Everyone’s talking about anti-pollution skincare. It makes sense really, as we get more and more aware of our global pollution problem, it’s normal to wonder if the same pollution is affecting our skin. And it turns out it may be.
Don’t worry though, even the simplest of skincare routines can help clear up some of the effects of pollution on our skin. There are also specific anti-pollution products that contain ingredients to help protect and heal skin that’s been exposed to those pesky particles.
We have put together some of the best anti-pollution products available below. Keep reading to find out more.
What does pollution do to your skin?
When you get dirt on your skin, you can see it and get rid, but you can’t always see pollution on your skin. Miniscule particles of pollution from vehicle emissions, electric utilities, incinerators, cigarette smoke and other sources float around in the air, pretty much incognito.
When these tiny particles land on us, some of them can actually seep into the layers of our skin and cause the following effects:1
- Irritated skin
- Premature signs of ageing
- Dry skin
There’s not much we can do about preventing them from landing on our skin – unless you opt for a hazmat! However, you’ll be glad to know that there are some skincare routines and anti-pollution skincare products that can help protect our skin defend itself from pollution and help repair the skin.
What anti-pollution skincare products should I use?
Turns out it’s quite easy to incorporate anti-pollution skincare goodies into your skincare routine – phew! Here are some of the best things you can do to care for your skin when you’re concerned about pollution.
- Cleanse away the day: one of the most important things to do is cleanse and tone the daily dirt away.
- Stock up on SPF: protecting your skin from the sun ‘defuses’ the situation – if you will. As UVA and UVB may intensify the skin damage pollutants cause.
- Keep your barriers up: strengthening your skin’s natural barrier helps keep pollutants out of our bodies.
- Damage control: it’s likely that some particles will sneak their way through the layers of your skin, so it’s important to nourish your skin with the ingredients that help combat them.
11 of the best anti-pollution skincare products
Without further ado, here are some of our favourite pollution-combatting skincare products.
Cleansers and toners
Investing in a high-quality cleanser and toner is the first step to help protect your skin from pollution. Choose gentle ones that will clean away all those tiny particles, as well as makeup if needed, without damaging the skin barrier. Your skin should feel clean, but not dry or tight after cleansing and toning. Here are a few we recommend:
Manuka honey, purified been venom, peach flower and beeswax all come together in this premium cleanser to reduce the negative affects of everyday pollutants. The tiny scrub particles gently exfoliate away daily impurities and promote a more radiant complexion.
Cleansing your face at the end of the day doesn’t have to be complicated, it just has to work, just like This Works Cleansing Water! It removes the daily build-up of pollution, grime, skin irritants and makeup with ease. Then it helps to strengthen your skin’s resilience to future toxins and hydrating it with hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5. Soothing aloe vera and restorative sweet almond oil leaves even the most sensitive skin nice and soft, too.
This gentle cleanser foams up into soft, ultra-fine bubbles which help to neutralise the effects of harmful pollutants and other dirt that you have picked up throughout the day. It’s suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin, and is gentle enough to support your skin, without harming your natural skin barrier.
Get grounded the natural way! This toner swoops in after you’ve cleansed to target dry skin, pigmentation, uneven skin tone, dark circles, and help protect your skin from pollutants.
Sun protection
Sun protection is important – I’m sure we don’t have to tell you that. When it comes to protecting your skin from pollution, it only becomes more important, as UVA and UVB rays may intensify the damage pollutants can cause. Here’s a few products we recommend:
Incorporating daily sun protection into your skincare routine can help reduce pollution damage. We get that it’s quite easy to forget to apply sun cream to your face every day, especially if you wear makeup. This daily primer by Beauty Kitchen is a great way to keep your face protected from harmful UVA and UVB rays, without all the greasiness of some regular sun creams.
For the rest of your skin, try our very own mineral SPF. It offers natural broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays, is vegan-friendly and is reef safe – it doesn’t contain the chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate.
Moisturisers, oils and serums
Investing in moisturisers and serums rich in antioxidants that can soothe and defend your skin will really help it repair some of the damage pollution can cause.
Other ingredients can help strengthen your skin barrier, so the pollutants stay out of our bodies in the first place. Go for products that contain fatty acids like cholesterol and ceramides. Here’s some we recommend:
Super by name, super by nature, this superfood facial oil is full of vitamins A, C, E and F and other antioxidants to help your skin repair from the negative effects caused by pollution. It is also good for reducing hyperpigmentation, redness and helps to reduce signs of ageing, which environmental pollutants can agitate.
This super serum is powdered by Rhodiola Rosea, which is rich in essential oils, copper, zinc, manganese and organic acids, which can help enhance the protective functions of your skin. It has a calming effect and can help protect your skin from environmental exposure.
Want hydrated and protected skin? This REN optimum skin oil could be for you. It contains Inca Inchi Oil, which is rich in omega 3 and 6, and helps to combat free radical damage and the negative effects of pollution. Nice and light, it supports the skin barrier’s moisture levels, without weighing you down.
This 100% vegan day cream contain vitamin C and Omega fatty acids to support your skin’s natural barrier and help prevent those pesky pollutants penetrating your pores. It’ll make your skin soft and glowy too!
This rich night balm contains fatty acids from almonds, olives, linseeds and borage to support and nourish your skin whilst you sleep and your skin replenishes. Jojoba and sunflower oil help to strengthen the skin’s protective barrier and beta-glucan soothes signs of irritation and dryness.
Hopefully this has helped guide you towards the best anti-pollution products for your skin. Don’t let the smog get you (or your skin) down!
Last updated: 23 March 2021