When it comes to skincare our focus is often on stopping the clock on the signs of ageing, however we are now becoming more aware of the impact of environmental toxins on our skin and the impact on ageing these pollutants can have.

Pollution, dirt, and chemicals from vehicle emissions, cigarette smoke, and blue light from our electronic screens all contribute to dehydration and irritation. These environmental factors also eventually lead to a loss in the skin’s elasticity and firmness.

Pollution can be one of the most significant causes of problematic skin, exacerbating existing skin conditions such as dry and dull skin, dark spots and uneven skin tone, wrinkles and fine lines, oily skin, acne and sensitive skin. When combined with UVA and UVB sun damage, long term exposure to pollution can have a cumulative effect on the skin, presenting itself as premature ageing.

More than 95% of the world’s population is exposed to dangerous air, so you need not be living in a smoggy city to feel the impact of pollution on your skin.

So what can be done to protect ourselves from the damaging impact of unclean air?

1. Loading up on antioxidants

Powerful antioxidants including antioxidants found in Kale, Broccoli and St Mary’s Thistle extracts work to neutralise free radicals and environmental damage. Youth will find them in our Broccoli Blue Light Revitalise Serum. Vitamin C also plays a key role in protecting the skin from the effects of pollution by blocking the formation of free radicals. Look for a vitamin C serum which is plant-based vs synthetic such as No.3 Exotic Goddess Ageless Serum. This ensures that the vitamin C does not oxidise before being applied on the skin and does not increase skin UV sensitivity.    

Loading up on vitamin C internally can also be an effective way to protect our skin and bodies from inflammation. A colourful diet rich in antioxidants including vitamin C neutralizes free radical and ensures that skin is kept firm and elastic, withstanding the effects of damaging air and pollutants.

2. Physical nets

Providing a film/barrier across the skin to protect it from external aggressors. Ingredients such as polysaccharides form a net on the skin surface and stop pollutants from sticking, which therefore protects the cells from damage. Pumpkin Seed Oil extract found in our Broccoli Blue Light Revitalise Serum along are rich in polysaccharides which act like a film across the skin, providing a protective barrier to prevent the penetration of micro-particles into the skin.

3. Purifying the skin

Using actives which are able to unclog pores and reduce the build up of grime and dirt is critical when it comes to protecting our skin from the damaging impact of pollutants. Salicylic acid as found in our No.1 Belle Frais Cleansing Milk helps to unclog pores whilst pink clay and zeolite found in our & Sleeping Beauty Purifying Mousse work to effectively trap micro particles and remove them from the skin. Cleansing the skin regularly is the key to ensuring pollution particles do not penetrate our skin barrier.

4. Protecting the skin

Defending the skin from UV damage can reduce the cumulative impact of environmental toxins on the ageing process. Broccoli Extract (found in Broccoli Blue Light Revitalise Serum) when topically applied has been shown to work inside cells by boosting the production of a network of protective enzymes that defend cells against many aspects of UV damage and damage from pollution.