While we are choking under pollution, Ayushi Sharma explores ways to tackle its damaging effects on our skin
Dust, soot, ozone, sulphur oxides and particulate matter in the air are increasingly becoming a major threat for billions of people around the world. And with the rapid changing weather, our skin is under ever greater risk from pollution and toxic elements in the environment that it has not yet evolved enough to neutralise on its own. Some skin experts suggest that the consequences can range from irritation and premature ageing to organ damage and pore clogging, which further deteriorates to acne and dullness and, at its worst, leads to cancer. They say that the particulate matter (PM) in air is especially dangerous for skin as it can be a compounds of carbon dioxide, PAHs, and sulphur dioxide and can range in size from 10 microns and 2.5 microns. And our skin pore, most likely is around 50-70 microns, which means that the PM can easily get into our pores and damage the skin. It’s no surprise that the beauty industry is looking to tackle the damaging effects that pollution wrecks on our skin. And to prevent these serious ill effects, it is highly important to take preventive measures beforehand.
To avoid skin from breakouts and pore clogging, Vidur Kapur, director of O3plus, advises to cleanse the face at least twice a day — once in the morning and once in the evening after one comes back fighting the several hazardous compounds in the air. “During the day, the skin’s function is to protect itself against internal and external aggressors. And at night, it needs to regenerate, repair and replenish what it has lost. It is very important to exfoliate your skin. The routine must include a radiant tonic to oxygenate it. Always use a serum, especially at night, for the skin to breathe and repair. Additionally, masking twice a week will help in dealing with dullness,” says he.
The spike in air pollution and worsening AQI in the city aren’t just impacting our physical health and lungs but also harm our skin in many ways and some of the effects could be long term too, Dr Nirupama Parwanda tells us. “The pollution not only effects our skin’s aesthetic appearance by increasing the comedone (blackheads and whiteheads), acne, pigmentation and early wrinkle formation but also increases the incidence of skin allergies like eczema, urticaria and dermatitis,” she says and adds that daily exposure to higher concentration of PM, nitric oxide and other toxic gases tends to compromise the skin barrier function and the skin hydration to a significant extent.
She suggests some of the crucial steps to protect the skin against pollution. Even for her, cleansing comes first. She urges everybody to use a facewash which is best suitable for the particular skin type and it should be used at least twice a day to remove the dirt, grime and pollution. Second, she suggests is the moisturiser. “The skin should be moisturised to help strengthen the skin barrier so that it is protected against the high level of pollution and allergens,” she adds. Third, she tells us about antioxidants, “These contain serums and creams and must be applied on daily basis, which include Vitamin A, C, D, E and niacinamide (a form of Vitamin B3) to help fight against the high level of toxic pollutants.”
Lastly, she adds, “SPF is essential since UV rays tend to damage the skin. Using sunscreen on a daily basis is very important. And it becomes even more crucial in the presence of other stressors like pollution.”
According to a study published by the Lancet Journal, pollution in the air we breathe, the food we eat and the water we drink, was responsible for 16 per cent of premature deaths globally in 2015. And today, the situation is worsening day by day. As the levels in Delhi and NCR reached to a three-year high, it becomes essential to follow a skincare routine, says Rajat Mathur, senior manager, Kiehl’s.
If you are on the hunt for pollution-fighting products, Rajat explains the best place to start is with those packed with antioxidants as they are able to prevent oxidation and mop up the free radicals that have a damaging effect on the skin. “Staying hydrated is the key. Eat fresh vegetables as much as one can,” adds he.
More the pollution in our environment more is the anti-pollution awareness among the youth, feels Plabita Sharma, skincare expert, The Body Shop India. “The extra-aware consumers and the growing consciousness is now pushing brands to bring in products that can combat skin damage. Hydration and nourishment is needed all day long to maintain the skin’s suppleness. From serum and moisturisers to day creams, layer your skin well to replenish it with the ingredients it needs. Also, pick and choose to exfoliate your skin in every two days with a scrub. The scrub removes the dead skin cells, rejuvenates them and helps unclog your pores and removes blackheads and whiteheads too. Try choosing a scrub that has tiny granules to exfoliate well. Vitamin C microdermabrasion is an amazing option,” she tells us.
Kiko Milano has come up with a special ‘BIA’ formula — Benefit > Ingredient > Application — in its anti-pollution skincare products. Its benefit is that it’s a moisturising emulsion and provides an excellent make-up base. The ingredients are enriched with hyaluronic acid and an active complex that protects the skin from pollution and damage of blue light. The application includes applying and massaging gently on the face.
Well, anti-pollution skincare is the new beauty product.
