POLLUTION
Where it is: Although more concentrated in cities, outdoor and indoor pollution can travel anywhere.
What it does to your skin: Pollution from exhaust, manufacturing or even just grilling can be small enough to get under your skin (literally) and produce free radicals. Free radicals cause oxidative stress, damaging healthy skin cells by breaking down collagen, stripping away nutrients and compromising the skin barrier. On the surface of your skin, pollution shows up as deeper wrinkles, dullness and irritation — all the markers of premature aging.
What you can do about it: Cleansing isn’t enough to remove pollution that settles deep into skin’s pores or absorbs into skin’s deeper levels. To protect your skin from accelerated aging caused by exposure to pollution, rethink your skincare routine with anti-pollution serums and moisturizers that neutralize free radical damage, support natural collagen production and fortify the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
INGREDIENTS TO LOOK FOR
Niacinamide
This easily absorbable form of vitamin B gets down to business at the cellular level to improve overall healthy skin appearance, supply ceramides and promote a more even skin tone.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E helps neutralize free radicals and their cell damage, making it one of the most effective skin-protecting antioxidants against pollution.
Emblica Fruit
One of the richest plant sources of antioxidants, it has a 5,000-year reputation for maintaining skin's youthful appearance.
Willow Bark
Pore-refining white willow bark is best known for its soothing-meets-seriously-exfoliating benefits that help reduce excess oil and irritiation.
Ursolic Acid
Common in apples and herbs, this skin-rejuvenating compound helps protect against photoaging by supporting natural collagen production and ceramides.
Red Algae
Not only is red algae an abundant source of nutrients and antioxidants that help protect skin and retain moisture, but it's also a gentle exfoliator that refines skin's texture.
Urban skincare tips
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Make sure all that grime is *really* gone by using cleansers that gently pull impurities away without over scrubbing.
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What pollution strips away — proteins, oils, moisture — you can give back for a stronger skin barrier.
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Don’t skip exfoliation! Some pollution particles are smaller than your pores and doing more than surface damage.
INGREDIENT SPOTLIGHT
Vitamin E
Of the many antioxidants out there, vitamin E is the one you want at the top of your A-list. By efficiently neutralizing free radicals, it helps minimize cell damage, making vitamin E one of the most effective protectors against pollution.