How to Restore Damaged Skin From Pollution

One of the biggest enemies of your skin is pollution. It can cause many skin problems such as acne, uneven skin tone and even skin cancer. However, in the past, there was not much awareness regarding the effects of pollution on your skin. Dr. Zoe Draelos also says, “Pollution breaks down collagen and the lipid layer in the skin, which impairs skin barrier functions”. This means that pollution also plays a great role in accelerating the process of aging. But a good skin care routine can take care of these issues. You can follow these simple steps to make sure that pollution is not taking a toll on your beauty.

1. Wipe It Off

The first step to take off all the dirt from your face is by using wipes that will clear off the layer of impurities from your face. There are wipes for every skin type thus allowing everyone to use them. You can use special detoxifying wipes which are more powerful when it comes to removing dirt off. Wipes also break down makeup in addition to clearing off the impurities.

2. Cleanse

This is the most essential step to fight pollution. If you spend a lot of time outside, travelling, around the traffic etc. then it is important to use a good cleanser that will take off all the remaining dirt. Since the wipe has taken off most of the dirt, you can use a mild cleanser thus cleaning the face without stripping off the natural oils. You can buy imported face cleansers so that the dirt is off your face.

3. Anti-Oxidant Face Masks

You can follow up the routine with a face mask that is specially targeted towards clearing skin and taking away any remaining dirt. There are peel off masks that will release the embedded toxins as a result of pollution from your skin. This is another simple way to make sure that you are cleaning to the very last layer and removing everything contagious.

4. Toners

Toners play many roles in your skin care. They can be used to take off make up and balance the pH level of skin after cleansing. It is important to have a good toner that you can use before or after cleansing depending on how you need it. You can use a cleansing toner with special ingredients to restore your skin and protect it from harmful toxins.

5. Exfoliating

Exfoliation will remove dead skills as well as impurities from your skin. If you want to fight pollution then it is important to exfoliate at least twice in a week. A good exfoliating product will help you get rid of the effects of pollution. Instead of using harsh chemicals, use a mild one so that your skin remains supple and smooth.

6. Moisturize

After a hard day, your skin needs moisturizer to recover and restore the skin tissues. A good moisture will retain the elasticity of skin and improve the texture as well.

7. Serums and Such

Pollution is also contagious because it creates free radicals on your skin that cause inflammation and ultimately acne or hyper pigmentation. They also trigger collagen thus fastening the aging process. With help of anti-oxidants you can eliminate the free radicals. Vitamin C serums are rich in antioxidants which fight pollution as well as slow down aging.

8. Skin Barriers

Do not ignore the importance of creating barriers between your skin and soot. Wearing a good sunscreen will protect you against the sun as well as smog that harm your skin. You can also pick a sunscreen cum moisturizer that will protect your skin as well as nourish it to keep it plump and healthy all day long. Many people tend to ignore the importance of a sunscreen and opt for foundation as a replacement but it is not enough to protect the skin. Therefore it is important to invest in the right skincare before leaving for work.

These are all the steps that should be part of your skin routine if you tend to spend a lot of time outside. Smog, pollution, smoke, soot etc. can all be contagious for skin.