Dermatologists Agree that City Dwellers Should Use at Least One Anti-Pollution Skin Care Product
Using these products will protect the skin from pollution.
Did you know that more than 91% of the world’s population lives in areas where air pollutant concentrations exceed the reference limits set by the World Health Organization? Yes, tiny particles of air pollutants are everywhere, and they can build up on the surface of your skin day in and day out, leaving you looking dull and tired.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. More worryingly, pollutants can affect your entire body and even seep into your skin, causing long-term damage such as premature aging, hyperpigmentation, inflammation, acne and dryness. Given that you are constantly surrounded by them, it is your mission to protect your skin with anti-pollution skin care products that will allow it to thrive in the harsh environment. These products contain a powerful blend of ingredients that neutralize the effects of pollution and keep you protected 24/7 – plus everything else for healthy skin.
How do anti-pollution skincare products work?
To make sure we’re on the same page, let’s take a step back and understand the enemy you’re up against.
Simply put, every time air pollutants (like dust and car exhaust) come into contact with your skin, they trigger an increase in free radicals in your body. These molecules damage almost every cell and tissue and can lead to a process called oxidative stress. From the sounds of it, this is very bad for your skin. Oxidative stress has been linked to a number of health problems, and it is considered the number one culprit in premature skin aging.
However, this process only occurs when the number of free radicals in your body exceeds the number of antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that scavenge free radicals and prevent them from damaging healthy cells (some are naturally present in the body, others must be obtained from diet and skin care products). You can think of them as the first line of defense against pollution.
For this reason, anti-pollution skin care products often contain high concentrations of antioxidants to provide excellent free radical protection. They act as a barrier between the skin and pollutants, while neutralizing free radicals already present in the body. Most dermatologists agree that people living in cities should have at least one anti-pollution skin care product in their daily lives.
Ingredients to look for
For your morning routine, look for products that contain ingredients that reduce the effects of pollution on the skin, such as antioxidants and detoxifiers. At night, choose products designed to regenerate and hydrate your skin. It’s that simple.
These antioxidants are best added to your daytime serums and moisturizers to provide anti-pollution protection: the following
Vitamin C
Niacinamide
Green Tea
Vitamin E
Ferulic acid
Polyphenols
Coenzyme Q10
Resveratrol
Cleansers with detoxifying and exfoliating agents are very good because they eliminate pollutants that accumulate on the skin::
Charcoal
clay
Glycolic acid
Lactic acid
Salicylic acid
In the evening, use creams containing regenerating ingredients:
Hyaluronic acid
Peptides
Ceramides
Fatty acids
Retinol
Anti-pollution skin care products recommended by dermatologists
We have handpicked the best anti-pollution skin care products based on the amount of antioxidants contained in the products. All you have to do is use them regularly, especially during the summer months when air pollution levels are at their peak, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios AOX Daily Serum
This multi-tasking serum is your one-stop solution to defend against external threats. Enriched with powerful antioxidants and broad-spectrum SPF 50, it is an all-in-one sunscreen and anti-pollution skin care product. Combined with baicalin (flavonoids) and vitamins C and E, you can rest assured that your skin is protected 24/7 from air pollutants and premature aging. The water base gives it a lightweight finish that feels moisturized and soft with zero residue or odor. It is also good for sensitive skin and safe for the eye area.
Paula’s Choice Super Antioxidant Serum
This is one of our favorite anti-pollution serums because it protects skin from the aging effects of pollution with a powerful blend of antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, coenzyme Q10, glutathione, ferulic acid and EGCG from green tea. they not only protect skin from free radical-induced damage, but also smooth fine lines, help brighten dark spots and calm the skin. The formula is also formulated with ceramides and peptides to reinforce the skin’s protective barrier and replenish moisture.
Drunken Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sun Drops
These drops allow you to add an effective dose of anti-pollution skin care ingredients, including protective antioxidants and omega fatty acids, to your favorite serum, oil or moisturizer. Yes, that’s right, by simply pouring a drop of this foil gel into your products, you can protect your entire beauty routine from contamination. In addition to blocking contaminants, it gives off a sun-kissed glow that’s perfect for a day at the beach or adding a touch of warmth to your complexion.
Sunday Riley CEO Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil
If your complexion is quite dry, consider using this moisturizing face oil as it is rich in antioxidants that prevent pollutants and other external issues from damaging your skin. The main ingredients in this formula are a stabilized form of vitamin C and turmeric (which is also rich in vitamin C) and plenty of other antioxidants. We also like that it’s made with a base of red raspberry seed oil, rich in omega fatty acids for deep moisture and nutrients, plus other moisturizing sealing oils for long-lasting hydration and plumping. A light citrus scent awakens your senses for an energizing experience.
Hero Clear Collective Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser
When it comes down to it, we all need an anti-pollution cleanser to dissolve the buildup that accumulates on our skin throughout the day without flaking off. For this, Hero Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser is king. It’s made with a blend of exfoliating acids (AHA, BHA and PHA) to remove dead skin cells, dirt and pollutants, while konjac jelly gently exfoliates to reveal a clean, velvety-soft complexion. What’s more, this cleanser is sulfate-free and fragrance-free, making it suitable for everyone, including those with sensitive skin.
Bioré Deep Pore Charcoal Facial Cleanser
For those with oily skin, this cleanser can be a game changer. Its charcoal powder blend won’t allow contaminants to build up on the skin and effectively removes excess oil and impurities, reducing the chances of blackheads and pimples. The black liquid turns into a light lather when massaged into wet skin, effortlessly removing makeup and impurities for a refreshed and deeply cleansed complexion. Plus, the cooling effect will leave your face feeling revitalized.
