If your beauty shelf doesn’t include some anti-pollution goodies, your skin is secretly cursing you. Studies show that India is facing a major air quality crisis and it’s worse than ever now. But how does it relate to what you have in your beauty kit, you ask? You must be aware that exposure to the sun and smoke damages your skin. But there’s more to it. The pollutants in the air cause skin conditions like acne, hives and eczema. A proper skincare regimen and shielding your skin with protective skincare products is a must.

 

How does air pollution affect skin?

How does air pollution affect skin?

When you leave your house, your skin gets exposed to various air pollutants such as traffic fumes, smog, UV rays and cigarette smoke that sink deep into your skin causing damage. They induce oxidative stress in the skin which causes breakouts, acne, pigmentation and early signs of ageing. It takes a toll on your skin’s health not only on a cosmetic level, but on a more cellular level as it causes skin diseases as well. If you’re living in an air-polluted urban area, you are more likely to be affected by the aggressors and need to be extra careful.

 

How do you use anti-pollution products to protect your skin?

How do you use anti-pollution products to protect your skin?

You can’t avoid air pollution while running around the city, but you can take care of your skin and protect it from the polluted air outside. A regular beauty regimen can help combat this. Apply an antioxidant-rich cream which includes vitamins A, C, D, B-complex and B3 such as Pond’s Triple Vitamin Moisturizing Lotion in the morning to strengthen your skin’s natural barrier. It goes without saying that you need a sunscreen with good SPF rating while stepping out. Try the Lakmé  Sun Expert Ultra Matte SPF 50 PA+++ Gel Sunscreen for effective sun protection. Double cleanse your face after you come home, first with cleansing wipes to remove the build-up of pollution and makeup and then with a cleansing face wash. We recommend the Simple Kind to Skin Micellar Cleansing Wipes and Pond’s Triple Vitamin Moisturizing Lotion, which remove any deep seated dirt, grim or smoke. Sleep with a moisturiser or night cream to help your skin relax and breathe.