Did you know that 80% of all signs of skin aging are due to the environment? Yep. The latest trend in the world of beauty takes aim at those environmental aggressors. We’re talking about the effects that smog, smoke, UV rays and general air pollution have on your skin. It’s no new concept; we all know the (nasty) effects that the environment can have on our skin – it goes beyond the surface. From sunspots, inflammation, dehydration, uneven skin-tone to breakouts, it’s a concrete jungle out there and its wreaking havoc on your skin.
Luckily for us, there’s now a solution. Introducing a new slew of damage fighting pollution-proof products to protect your skin and even reverse the harmful effects that the not-so-clean air has on your complexion.
From investing in pollution-guarding facial mists to do-it-all moisturisers, here are six skin-commandments to step up your regime.
#1 Cleanse, Cleanse, Cleanse
Daily exposure to smoke and smog clogs pores and can leave you skin looking less than fresh. Strengthen your skin and clear your complexion with a gel cleanser that removes impurities without stripping your skin. Our favourites include Omorovicza Hydra Melting Gel Cleanser for a serious boost of vitamins that reduces inflammation and protects skin. Another favourite is O Cosmedics Gentle Antioxidant Cleanser, perfect for even the most sensitive skin as it’s enriched with anti-pollutant boosters that rid skin of trapped dirt and environmental aggressors.
#2 Now For A Skin Tonic
After removing makeup and dirt; it’s time to try a skin tonic. They come in liquid form and will remove anything that's still trapped in your pores post cleansing. Danne Montague King Dermatox is a miracle skin purifier. In just three minutes, this formula draws out impurities (from blemishes to second-hand cigarette smoke… no thanks!) to reveal a glowing complexion. The Body Shop Tea Tree Facial Toner is another favourite, clearing skin of any impurities that your cleanser couldn’t, whilst absorbing excess oil and healing pesky environmentally induced blemishes.
#3 Mask It
How many times have you caught the train/bus/ferry home and felt a layer of general ick all over your face? Surely we’re not the only ones. That not-so-fresh feeling means it’s time to get your mask on.
After cleansing, give your skin a little next level purification with a detoxifying facemask. Dermalogica’s Charcoal Rescue Masque does exactly as the name suggests, rescuing your skin from environmental impurities to reveal your brightest complexion ever.
#4 It’s All About Skin Serum
Serums can be easily overlooked, but they provide a layer of protection from environmental aggressors and free radicals. Say sayonara to premature aging with Medik8 Firewall Serum, it’ll strengthen the skins barrier and protect against environmental nasties. Another one to try is Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum, complete with anti-pollution technology, this baby purifies skin cells whilst you sleep (giving a whole new meaning to beauty sleep). Finally, rounding out our three favourite serums is the new buzz-worthy ingredient, Ceramide, found in Dr. Jart’s Ceramidin Liquid. A super lightweight serum that provides time-release moisture and soothes irritated skin whilst acting as a liquid cushion that protects your skin from traffic fumes to dust and dirt.
#5 Mist On The Go
Build up your skin’s defence and shield against environmental aggressors on the go by spritzing a new-age facial mist over your face before heading outdoors, especially in the CBD. A biosaccharid gum (that’s code for some fancy, fermented plants) found within REN’s Flash Defence Instant Anti-Pollution Shield provides a breathable barrier atop your skin so you’re ready to face whatever is thrown your – and your skin’s - way.
#6 Shield Your Base
Once you’ve detoxified your pores, don't let all your hard work go to waste every time you make the morning commute. Invest in a moisturiser, or makeup base, that will shield your skin from bad-air and UV rays throughout the day.
La Mer The Reparative Skintint is our holy grail of tinted moisturisers. It’s complete with Lime Tea Concentrate that neutralizes free radicals and protects skin. It will also give you the brightest, most luminous skin you’ve ever had. It’s basically a Snapchat filter IRL. Elizabeth Arden’s Prevage City Smart Hydrating Shield is another one to add to your beauty cabinet state. This baby combines pollution and UV protection to guard your complexion and boost skin health. It’s complete with a film that blocks pollution particles but doesn’t clog pores. Genius!
If healthy skin is on your agenda for summer, complexion perfection might just be found in a few hero products that will keep your skin as pollutant-free can be.
Want more tips from our beauty cabinet? Take your healthy glow to a new level with our guide to draping (AKA sculpting your face with blush).
Image credit: Nadine Greeff on Stocksy