Every day when we step outside, we are exposed to levels of pollution like you wouldn’t believe. And nobody is immune from it. But what kind of pollution are we actually talking about? Dirt, dust, and smog do some shocking things to your skin. Cigarette smoke, nitrogen oxides (nasty greenhouse gases), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (smoke that stems from burning firewood and fuel) are super nasty for your precious skin. The number one problem that these pollutants cause is that dreaded hyperpigmentation. You know those darkened patches that pop up all over your face? That is hyperpigmentation, and nobody is a fan.

Even worse is UVR, or Ultraviolet Radiation, which causes redness and inflammation – not fun. In the worst cases, pollution causes dramas like premature aging and skin cancer.

But the unsung hero for all these problems is here. Anti-pollution skincare is a real thing, and it is here to help.

Here are some of our favourite anti-pollution skincare products:

REN Flash Defence Instant Anti-Pollution Shield ($47):

So we know that there’s nothing better than pampering yourself with a good charcoal mask and a glass of Rose. Those masks open up and clean out your pores like you wouldn’t believe, but what use are they if we just block them back up again with all the pollutants outside? Ren’s Anti-Pollution Shield is a lifesaver for protecting skin that is overexposed to chemical and physical pollutants. It is a very fine mist that can be used underneath and over the top of your makeup, and doesn’t send your foundation sliding all over your face. It creates a shield over your pores that stops dust, dirt and grime from getting in there and ruining your flawless face.

Stunning!

Ella Bache Great SPF 50 Sunglow Spray ($49)

Wearing sunscreen every day is just a given, right? Wrong! So many people forget sunscreen, and by doing that you are exposing yourself to those deadly sun rays. Not good. Not only does the sun increase redness and inflammation, it causes skin cancer which is absolutely not worth you skipping out on this crucial step in your skincare routine.

The Great SPF 50 Sunglow Spray by Ella Bache is one of the best facial and body sunscreens around. It’s water resistant for up to 2 hours, and has the highest possible SPF rating, which means you’re well protected from UVA and UVB radiation (SPF 50 blocks out 98% of the sun’s rays, which is pretty damn good!). It also gives you a shimmery, sun-kissed finish after application. 

And yes, you’re still exposed to UV rays on a cloudy day. Do not let that stop you from slapping on your sunscreen.

Dermalogica Daily Superfoliant ($87.50)

It’s easy to simply cleanse and tone your face and say a little prayer that the pollution washes itself away. But in most cases, you actually need a little more help than that. Pollutants like cigarette smoke cling to your skin, and get in and around your pores. So what do we do? We get rid of them. The Superfoliant works to resurface your skin, and get rid of those dead, polluted skin cells. It also helps to eliminate signs of anti-aging caused by pollution. The product is a physical exfoliant, which means it contains those little bits that feel like tiny rocks (but cute, positive, skin-helpy rocks), so be gentle with it. It activates when mixed with water, so wet your face, slap it on, and watch the magic unfold.

Yes, we know it’s pricey. But your skin is 100% worth it! Good skincare is absolutely an investment and you will never, ever regret looking after your skin.

Kiehl’s Cilantro and Orange Extract Pollutant Defending Masque ($49)

Who isn’t a fan of a good face mask? They’re great for your skin, they turn your face all kinds of funny colours, and are the best way to pamper yourself after a long work day. What’s even better is a mask that not only cleans, but defends against all those nasties outside. This Kiehl’s mask is one of the best in the biz, and we can understand why. The mask strengthens your skin against environmental pollutants, and prevents impurities caused by these pollutants, like inflammation, redness, and hyperpigmentation. It stops skin from looking dull and dry, and works hard to give you the best, brightest, most beautiful face possible! Use it 2-3 times a week, and use it overnight so you can wake up with a fresh, flawless face.

Pollution is kind of dangerous for our skin, but thanks to products like these we all stand a chance against those little nasties!

Just don’t forget to sunblock.

Did we tell you to put sunblock on?

Because you need to.

Sunblock. Get around it.

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