone is looking uneven

The air quality in the environment can cause irregular darkening of the skin, also known as hyperpigmentation.

Gaseous and non-gaseous pollutants penetrate the skin and lead to the formation of brown spots on the face. These brown spots cause your skin to darken over time, thus, resulting in uneven skin tone.

#4: You are noticing tons of blackheads forming on your nose

The tiny little black spots you often notice sitting on the surface of your skin, are a type of comedo called blackheads.

When the pores get clogged with dead skin cells and excess sebum, blackheads start to form. High humidity and grease in the environment are factors that cause blackheads.

#5: Your skin is becoming prone to breakouts

Environmental aggressors such as smoke, chemicals, smog and toxins have the power to clog your pores and cause acne to flare up.

If you have oily, acne-prone skin, then it’s important that you wash your face regularly twice a day and keep your hair clean. You don’t want oil from your hair transferring onto your skin, do you?

#6: You are experiencing skin inflammation

When pollution comes in contact with your skin, the particles penetrate into the deeper layers of the epidermis which in turn cause skin inflammation.

Inflamed skin aggravates other concerns such as acne and rosacea.

#7: Your skin looks dehydrated

Have you ever noticed that sometimes your skin looks dull even under layers of makeup? That’s because of pollution.

Apart from smoke and toxins, your skin is also exposed to pollutants released into the atmosphere from sources like fires, vehicles and power plants. All of this combined leaves your skin looking dull and dehydrated.

To help you combat the effects of pollution, here’s a skincare routine you need to follow RN.

• Dust, grime and pollution accumulate on the surface of your skin throughout the day. To get rid of all the impurities thoroughly, it is important to cleanse your face twice a day: morning and night.
• Including a serum in your anti-pollution skincare routine can help protect the skin against radical damage.
• Follow it up with a moisturiser. To step out with city-ready skin, use a moisturiser infused with SPF in order to keep your skin protected from the UV rays.
• Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen is a must. Slather enough before stepping out of the house and re-apply every two to three hours.
• On some days, you can opt for micellar water to cleanse and hydrate your skin. Just soak a cotton pad in micellar water and gently wipe it across your face.

Product 1: Ponds Pure White Anti-Pollution + Purity Face Wash

Product 2: Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Serum

Product 3: Lakmé 9 to 5 Naturale Day Creme SPF 20

Product 4: Ponds Sun Protect Non-Oily Sunscreen SPF 50

Product 5: Ponds Vitamin Micellar Water D - Toxx Charcoal