India ranked among the bottom five countries on the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) last year. Add to this, the air quality in Delhi is already poor, with toxicity level being multiple times higher than prescribed by WHO. Amidst the rising concerns about health issues related to the increasing level of pollution in cities, discussions about its effect on one’s skin have recently come to the fore.

Though research is still underway to determine the reaction on deeper layers of skin upon exposure to pollutants, disfigurement of the outer layer is evident from results. The fact that pollution negatively impacts skin has now been scientifically proven. Not only the industrial pollution is hazardous, but fumes from automobiles, toxins, and other pollutants in the air around also dampen skin health.

The microparticles in polluted air are so tiny that they enter the pores on the skin without even being noticed. Settling inside the pores, these particles cause oxidative stress and lead to the appearance of early signs of aging. Besides skin damage, pollution also causes dermatological problems like rashes, sensitivity, redness, blemishes, premature aging, and hyperpigmentation, to name a few.

Increasing incidents of skin damage caused by pollution are being reported with each passing day. It is leading to anti-pollution skincare becoming one of the latest protective measures to follow.

Pollution and Skincare
Anti-pollution skincare includes various products and lifestyle habits that help either in the rectification of the damage caused by pollutants or prevention of the damage beforehand. Here are some noteworthy points for anti-pollution skincare:

Every time you step into your house from outside, wash your face properly to remove daily pollution. If you live in an urban area, skincare for fighting pollution is a must, at least twice a day. Make it a routine to exfoliate your skin every evening to clear pores, detoxify skin, and prevent pollutants from clinging on the skin. Post exfoliating and cleansing, apply a moisturizer or serum to keep the skin moist and hydrated. While moving out, use anti-pollution cream to add a protective layer to shield your skin from pollutants, dirt, and microparticles.

One important aspect to remember about the anti-pollution skincare regime is that you should include a high level of antioxidants both in diet and through products that you use. Free radicals found in polluted air penetrate inside the cell membrane, damaging and ultimately causing its premature death. Antioxidants block the entry of these radicals and protect skin cells from destruction.

Being exposed to pollution makes your skin greasy and creates a layer of dirt over it. Oily skin tends to get more oily and acne-prone, while people with dry skin fell more dryness when it comes in contact

with pollution. In such a situation, gentle cleansing becomes essential for skin’s health, irrespective of your skin type. Remember to pick a cleanser that helps in normalizing and maintaining the pH balance of your skin.

Use face wash and face masks that contain activated Charcoal, which will draw bacteria, dirt, chemicals, and other micro-particles to the surface of the skin. It will help you achieve a flawless complexion and fight acne.

A serum that contains Hyaluronic Acid & Rosehip Oil is recommended as it provides intense hydration & moisturization to your skin. Keeping the collagen synthesis, Hyaluronic Acid retains moisture & hydration in the skin; thus, contributing to anti-aging benefits. Rich in Vitamin A, Rosehip Oil is known to help fight against dark spots and slow down the appearance of wrinkles. Other natural ingredients that effectively help in protecting skin against pollution are Olive Oil & Castor Oil, which tighten pores & fine lines. Ingredients like coconut extract have natural cleansing properties and help in keeping the pores free of impurities.

Products having Coffee and Cocoa keep moisture in skin intact and prevent dryness. High content of fatty acids and antioxidants in cocoa butter helps in successfully combating dullness, darkening, and wrinkles caused by free radicals present in polluted air. Coffee exfoliates and removes dead skin cells, making your skin soft and smooth.

Tea Tree Oil is another magical ingredient that will keep your skin safe from pollutants. Known to work on fungal as well as bacterial infections, tea tree oil helps in reducing acne. Neem Oil, on the other hand, with its antibacterial property, helps in keeping the skin clean, bright, and healthy. In addition to these, Aloe Vera helps in reducing inflammation caused due to acne and pimples.

To fight the deleterious effect of atmospheric pollution, use a lightweight cream with Pollustop®. It offers tough protection from pollution and UV rays while being gentle on the skin. Pollustop® also forms an invisible shield to protect your skin from free radical damage and acne-causing dirt. Make sure that the cream has a non-greasy formula to avert pollutants from adhering to the skin surface.

Creams with turmeric extract and carrot extract help restore elasticity, brighten the complexion, and keep skin moisturized. They also improve skin’s elasticity, and let it repair from within.

It may be confusing to choose the right anti-pollution product from a variety of options available in the market. However, there’s one thing you should ensure and that is the chosen product should be dermatologically tested. Do not randomly take any product based on the claims, instead opt for a brand that is known for curating well-researched products.

Whichever anti-pollution skincare product you choose, ensure that it is dermatologically-tested and completely free from toxins and harmful chemicals like Sulfates, Parabens, Artificial fragrance, Silicones, Petrolatum, and Dyes.

Food To Fight the Effects of Pollution on Skin
While anti-pollution skincare products are great to tackle skin problems on the surface level, it’s essential to tune your diet to strengthen skin from the inside too. Starting your day with a glass of warm water and lemon juice will help you fight pollution and its effects. Include food rich in Vitamin C like citrus fruits besides having a diet with an adequate amount of Vitamin E and beta carotene. These nutrients are powerful enough to help the skin build resistance against pollutants. As stated earlier, antioxidants have remarkable benefits, so while you use products rich in these wonder substances, ensure that these are included in your diet too.

You should also drink a sufficient amount of water and increase the intake of liquid in various forms to keep both your skin and body hydrated. If necessary, you can consult a doctor and take supplements.

All in all, keeping your skin safe from the detrimental effects of pollution should be given as much importance as keeping your body safe. Heart and lungs beyond doubt are organs that need protection but we cannot ignore the fundamental need to maintain healthy skin – the largest organ of the body. Finally, to protect yourself from the repercussions of polluted air, try and limit exposure to pollutants by avoiding traffic areas, adding an anti-pollution layer, and eating a balanced and healthy diet.