3 Effective Ways to Win the Glow War Against Your Silent Complexion Killer—Pollution!

Unlike other environmental aggressors (like UV and extreme temps) that can make their damaging effects immediately known via redness and burning, pollution is way sneakier. Particulate matter, microscopic bits of dirt, dust and soot, and ground-level ozone (or smog) are small enough to get into pores and generate inflammation, says derm Shari Marchbein, MD. That can cause everything from hyperpigmentation to acne to fine lines as early as in your 20s.

Protect yourself in three steps:

1. SUDS UP EVERY NIGHT

Aveeno Clear Complexion Cream Cleanser, Rs. 450

Pollution is yet another reason to wash your face before bed. “Start with a salicylic acid–based face wash,” says cosmetic dermatologist Sameer Bashey, MD. (Dry types can try a creamy formula, like Aveeno’s.) “The oil-loving
ingredient effectively dissolves sebum and particulate matter that accumulate in pores all day.” Follow with a gentle exfoliator to remove any residual debris (Dermalogica’s buffs with rice-bran extract). Or incorporate a sonic
cleansing brush, like Clinique’s—proven to remove PM 2.5, a super-tiny form of particulate matter—when washing.

2. APPLY ANTIOXIDANTS

It’s Skin Power 10 Formula VC Effector, nykaa.com, Rs. 950;

Highly unstable compounds called free radicals (which damage your cells’ ability to function normally and keep skin smooth and glowy) are a byproduct of pollution. Counteract them by applying antioxidants—specifically, vitamins C and E or niacinamide (try it in Grown Alchemist’s serum)—every morning before your SPF. “They act like scavengers, absorbing the extra energy from free radicals and neutralising their damaging effect on the
skin,” explains derm Joshua Zeichner, MD.

3. CREATE A BARRIER

Innisfree Daily UV Protection Cream Mild SPF 35, Rs. 700

SPF isn’t just for UV protection. “Ones made with mineral blockers, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, create a shield against ozone and particulate matter too,” explains Dr Bashey (try Innisfree’s). Going out for the night? Urban Decay’s setting spray contains pollution-blocking minerals (like zinc and copper)— especially important if you will be around smokers.