Smoke, car and bus exhaust, dust and humidity make for a heady pollution cocktail that wreaks havoc on skin and hair. As dermatologist Dr. Abhijeet Desai says, "Pollutants enter the pores and cause free-radical damage, which, in turn, can cause premature cellular death. Pollution can wreak havoc on the skin right down to its DNA." No wonder that patchy skin, dehydration, dryness, dark spots and dullness are almost given by products of life in the metros. Also, no wonder beauty brands are falling over themselves to launch creams, masks and sprays that promise to protect our skin and hair against such damage. So much so, that the anti-pollution’skincare has been grown by 30 percent over the past six months.
So, what’s a girl to do? Leaving the city life and committing to a peaceful life in the countryside might seem like a good idea but impractical. Instead of spending a pretty packet on the slew of ‘anti-pollution’products flooding the market, it’s time you invested in a good quality cleanser, an antioxidant serum and a light but effective SPF cream packed with essential antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
Here are the anti-pollution skincare essentials you’ll need to win the battle against free radical damage, repair damaged skin barrier and beat skin-scavenging pollutants for good.
1. The Cleanser
Wash away the surface pollutants with a targeted cleanser twice a day. In order to retain skin’s natural oils, swap your regular cleanser for sulfate-free Aloe Veda Activated Charcoal Deep Pore Detox Face Wash, a godsend for blemished, oily, combination and normal skin types. The deep detoxifying action of Activated Charcoal and Lemon Peel Extracts purges toxins and dirt from pores like a magnet to reveal fresh, radiant akin. You can also use the Ponds Pimple Clear Face Wash (infused with activated Charcoal) that helps remove dead skin cells, revealing brighter looking skin underneath plus, the gentle formulation of this anti-pollution skincare product won't leave your skin dry and stretchy. What's not to love!
2. The Serum
Follow up with a potent serum like the Kaya Antox Vit C Formula, a non-oily, gel based formula that counteracts free radical damage and skin darkening besides creating a barrier against environmental assault.
3. The Day Cream
Oh, what we wouldn’t give for plump, dewy and glowing skin all day long. Combat the harmful effects of smog and soot by slathering your skin with The Body Shop Spa Of The World Japanese Camellia Cream that is enriched with Camellia oil, which effortlessly melts into the skin and keeps dryness at bay. Ready for a day out about town? We recommend the Lakme 9 to 5 Naturale Day Creme SPF 20, enriched with pure Aloe extracts that fights pollution and hydrates skin; all day, everyday. Plus, the SPF 20 PA++ protects skin from UV damage. Hello, smooth and supple skin!
4. The Mask On-The-Go
Sheet masks are a lazy girl’s best friend, and is perfect when your skin needs a pick-me-up. The DearPacker Home Remedy Mask - Charcoal loaded with the goodness of Charcoal Powder, Anise Oil and Basil Oil soothes, brightens and purifies to neutralize the effects of dust and pollution to reveal healthy, bright skin. Free from colors, perfumes and other harmful chemicals, the Simple Kind To Skin Pollution Protect Sheet Mask also minimizes the effect of pollution and instantly hydrates skin. Love.
5. The Exfoliant
We’re in love with MCaffeine Naked & Raw Coffee Body Scrub, a gentle yet effective skin exfoliant infused with organic Coffee Beans and Virgin Coconut Oil that protects your skin from age related damage and reduces the appearance of cellulite. The sweet aroma of Nutmeg and Cinnamon will help you relax after a long hard day. Use once weekly for deep cleansed, glowing and detoxified skin.
6. The Overnight Masque
No skincare regimen is complete without a potent overnight masque. Lucky for us, the L'Oreal Paris HydraFresh Hydration + Antiox Active Night Mask -in Jelly checks all the right boxes. Packed with French grape seed extracts, this treatment masque strengthens skin against environmental pollutants and prevents them from adhering to skin. Use this daily to wake up to pollution free, squeaky clean skin.
