Every day, we’re exposed to pollution from chemicals, vehicle exhaust, industrial processes and the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. This pollution can wreak havoc on your skin, causing irritation, dryness, dark spots and premature aging.
That doesn’t mean you're helpless against this assault. A little TLC will help power up your skin’s natural protective abilities and minimize the damage.
Fortunately, you don’t need fancy products or a lengthy routine to fend off pollution-related skin problems. A few skincare essentials will give your skin the support it needs.
How pollution affects your skin
Your skin is an important line of defense against pollutants, including those that we can’t see or smell. Exposure to pollution is linked to:
- Free radicals and oxidative stress: Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage your body’s cells and DNA. Pollution is full of these molecules, which lead to a process called oxidative stress. Research shows that oxidative stress can lead to multiple skin issues, including discoloration, redness, roughness, wrinkles and skin cancer.
- Inflammatory skin problems: Skin conditions including acne, eczema, psoriasis and rosacea are linked to inflammation. Air pollution triggers inflammation in the skin, which can make these conditions worse.
- Weakened skin barrier: Your skin barrier is the outer layer of your skin, and it plays a crucial role in your health. This layer keeps water and nutrients in, and toxins out. Exposure to pollution can weaken and damage your skin barrier. Then, pollutants enter your skin’s deeper layers and create issues such as dryness, irritation, redness and sensitivity.
How to shield your skin from damage
Pollution is everywhere, so there’s no way to completely avoid it. The good news is that you can defend your skin from pollution. Here’s how:
1. Cleanse your skin every night
A cleanser washes pollutants off your skin, so it’s essential. Nighttime is your skin’s prime time to repair itself, so always cleanse your face before hitting the pillow. If your skin is oily, you can also wash again in the morning, but not everyone needs to wash twice a day. Look for a gentle, non-abrasive and alcohol-free face wash formula. If you have sensitive skin, steer clear of cleansers with fragrances or dyes, which can be irritating.
2. Use a leave-on product with antioxidants
Antioxidants fight the oxidative stress that pollution causes, and you can find them in a variety of lotions, creams and serums. After cleaning, apply a skincare product that contains one or more antioxidants, such as:
- Green tea extract
- Niacinamide (vitamin B-3)
- Resveratrol, an antioxidant found in grapes
- Vitamin A, which may be listed as retinol, retinyl palmitate, retinoic acid or retinaldehyde
- Vitamin C, which may be listed as ascorbyl palmitate, L-ascorbic acid or magnesium ascorbyl phosphate
- Vitamin E, which may be listed as d-alpha-tocopherol, d-alpha-tocopherol acetate, dl-alpha-tocopherol and dl-alpha-tocopherol acetate
3. Strengthen your skin barrier
If your skin is dry, flaky, red or sensitive, you likely have a damaged skin barrier — and you’re more susceptible to pollution’s effects. You can help repair your skin barrier with a moisturizer. Apply a fragrance-free, dye-free lotion or cream after bathing, when skin is still damp. Consider using a product with ceramides; they help boost skin barrier function.
4. Use sunscreen daily
You may already know that sunscreen helps prevent sunburn, premature skin aging and skin cancer. It combats the effects of pollution, too. Research shows that the sun’s UV rays magnify oxidative stress, so sunscreen can help prevent some of this damage.
Not a regular sunscreen user? It’s never too late to start. Look for a product labeled “broad spectrum” with SPF 30 or higher. Reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
5. Eat a skin-protective diet
Antioxidants are helpful as skincare products, but defending your skin from within is also important. Eat plenty of antioxidant-rich foods each day, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes and whole grains. Studies show that following a plant-based, antioxidant-rich diet lowers oxidative stress in your body.
Consider increasing your intake of omega-3 fats as well. Consuming these healthy fats can help repair your skin barrier. You can find omega-3s in:
- Nuts and seeds, especially ground flaxseeds, chia seeds and walnuts
- Salmon
- Sardines
6. Lower your exposure to pollution
It’s not always possible to avoid pollution, but you can minimize your exposure if you:
- Avoid indoor pollutants: Air fresheners and harsh cleaning chemicals can pollute indoor air. When possible, use plain water, vinegar and baking soda for cleaning.
- Clean your air at home: The American Lung Association says that inside air can be more polluted than outside. Change furnace filters regularly and consider using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifier to capture microscopic pollution particles.
- Know your local pollution levels: Check the air pollution forecasts in your area every day. If levels are elevated, avoid extended time outdoors from 11 am to 8 pm.
- Skip rush hour exercise: Don’t exercise outdoors during peak traffic times, when vehicle emissions are highest.
When to see a dermatologist
While home care works well for many people, sometimes it’s not enough. You don’t have to live with persistent skin issues such as redness, dryness, sensitivity or breakouts. A dermatologist can help you find the root cause and prescribe the right products for your skin.
