One of the biggest environmental problems today is air pollution and it’s silently waging war on our skin daily. The effects of pollution on our complexion include clogged pores, inflammation, sensitivity, early signs of aging, dullness, and excess pigmentation (age spots and dark under-eye circles). Our face, neck, arms, and feet are more prone to this issue because they’re most often exposed to the air.
Fortunately, there are ways to take cover and safeguard your skin against pollution’s sneak attack, including a simple non toxic skin care routine.
Here’s our 7-step guide to pollution-proofing your complexion:
- Drink plenty of water. This is a given for so many reasons, but when it comes to your complexion, the best defense is hydration. Drinking water throughout the day will help hydrate your skin while providing a host of health benefits overall.
- Cleanse thoroughly. This is a critical step in pollution damage defense. Although cleansing away dirty pollutants sounds like a tough job, it’s best to steer clear of harsh formulas that will only cause further irritation. Instead, use a gentle, antioxidant-rich cleanser that cleans without stripping away natural oils or upsetting your skin’s microbiome.
- Layer on antioxidants. Pollution causes free radical damage, which leads to blemishes, fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. Look for skin care products loaded with antioxidants like vitamin E, bearberry leaf extract, hemp seed oil, hibiscus flower extract, and green tea extract, which gobble up those free radicals.
- Moisturize. Dryness can damage your skin’s natural barrier and leave you open to environmental toxins. Fortify your skin’s barrier with moisturizing skin care products, including hyaluronic acid, moisturizer, and a skin care serum that moisturizes while addressing specific concerns like evening out skin tone, reducing redness, minimizing signs of aging, etc.
- Exfoliate regularly. This step is essential for removing pollution particles and dead skin cells and maintaining skin clarity. Exfoliate twice a week to reveal fresh, radiant skin.
- Detox. Treat skin to a detox mask made with montmorillonite clay and charcoal to draw out impurities and toxins. Masking once or twice a week helps unclog pores and free skin from accumulated pollutants.
- Never leave home without spf. This is nonnegotiable no matter when you live, but especially if you’re in a heavily polluted area. Dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen formula made with zinc oxide, which defends against UV rays and creates a physical barrier between your skin and the environment. Need more incentive? A 2016 study shows that regularly wearing an spf product may actually help reverse skin damage.
A proper skin care routine is about much more than aesthetics. It’s about helping your skin stay resilient against environmental pollutants and challenges. With consistency, a complete non toxic skin care routine can help you create a microbiome that protects and nourishes a healthy complexion.
Ask your Pure Haven Consultant about the products they use and their recommendations for your specific skin concerns.