'Pollution proof' your skin

Anti-pollution beauty solutions may just be the biggest skincare trend of the year

It is safe to say that we are aware of the devastating impact mankind has on the environment, now more than ever. With a life constantly on-the-go, it's easy to ignore, and even forget, that we live in a bubble of diverse pollutants, which are cause for major concern on a global scale. Not only are plastic, heavy metal pollution and increasing free radicals in the air wreaking havoc on our surroundings, but studies around the world have proven that the daily exposure to the many irritants in the air have an overwhelmingly adverse effect on our skin. All things considered, it is essential to approach the health threat with a "cause-over-cure" holistic approach.
While our biggest complexion woes, from pigmentation to early ageing, may be worsened by dirty air, cosmetic powerhouses are finally championing "antipollution skincare", which is set to be the beauty buzz for 2018. The varied and creative array of anti-pollution beauty and wellness solutions available to us now are the proverbial lemonade to the sour lemons of air quality deterioration.
Even though, identifying the culprit in this particular scenario is tricky, according to World Health Organization (WHO), ozone, the toxic gas formed with the reaction of UV lights and mono-nitrogen oxides, is suspected to be one of the primary causes of pollution-related skin damage. A 2017 research group based out of Germany and China also confirmed that toxic air affects the skin's ageing process and subjects exposed to increased air pollution demonstrated growing brown spots on the skin. Dr Howard Murad, founder of Murad skincare, recommends wearing an SPF everyday no matter the weather, and making a conscious effort to include antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and hydrators to your beauty routine, to combat the effects of air pollution and free radicals on our skin. Skincare specialist to the stars, Dr Barbara Sturm, recently launched Anti-Pollution Drops, an elixir designed to act as a barrier for the skin from pollutants in the air as well as blue-light radiation from smartphones and laptops. She reveals that, "this range protects the skin from oxidative stress and sun damage by chelating heavy metals on the surface of the skin - these are environmental aggressors such as urban pollution, fumes, and smog. Formulated with a conscious mind, it is tailor-made for 21st century city-dwellers," as reported by Vanity Fair.
While building a natural defence for your skin is not an overnight feat, pollution-proofing your life is a step in the right direction. Here are some of the top protection concoctions with innovative formulas available in the region that are sure to be the antidote to hard-to-cure skin issues.
Products:
1. Dr Barbara Sturm Anti-Pollution Drops, 30ml for Dh594 (available on Ounass.com)
2. Clarins Extra-Comfort Anti-Pollution Cleansing Cream, 200ml for Dh158
3. Chantecaille Anti-Pollution Finishing Essence, 30ml for Dh515
4. Decléor Hydra Floral Anti-Pollution Rich Cream Dh182.98
5. Kiehl's Pollutant Defending Masque Dh123.43
wknd@khaleejtimes.com