In an perfect world, we would all commute with a low-cost and effective public transport system.
In an perfect world, we would all breathe air that did not contain high levels of metals, carbon monoxide, and dust particles.
In a perfect world, I would be Idris Elba’s wife.
Okay, so cities everywhere are working towards better public transportation, and I’m probably never going to marry Idris Elba. BUT the second point remains relevant, especially if you are serious about skincare. Metal particulates, carbon monoxide, and dust particles are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to external aggressors that our skin deal with on a daily basis.
Here are some simple steps you can take to help slow down the aggressive effects of urban pollutants on your skin:
- Sun protection. Well, duh. We’re never going to stop yapping about the importance of sunscreen because UVA and UVB rays are, especially if you live in areas where the ozone layers is more depleted. Even if you’re staying indoors, there’s nothing wrong with slapping on some SPF 10-15 for good measure.
- Step up with the antioxidants. Vitamin E and C are just two of the antioxidants that can help neutralize oxidative effects of free radicals on skin cells, so start drinking green tea (high in polyphenols, another form of antioxidant) and eating vitamin-rich foods (like tomatoes, carrots, and leafy greens).
- Drink plenty of water. This is also a no-brainer. Skin cells need water to retain its youthful glow, so drink up!
- Thorough cleansing. If you’ve been exposed to particularly high levels of pollution, don’t count on using a single facial wash or foam to get your skin squeaky clean. Always double cleanse, and try using a Clarisonic to for even deeper cleaning.
Here are a couple of skincare solutions that are great for addressing city-specific skin issues:
Shiseido Urban Environment UV Protection Cream SPF 30/PA+++
This rich face and body moisturizer is helps keep the skin moisturized while protecting from UV rays, dryness, and air pollution. But keep in mind that it is a cream, so probably better-suited to those with dry skin who work in air-conditioned offices with large windows that let in a lot of sunlight. If you have combination/oily skin and are prone to looking shiny by midday, try checking out the range’s oil-free options.
Sampar So Much To Dew Day Cream
This lightweight, fragrance-free formula glides onto skin like silk and get absorbed super quick. It contains Hyaluronic Acid (a molecule that helps stimulates collagen production and retain hydration) and Essential Fatty Acids (to strengthen skin barrier), promising to keep skin moisturized for 24 hours. But for all its benefits, this day cream it doesn’t contain SPF, so make sure to apply a sunscreen on top of it to keep those UVA and UVB rays at bay.
BRTC Purple Vigor Complex 1000
This serum is part of BRTC’s Patent 100 Formula Series and chock-full of nutrients for your skin. It contains fruit and floral extracts rich with antioxidants to fight off free radicals, but it will also balance skin’s water content while moisturizing and hydrating deeper into the dermis.
