It’s been shown: dermatologists recognise that 80% of skin ageing is due to environmental factors! Age and genetics account for only the remaining 20%. So unless you live on a deserted island, it’s hard to avoid ozone and fine particles… Fortunately, more and more anti-pollution skincare products are being developed specifically to address this emerging beauty concern.
The effects of pollution on skin
Although skin is our protective barrier against external aggressors, pollution can quickly compromise that defence: ozone oxidises the skin’s lipids, weakening its barrier, while fine particles penetrate our cells. At a microscopic level, fine particles make certain receptors hypersensitive, even though they are essential for healthy cell renewal and for helping skin regulate melanin production to prevent dark spots. These repeated daily attacks exhaust our defence system, which is forced to remain constantly on alert.
The result: skin becomes deficient in vitamins E and C (its main antioxidants), leading to premature skin ageing and a much duller complexion. An oxidative chain reaction follows: collagen breaks down, deepening wrinkles; pores enlarge... and sebum production goes into overdrive, increasing the risk of blemishes! It’s also common for skin exposed to city pollution to look shiny on the surface yet experience dehydration deeper down, leaving it feeling tight. Finally, some skin reacts with sensitivity, redness and patches as its hydrolipidic film weakens.
Anti-pollution steps to help protect your skin…
The anti-pollution cleanse:
Remove all the impurities your skin has accumulated during the day with this duo:
Cleansing Oil
Oh My Cream Skincare +
Purifying Cleanser Detox Cleanser
Tata Harper. Our raspberry-seed cleansing oil acts like a magnet, lifting away oils and other greasy residues, even those lodged deep in the skin, while helping to counter the effects of pollution. Follow with Purifying Cleanser
Tata Harper to detoxify, refine pores and remove excess sebum and dead skin cells. This duo is also recommended for tackling blackheads… Bonus: thorough make-up removal is the best anti-ageing step, because properly cleansed skin can regenerate fully!
The protective mist:
Spritz it generously, even over make-up: the
Hydra-Defence Anti-Pollution Mist
Patyka protects skin from oxidative stress with goji berries. It’s also a must for hydrating, smoothing and plumping, thanks to hyaluronic acid... helping to delay skin ageing while keeping your complexion radiant!
The protective eye cream:
Plant-derived hyaluronic acid (again) and a touch of aloe vera in a lightweight formula:
Vital Eye Cream
Nuori hydrates, soothes and, above all, protects against pollution, giving this delicate area the dose of vitamins E and C it deserves!
The protective serum:
The anti-pollution serum par excellence! Packed with natural active ingredients, the silky-textured
Detox Antioxidant Serum 3
Grown Alchemist (suitable for all skin types) helps maintain skin hydration and detoxifies to help delay premature ageing and keep your complexion looking radiant!
The cleansing mask:
Sensitive skin and particularly irritated skin will love it… The
Balancing & Pore Refining Mask
Alpha H rebalances, removes deeply embedded toxins and soothes, leaving skin wonderfully soft and the complexion even.
The protective anti-ageing moisturiser: To strengthen the epidermis against the effects of pollution and tackle both loss of facial firmness and expression lines, Nutri-Active Day Cream Oskia ticks all the boxes! This light yet rich cream, enriched with essential nutrients, boosts tissue regeneration, helps maintain elasticity and is ideal for normal to combination skin.
Add these carefully chosen products to your routine to counter the effects of pollution! And for a 100% personalised routine, try our skin analysis tool ;-)
Indoors too…
The air we breathe at home or at work is 10 times more polluted, due to formaldehyde in furniture, as well as tobacco smoke if anyone smokes indoors, household and DIY products, paint and even damp. Time for some fresh air! Remember to air out each room for at least 10 minutes a day to refresh the air and clear out these unwanted pollutants.
The Selection
Oh My Cream Skincare
Cleansing Oil
Tata Harper
Purifying Cleanser Detox Cleanser
Nuori
Vital Eye Cream
Grown Alchemist
Detox Antioxidant Serum 3
Oskia
Nutri-Active Day Cream Protective Day Cream
