It’s that time of the year again! The winter and season’s festivities, weddings, and traffic all merge in to one lane to cough up the phenomena we all seem to forget about by Spring; pollution! It’s the time of the year when news channels start giving airtime to that blockbuster statistic about how breathing the Delhi air for a day was considered as bad as smoking 44 cigarettes. So while you’re dealing with accusations of chainsmoking once again, we’re here to give you some information that’s a little more constructive. In this post we’ll discuss how pollution affects your skin and what you can do about it!

Published studies have shown very close associations between air pollution and skin damage, more specifically, ageing, dark spots, inflammation, pigmentation, wrinkles and fine lines. But what is harmful about pollution and what is it actually doing to your skin? It’s pretty simple, things you’d find harmful to ingest or inhale are just as bad for you if you’re absorbing them through your skin.

Your skin is your body’s first layer of protection. That said, its also quite porous, and many pollutants can pass this barrier and cause damage. Pollution can cause harm to your skin in different ways, like by breaking down collagen, a protein in our skin which lends it its elasticity and hydration. Pollution causes further damage by breaking down your skin lipids – fats which again lend to hydration and the elasticity of your skin. Pollution also damages your skin by causing oxidation, creating free radicals that accelerate ageing. Some pollutants like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) found in vehicle exhaust emissions and wildfire smoke are characterised as ‘fat loving’ and are especially mobile in fat filled cells located in the skin. They move between these cells, and can eventually pass into the circulatory system, which can lead to far more widespread damage. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are another pollutant found attached to particulate matter in the air, exposure to which can lead to inflammation and skin related allergies like eczema. The importance of keeping your skin healthy is extremely important – we want it to be our first natural shield against harmful pollutants- and there are a few ways you can go about.

Detox with activated charcoal based products

Incorporate activated charcoal based products in your grooming regime. Activated charcoal is known for its tremendous ability to absorb toxins. Activated charcoal products have the ability to reach deep inside your pores to clean out any excess oils, dirt and pollutants which collect within them. A gentle daily activated charcoal face wash will do wonders for your skin. Try using an activated charcoal face wash twice a day for a nice detox.

Supplement with Vitamin C serum

Vitamin C has a host of benefits for your skin and will be one of your main tools in fighting off the harmful effects of pollution. Vitamin C serums are a great source of antioxidants which are extremely helpful in preventing damage by free radicals and oxidation. Vitamin C also synthesises collagen and will therefore counteract the harmful effects of pollution that breaks collagen down. Vitamin C ensures your skin retains moisture, and this in turn positively affects the health of your skin. Hydrated skin is healthier, and is best equipped to fight off the harmful effects of pollution.

Hydrate with a niacinamide based moisturizer

Niacinamide based moisturizers have the ability to restore and strengthen the skin’s protective barrier, whilst improving skin hydration and promoting skin surface exfoliation. A good niacinamide based moisturizer will strengthen the skin barrier as it helps build keratin, another protein found in your skin. By boosting cell metabolism and energy, niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier and this is what is needed by your skin to protect and repair itself.

Use these products together to adopt a holistic approach to pollution protection, the benefits of which include reduced hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines.

In case you're looking for a pollution control specific skin care kit, check out Spruce Shave Club's Imperial Skin Care Kit.