Five must-have ingredients your skin needs to fight pollution

Ultraviolet (UV) rays have been deemed as skin’s worst enemy, but skincare experts are now focusing on another crucial category: Anti-pollution skincare. The amount of pollutants our bodies face daily is alarming—think car fumes, factory emissions, free radicals, UV rays, and even blue light from screens. But did you know pollutants also enter your skin through your pores, attacking the cell DNA and damaging its molecular framework? Over time, this causes wrinkles, drynes, inflammation, and an uneven skin tone. While anti-pollution skincare is now a common beauty counter category found at stores, knowing the right ingredients to use is important to strengthen your skin’s defence mechanism. We discuss five natural ingredients that you must use to enhance your skin’s ability to heal and protect itself.

Antioxidants

Vitamins C, A, and E are extremely effective in neutralising pollutants and environmental stressors, blocking free radical formation, and rebalancing and shielding skin health. Vitamin C offers skin defence, vitamin E evens out skin tone, and vitamin A is naturally moisturising and hydrating. They are the number one ingredient category to look out for when choosing anti-pollution skincare.

Try: Instant Hydration Nectar Dry Oil Serum and Moisturizing Cream.

Red algae

Commonly found in harsh environmental conditions, this protein- and vitamin-rich algae survives uncontrollable factors by acting as its own shield. When applied to skin, it creates a film or cellular shield, which easily deflects pollution rays. Thanks to the high quantities of peptides, carotenoids, carrageenans, and fatty acids present in it, it’s a proven antioxidant, neutralising free radicals that break down collagen and elastin, and also among the top ingredients in the anti-pollution skincare category.

Try: Replenishing Under Eye Repair Gel Cream With Hyaluronic Acid.

Green tea

The health benefits of green tea, whether you consume it or apply topically, are science-backed: They are packed with antioxidant polyphenols that help repair environmental damage from pollution as well as the sun. It also works to fight free radical damage, making it a great fit in the anti-pollution skincare category. What’s more? It is anti-inflammatory, which will help soothe your skin and reduce redness.

Try: Hydrating Body Lotion with Shea Butter, Vitamin E and Hyaluronic Acid; Nourishing Body Lotion with Theobroma Cacao Butter and Chamomile Extract; and Revitalizing Tonic Mist.

Willow bark

Willow bark has been used to treat irritated skin for centuries. The high percentages of salicin (natural salicylic acid) found in willow tree extracts make them an excellent anti-inflammatory ingredient. What makes them a must-have ingredient in anti-pollution skincare? Flavonoids, which strengthen skin’s barrier and fight free radicals, while also preventing DNA damage.

Try: Oil control Clarifying CTM for Oily and Acne Prone Skin

Mineral and natural blockers

As the final step in your anti-pollution skincare routine, use a mineral and natural sunscreen to deflect UV rays as well as other pollutants. It’s a sure way to block environmental stressors that can create havoc on your complexion and damage your skin’s health.

Try: Sweatproof Sun Essential Broad Spectrum PA+++ SPF50 Gel Sunscreen