Why Anti-Pollution Skincare Is More Important Now? Here What You Can Do

The skin on our face is the most sensitive and vulnerable to various issues. Exposure to the sun, stress, allergies, and environmental pollution can all negatively impact our health and make matters worse for our delicate skin. It seems like there's always something going wrong with our skin, causing us to worry and stress out every week.

Meanwhile, you must tackle the right skincare routine to make your skin anti-polluted. Yes, just slathering on sunscreen doesn't resolve all the issues the polluted city throws at you.

Image source Vogue on Google

How does air pollution affect your skin?

According to Dr Batul Patel, medical director and dermatologist, air pollution such as particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, ultraviolet radiation, Ozon rays and cigarette smoke directly affects the outer barrier of the body, which is the skin. They generate oxidative stress and contribute to outside ageing, pigmented spots and dry skin.

The exterior smog also generates free radical formation and reduces the level of antioxidants in the skin, such as vitamin E, ascorbic acid and vitamin C. It also leads to the reduced barrier function of the skin and hence increased cases of eczema, atopic dermatitis, skin sensitivity, and redness. It also causes clogging up of the pores and accelerates the skin's stress levels which causes the wreckage of collagen.

How do you protect your skin from pollution? Does it work on the skin?

Not everyone has the option of retiring to the countryside and living it up at spas every day. Yes, everyone wants to make their skin healthy and flawless. So, here are a few ideas that can make it possible for everyone:

• Wash your face more often, at least twice or thrice daily.

• Double cleanse your skin—once with an oil-based cleanser and then with a water-based one.

• Pack in a face mist preferably, it must contain antioxidants and hydrate your face regularly.

• Never forget sunblock. You can wear a scarf/a pair of sunglasses when you go out.

• Include a hydrating cleanser or micellar water in your skincare routine—it helps to remove the first grease without drying the skin.

• Uplift your skin by using a scrub containing ultra-fine magnesium crystals with vitamins A and C that can remove dead skin cells.

• The most important thing we take for granted is applying night (recovery) cream that gives you antioxidant protection to fight against free radical damage is a good bet.

• Last but never failed, use aloe vera—it refreshes and rejuvenates the skin instantly. Don't let yourself dehydrate and consume liquid and citrus fruits like Orange, and watermelon which make for a quick, refreshing snack. Uninterrupted sleep is the best form of repair for your skin. Aim to clock in eight hours not more than that.