The Skin Nerd: Four ways to pollution-proof your skin

"City-living realities can threaten to damage our skin health, here's how you can strengthen your skin’s resilience against pollution"

"Unfortunately for us city residents, research has shown a link between a rise in air pollution and the likelihood of suffering from skin issues."

Surrounded by bright lights, bustling culture and endless date-night options, city life has many advantages but one major disadvantage is an increased level of air pollution. 

Commuter or inner-city dweller, smog and the skin have a frosty relationship and as it’s not always possible to keep them apart, we have to find a way to deal with it!

Unfortunately for us city residents, research has shown a link between a rise in air pollution and the likelihood of suffering from skin issues. 

Inflammation can be triggered by pollution, which has also been found to disrupt the skin barrier, damage collagen reserves and trigger accelerated ageing. 

Studies have also shown that those living in cities are more likely to suffer from age spots. 

Before you pack your bags, take comfort in the fact that some of the greatest beauty products hail from these smoggy epicentres and the brains behind several beauty giants have created a number of pollution-proofing products to help refresh, repair and protect. 

A consistent regime is integral alongside these targeted anti-pollution products, with four key factors necessary for optimal results:

1. For the love of good skin, double cleanse

Cleansing is crucial in general but cleansing after a day in the city is key to keeping the negative effects of pollution at bay. To get skin as clean as possible before bed, you are going to have to commit to a double cleanse. 

This doesn’t have to be a chore! To begin, you can remove any makeup, dirt, debris and SPF with a Cleanse Off Mitt (€6, skingredients.com) and water. 

This eco-friendly cleansing tool is easily portable and ideal for festivals, travelling and all skin types! 

Follow up with a nourishing daily cleanser such as Bobbi Brown Nourishing Cleansing Oil (€36, bobbibrown.com), which contains a deeply hydrating botanical complex including sunflower seed, jojoba and olive oils.

2. Mask twice weekly

I recommend a clarifying active cleanser or detoxifying mask two evenings a week for a refreshing deep clean. 

Seoulista Charcoal Detox Instant Facial Sheet Mask (€9.49, theskinnerd.com) is a great option, utilising charcoal to absorb oil and debris from the pores, subsequently minimising congestion. 

If you prefer a more traditional mask, Environ Comfort+ Purifying Anti-Pollution Masque (€65, environ.com) can be smoothed on 2-3 times a week, with the unique blend of Japanese charcoal and botanicals helping to absorb excess oil and impurities and provide comfort to pollution sensitised skin.

3. Enlist antioxidants

Antioxidants are skincare heroes that protect against UV rays and more city specific environmental aggressors such as particulate matter from train tracks and car emissions– making this ingredient essential in your quest to pollution-proof your skin! 

The skincare market is packed with antioxidant enriched products, but I recommend selecting a serum, as these products are most likely to comprise the most potent percentage of active ingredients. 

Award-winning Skingredients Skin Veg Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum (€55, skingredients.com) is bursting with fruit, veg and botanical extracts to provide essential antioxidant defense, alongside sodium hyaluronate - low molecular weight (5kDa) hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate the skin.

4. Shield + Protect

When selecting your daily non-negotiable sunscreen, look for one that also protects against environmental pollution too. This will help to form a protective barrier on your skin, and often contain antioxidants such as vitamin C or E to neutralise free radicals and help prevent accelerated ageing.

• Anti-Pollution Essentials Grown Alchemist Anti-Pollution Primer, €40, boots.ie
• Aesop Parsley Seed Antioxidant Facial Hydrator, €61.95, lookfantastic.ie
• Zelens Tea Shot Anti-Pollution Serum, €119, theskinnerd.com
• Ultrasun SPF50+ Anti-Pollution Face Fluid, €36.60, theskinnerd.com

Today versus Payday: Soothing and Cleansing Milk

Today… Caudalie Vinoclean Cleansing Almond Milk, €18, boots.ie

A nourishing, milky textured cleanser that softly removes makeup and impurities whilst leaving the skin hydrated and comfortable.

Payday… Dr Hauschka Soothing Cleansing Milk, €29.95, drh.ie

A sensitive skin saviour, this gentle cleansing milk includes anthyllis, jojoba and almond oil and is great for removing sebum, makeup and dirt without stripping the skin. Also enriched with fermented grain extract and bentonite clay, this milk helps to calm sensitive skin and reduce any redness.