Your pollution-proof skincare routine to survive India’s smog season

Currently, India feels like one giant parfait—except it’s filled with pollution, not cream. Layers of smog, heat, humidity, and a generous sprinkle of “Is this even air…?” Delhi’s AQI is doing its annual jump-scare routine, Mumbai is cloaked in a mysterious haze that feels like a soft-focus filter gone wrong, and the rest of the country is toggling between extremes of snow, sun, stickiness, and smoke.

Of course, this chaos wreaks havoc on both health and skin. With the weather being unpredictable and pollution running rampant, your skin isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s under attack. Pollution accelerates ageing, triggers acne, dulls your glow, and basically turns your face into a magnet for toxins. If you’re still sticking to “cute” skincare instead of smart skincare, consider this your wake-up call.

Here’s your pollution-proof skincare guide to defending your skin:

Face wash

Super basic first step, because the air has been touching your face all day. Start your morning with a protective cleanser and end your evening with a gentle but thorough one that removes grime and airborne nasties without stripping your moisture barrier. In humid or hot climates, go for a water-based gel to prevent buildup. In cold, dry weather, choose a cream-based cleanser to keep skin cushioned. And always remember: double cleanse at night—oil cleanser first, regular cleanser second.

Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Face Wash, ₹850

The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Foam, ₹899

CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser, ₹1,250

Bioderma Sensibio Gel Moussant SLS Free Cleanser, ₹1,849

Toner

Think of this as the reset button your pores deserve. Pollution = clogged pores + inflammation. Toners balance your skin and prep it for the good stuff. Rosewater will always be the most effective option, but make sure you get the pure, distilled version and nothing that’s been diluted with other ingredients. If you have dry or combination skin, go for milky, hydrating essences. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, choose toners with soothing ingredients like green tea or centella. 

Kama Ayurveda Pure Rose Water Toner, ₹1,775

Tonymoly Korean Wonder Ceramide Mochi Toner, ₹1,500

Innisfree Green Tea Ceramide Milky Toner, ₹1,450

Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Clear Toner, ₹1,599

Serums

Serums are where the magic happens. This is your punch against all air quality crimes. You need antioxidants. Plural. In the morning, go for Vitamin C to fight free radical damage. At night, use niacinamide, peptides, or hyaluronic acid to repair the skin barrier that the pollution wrecked all day. If your skin is sensitive, skip high-potency Vitamin C and go for gentler antioxidant blends that are still highly protective.

Innisfree Green Tea Hyaluronic Acid Seed Serum, ₹2,200

Lumineve Midnight Youth Radiance Face Serum, ₹1,499

Axis-Y Artichoke Intensive Skin Barrier Ampoule, ₹1,700

Aminu Copper Peptide Serum, ₹1,840

Moisturiser 

The real resistance between you and the filthy air is as strong as your moisturiser. Pollution weakens your protective hydration barrier. A good moisturiser seals it back up so toxins can’t waltz in like uninvited guests. If you’re in humid cities, pick lightweight gel creams. If you’re in cold or dry cities, go richer, thicker, barrier-heavy. Bonus: look for ceramides, squalane, niacinamide, peptides, and antioxidants for maximum support.

The Formularx Barrier Plus Peptide Ceramide Moisturiser For Dry, Normal, & Sensitive Skin, ₹699

The Body Shop Vitamin E Nourishing Night Cream, ₹1,795

Clinique Moisture Surge 100h Auto-replenishing Hydrator, ₹1,200

Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream: Soothing & Barrier Repair Cream, ₹2,499

SPF 

This is a non-negotiable step, pollution or no pollution, indoors, outdoors – anywhere. Pollution + UV = the evil duo that accelerates ageing faster than doomscrolling. There are certain points you should look for whenever you’re picking the right one for your skin: PA++++, broad spectrum, at least SPF 40, and sweat-resistant. Remember to reapply every 2–3 hours! A bonus find is a tinted one which even gives light coverage, protects against UV + pollution, and keeps you looking like you tried even when you didn’t.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMUNE400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+, ₹1,400

Supergoop Glowscreen SPF 40 PA+++, ₹3,200 

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh, ₹1,570

Laneige Hydro UV Defense Sunscreen Ex, ₹1,850

Don’t forget your lips! A thick layer of Vaseline will keep them smooth, supple and safe from chapping all day long. India’s climate might be dramatic, chaotic, and completely committed to emotional damage, but your skincare doesn’t need to crumble under the pressure. Because yes, the air might be toxic—but your glow? Untouchable. 

Lead image credit: Getty Images 

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