We all know about the importance of protecting our skin against the sun, hey I preach about it enough! But for those of us who live in urban areas, what about protecting our skin against pollution? That’s right, as well the adverse effect pollution has on both our environment and long-term health, it can also damage our skin! There are however measures we can take to reduce the impact of city living on our skin and we are here to tell you want they are so keep reading…

Firstly, exactly how does pollution affect our skin?

Pollution – anything from exhaust fumes to smoke to dust and more, can not only leave your skin feeling irritated, oily and grimy but it can also seep into pores weakening the skin’s delicate barrier. It can break down collagen (the protein that keeps our skin healthy and supple!) and oxidize the lipid layer in the skin, damaging skin-barrier function, resulting in dehydration, sensitivity, uneven skin tone, dullness, acne, and premature aging! Eek!

 

What can we do to protect our skin against pollution?

1. Invest in a skincare program specially designed to improve the impact of pollution on our skin.

Until we find a way to remove these nasties from our environment, it’s essential to maintain a good skincare regime that protects our skin from chemicals in the air and prevents them harming your health. Urban living will always be full of things to stress you out, but, thankfully, damaged skin doesn’t have to be one of them!

The great news is French marine skincare brand Phytomer have created an outstanding awards-winning collection of products designed to repair and revive urban skin syndrome called CITYLIFE.

All three products in the collection effectively re-oxygenate and diffuse mineral water into dull, devitalized and dehydrated skin.

 

CITYLIFE Face and Eye Contour Sorbet Cream

Yes! An outstanding moisturiser for both face and eyes, it’s formulated in a refreshing sorbet texture and is just what you need to reoxygenate tired skin. A combination of three marine sugars creates the active ingredient, CITYSAFE^®, to depollute, cleanse and oxygenate the skin. CITYSAFE^®, along with blue and red algae’s and Phytomer’s patented seawater concentrate – Oligomer®, reset skin repairing damage caused by signs of fatigue, dark spots and a dull complexion. CITYLIFE not only sweeps away toxic micro particles but provides an ultra-moisturising facial experience too!

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 and with an incredible glow.

CITYLIFE Radiance Reviving Mask

This unique cream-mousse mask instantly counters all the effects of pollution – dehydration, signs of fatigue, dark spots and dull complexion. Combining 100% natural red and white clays, blue microalgae, red algae and a comprehensive depolluting complex of 3 marine sugars, it reveals luminosity, radiance and refined pores after just one application! No more tired, lacklustre skin. What’s more day after day, pores are visibly tightened too!

2. As always, sunscreen is essential

Always be prepared with your daily dose of sunscreen! Just like the sun, pollution is always there so opt for a sunscreen that’s affective at protecting against both!

Phytomer Algodefence SPF 20 Multi-Protective Wrinkle Cream is a clever sun protection and wrinkle corrector in one! and is formulated with anti-aging and marine ingredients to provide a complete action against pollution, free radicals and UV rays! Genius.

3. Diet and lifestyle are also powerful ways to address the effects of pollution on our skin.

Easier said than done I know but reducing stress in your everyday life as well as getting enough shut eye can really help. Upping the intake of antioxidant rich food such as green leafy veggies, blueberries, cherries, tomatoes and nuts are a must, as these help fight free radicals from within.

Also cutting down on alcohol, processed meats, sugar, fried foods, and refined flour will make a difference.