We all know that the sun’s UV rays can wreak havoc on our skin, but are we all aware of how damaging pollution can be too? We’re talking everything from soot, dust or smoke to even smaller specs, which cannot be seen by the naked eye!

If you’ve ever suffered from dull, devitalised skin, blotchiness and breakouts, discolouration, inflammation and premature ageing even, chances are it could be the result of pollution, and if you live in an urban area like me, there is sadly no escaping it! The good news however, is you can take many measures to protect your skin from it, keep reading as we reveal them all.

 

1. Smart Cleansing

I’m certain when I say we all cleanse our skin daily, but cleansing your skin properly (not aggressively) each night is an essential when it comes to protecting your skin from pollution. While pollutants can be like cell munching monsters that stick to the skin like velcro, a great cleanser, used gently will help remove them and still maintain your skin’s natural barrier. And the great news is there are cleansers that have been designed specifically to target pollution. They thoroughly remove dirt, grime, makeup, pollution and impurities, but do not strip the skin like harsher cleansers can.

Consider a double cleansing routine too if your wear makeup everyday, starting with an oil-based cleanser followed by Phytomer Souffle Marin Cleansing Foaming Cream. Formulated with depolluting armeria maritima, an anti-pollution marine sugar and oligomer (seawater concentrate rich in minerals and trace elements), it cleanses, purifies, and invigorates the skin with a beautifully fresh, clean feeling.

2. Effective exfoliation

Just cleansing your face is likely not enough to remove all the polluting particles once they have entered your pores which is why you need a good exfoliating cleanser too! Cue award winning product Phytomer CITYLIFE Ultra Cleansing Flash Peel.  This is the first of its kind, a pollution defence deep cleanser. Power packed with a high concentration of exfoliating enzymes, it leaves the skin healthy, purified, smooth, soft and with an incredible glow. Love.

3. Skin barrier boost

Your skin has its own protective barrier, but it could use some reinforcements. Look for an added boost of hydration and antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E and niacinamide, in the form of a serum or concentrate. These superheros fight off free radicals and help further repair skin damage caused by pollution.

Try Phytomer Oligo 6 Marine Concentrate with Vitamins, Prebiotic Complex and Trace Elements which includes vitamins C, E, B and B3, Phytomer’s marine prebiotic complex and OLIGOMER®, to effectively help fight free radicals on the skins surface. This moisturising gel really is the perfect antidote for tired, dull complexions. You’ll love the way it rebalances, hydrates and boosts lacklustre skin (as well as protecting it of course!)

4. Sun protection

Never, ever underestimate the power of sunscreen! Sunscreen not only shields your skin from harmful UV rays but also acts as a protective barrier against pollution. Opt for a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and wear it daily, even on cloudy days!

 

5. Face Mask

Treat yourself to a detoxifying face mask once or twice a week. Your skin will thank you for it! Clay masks, charcoal masks and masks with activated charcoal can help draw out impurities and pollutants from your pores. The face mask we can’t recommend more highly is Phytomer Radiance Reviving Mask with Clay. It combines 100% natural red and white clays, blue microalgae, red algae and a comprehensive depolluting complex of 3 marine sugars, and instantly unclogs pores and counters the effects of pollution (dehydration, signs of fatigue, dark spots and a dull complexion!) Want your skin to look less tired and to recover its original radiance? Try this!

6. Hydrate, inside and out

When we talk about skin and hydration we aren’t just talking about moisturising, it’s about maintaining your skins natural barrier. You want to protect your skin as best you can! Remember to drink water like it’s going out of fashion and apply your moisturiser religiously as it can help in lock that much needed moisture as well as create a protective layer on your skin. Better still look for a moisturiser specifically formulated to combat the effects of pollution. We love Phytomer Citylife Face and Eye Contour Sorbet Cream. With its Citysafe complex (a trio of anti-oxidant biotech marine sugars) and Oligomer, it literally sweeps away toxic micro-particles and repairs skin damage caused by pollution! Even better, its suitable for face and eyes, re-oxygenating tired, dull and dehydrated skin.

7. And finally, don’t skip on an antioxidant-rich diet!

Weve talked about antioxidants in your skincare, but a diet rich in antioxidants can also do wonders for your skin, especially if you’re living in an urban area.  Be sure to load up on colourful fruits and veggies, and add nuts and fatty fish into the equation too. These are the best foods to provide your body with the tools it needs to fight free radicals and repair skin damage!

So, the long and the short of it is pollution is bad, antioxidants are good and implementing these protective measures into your daily routine can help your skin stay healthy.