Murad Essential-C Facial Moisturizer
Murad Essential-C Facial Moisturizer is an excellent product to rejuvenate skin damaged by environmental stress every morning. The gentle formula is made with a host of antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, ginkgo biloba and grape seed extract, all essential compounds that fight free radicals and pollution damage without irritation. As if that wasn’t enough, this moisturizer has an SPF of 30, which also helps protect skin from UV damage. Lightweight and non-greasy, with a smooth texture that doesn’t leave a white cast, it’s a definite winner.
Youth To The People Youth Nourishing Face Cream
Without a doubt, this is the best anti-pollution cream because it’s packed with top-notch antioxidants, including vitamin C, green tea and kale extract. While they fight harmful free radicals, a juicy blend of moisturizers (panthenol, hyaluronic acid and aloe vera) draws moisture into the skin, adding hydration and plumping it up. People also love its feathery, air-churned gel cream texture that absorbs immediately, leaving skin soothed and moisturized throughout the day.
Derma-E Ultra Hydrating Antioxidant Day Cream
If you have dry skin, this may be a better choice because in addition to the large amount of potent antioxidants that protect against pollutants, it also intensely hydrates. Responsible is a blend of moisturizers that draws water into the skin while the oil seals it in there for instant comfort and long-lasting hydration. In addition, it has a rich texture that relieves dryness as you apply it without feeling heavy or sticky.
CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream
This cream repairs stressed skin affected by pollution and strengthens the barrier with ceramides and peptides while you zzz. It also contains niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, perfect for improving hydration. Better yet, everyone can use it to strengthen their skin and make it more resistant to external aggressions during the day because it’s gentle, non-comedogenic, and free of fragrance and drying alcohol.
EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Facial Sunscreen
Your first line of defense is always sunscreen, and Elta MD UV Clear is our top choice. It protects skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays with SPF 46 and helps prevent sun-induced wrinkles, dark spots and skin cancer. There’s also niacinamide to repair damaged skin, hyaluronic acid to eliminate thirsty complexions, and lactic acid to improve skin tone and texture. Everything is formulated with a lightweight formula that doesn’t leave a white cast, clog pores or feel heavy. It has over 35,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, claiming it goes on smoothly, doesn’t cause irritation, and isn’t greasy.
Estee Lauder Night Detox Cream
If you’re willing to spend a lot of money on your skin, you might want to invest in a premium nighttime detox cream.Estée Lauder’s formula is rich in fruit and plant extracts that boost your skin’s ability to fight pollution the next day. It’s also fortified with skin-strengthening probiotics and cholesterol, which also provide long-lasting hydration and restore balance for healthier skin. In short, it meets all your skin’s needs for strong defense and deep nourishment in a formula that’s as light as air.
The Body Shop Japanese Matcha Pollution Removal Mask
This detoxifying mask is the perfect solution for those who want to clear their skin of pollutants while enjoying a luxurious spa experience. Thanks to kaolin (white clay), it absorbs excess oil and impurities from the skin, while matcha, vitamin E and olive oil strengthen the antioxidant system and enhance protection against environmental aggressions. The added touch of menthol provides a cooling and soothing effect, while aloe vera and glycerin provide just the right amount of light hydration. Leave the mask on for 5 minutes, 2 to 3 times a week, to refresh and leave skin feeling clean, clear and revitalized.
How to Incorporate Anti-Pollution Products into Your Daily Routine
In order to get the best out of your skincare products, you need to be clear about when and how often you use them. You can maximize the anti-pollution protection of your daily life by
Daily cleansing: Start with an anti-pollution cleanser to remove dirt, oil and pollutants from your skin. Use it twice a day, morning and evening, as the first step in your skin care routine. Be sure to massage the cleanser into your skin for at least 30 seconds to ensure it is properly cleansed.
Use an antioxidant serum in the morning: Choose a serum with a high concentration of antioxidants, such as vitamin C or E, to help protect your skin from environmental damage. Use in the morning after cleansing and before moisturizing. It is important to use it before exposing the skin to pollutants.
Moisturize: Use a light moisturizer with additional antioxidants and nourishing ingredients to nourish and protect the skin throughout the day. Use it after your serum and before your sunscreen as part of your morning routine.
Facial Mist: A facial mist can help detoxify and revitalize the skin. Use it whenever you need a pick-me-up or to set your makeup.
Sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, not only in the summer, but all year round to protect your skin from UV rays, which can exacerbate the effects of pollution.
Night Cream: At night, replace your daytime moisturizer with a richer cream that contains skin-repairing ingredients.
Combine with a mask: Once a week, use a detoxifying mask to help remove impurities from the skin. Look for masks made of charcoal, clay or clay to absorb pollutants and purify the skin.
Exfoliate regularly: Regular exfoliation helps remove dead cells, unclog pores and prevent the buildup of pollutants on the skin. Look for chemical exfoliants, such as glycolic acid.
What anti-pollution skin care products do dermatologists recommend?
Most dermatologists emphasize that only half of the protection comes from topical products, and the other half comes from the inside out. In addition to regular use of anti-pollution skin care products, they recommend a healthy, balanced diet using foods rich in antioxidants. Dermatologists also stress the importance of using an air purifier at home or work to help reduce indoor pollution. And, of course, never skip the basics, which are drinking plenty of water to flush toxins from the body and avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke.
Epilogue: Is it important to protect your skin from pollution all year round?
Just like protection from sun damage, strengthening your skin against air pollution should be a year-round commitment. However, you don’t necessarily need all products to provide anti-pollution protection. Simply using a serum or moisturizer with antioxidants during the day, cleansing and applying sunscreen daily is enough to mitigate the damage caused by pollution. In other words, you can maintain a nighttime routine to address your skin concerns and a morning routine to combat sun damage and pollution.