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By 2022, Delhi’s Average Air Quality Index (AQI) hovered just above 200, putting it squarely in the ‘poor’ air quality category and cementing its position as the fifth most polluted city in the world. Although pollution levels have improved in recent years (Delhi has seen a decreasing number of “Severe+” air quality days since 2018), air is still a major concern for those of us who live here.
Not only does this type of pollution exposure pose significant health risks, but it can also have a major impact on the skin — something I learned firsthand, and then began my journey to learn how to combat it .
How pollution affects the skin
“The heavy particles in the air cause a lot of damage to the skin and of course to an individual’s health,” Deepali Bhardwaj, MD, a dermatologist, anti-allergy specialist, laser surgeon and internationally trained esthetician. in Delhi. “Early wrinkles, aging, pigmentation, dull skin, lack of luster and luster, and hair loss due to particles lodged in the scalp, which weigh down the hair roots, have been seen and documented in individuals exposed to poor air quality.” She adds that the face, neck, arms and feet are more susceptible to these problems because these are the places on your body that get the most exposed exposure to toxic air.
She also emphasizes the harmful effect of pollution on the eyes and surrounding skin. “Another very harmful effect in many people is dry eyes,” she says. They tend to scratch their eyes when they are dry, which causes additional dryness and hyperpigmentation in the under-eye area, leading to dark circles around the eyes.”
Hacking my routine to combat pollution damage
My quest to combat pollution damage started about four years ago when I noticed my skin was looking dull and lifeless. I saw the signs of premature aging and noticed dullness, worsened skin conditions, inflammation, sensitivity and dryness. I was also quite distraught at how clogged my pores were, so much so that they appeared as little bumps on my face. I had recently resigned from my job, which required me to travel long distances every day – I was done with that lifestyle. In fact, I was done dealing with health and skin problems that had surfaced due to the constant exposure to pollution and toxic air.
I knew it was time for a more holistic approach to skin care – and avoiding that extra commuting-induced pollution exposure was just the beginning.
1. Start the day with a skin-protecting drink
My day starts with a simple yet powerful concoction: a glass of warm water infused with turmeric and ginger.
The age-old elixir not only revs up my metabolism, but also provides powerful antioxidant protection from within. Turmeric, an anti-inflammatory, helps fight the free radicals that thrive in Delhi’s polluted air, and ginger aids digestion and promotes detoxification.
This golden drink is my first line of defense against environmental toxins trying to seep into my skin. It’s been about three years since I started following this morning ritual, and the effects on my skin are very noticeable. I no longer have pimples; my skin does not puff out (except occasionally around menstruation) and radiates radiance.
2. Clean thoroughly
It should come as no surprise that washing your face is crucial for defending against pollution damage (after all, you need to get that dirt off your skin!), but you want to make sure you do it. the right way.
While it may be tempting to reach for the most harsh cleanser you can find in this situation, I’ve learned that gentle, non-stripping formulas are a better choice. Harsh, chemical-laden concoctions can further irritate skin already irritated by polluted air, so I’ve started washing my face with water or a gentle cleansing lotion — the goal is to thoroughly cleanse without stripping my skin of its natural oils or compromise my skin barrier.
I like to wash my face in the shower because the steam opens my pores to loosen all the dirt and grime trapped in them, giving me a deep cleanse (even without an actual cleanser).
3. Apply a layer of antioxidants
Pollution causes free radical damage, which is the biggest culprit behind a whole host of skin problems, including acne, wrinkles and dark spots. Antioxidants work to gobble up those free radicals. That’s why an antioxidant serum is a must-have in any pollution-fighting skincare routine.
“Free radicals can be harmful to the body, damaging cells and DNA and ultimately contributing to aging and disease. They are formed naturally in the body and through exposure to harmful factors in the environment,” James Hamer, a cosmetic chemist from Boston, previously told Well+Good. “Antioxidants in foods, supplements and skin care products can help counteract free radical activity.”
Vitamin C is of course one of the most powerful antioxidant ingredients on the market and wards off free radical damage while also brightening skin and minimizing discoloration (so it not only protects against future skin problems, but can also help you deal with the ones you already have). have). Other antioxidant-rich ingredients include vitamin E, niacinamide and green tea extract.
4. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Polluted air compromises your skin barrier, making it easier for environmental toxins to seep into your skin. To combat this, it’s important to strengthen that barrier in every way possible, which means using loads of moisturizer.
I opt for a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer that contains two of the best barrier-strengthening ingredients: ceramides, which form the ‘mortar’ that holds your skin cells together; and hyaluronic acid, which soaks moisture into the skin like a sponge.
For an even tougher way to keep your skin barrier strong, opt for a barrier cream. These formulas are generally designed to protect against environmental stressors while giving your complexion a boost of hydration. “Medically, they are used to reduce the damage that can result from chemicals, allergens and other substances that can lead to skin irritation, breakdown or infection,” says Ifeoma Okoronkwo, MD, founder of Beyond Beauty by Dr. O. “Cosmetically, barrier creams are often associated with ‘retaining’ moisture or creating a ‘barrier’ between your skin and harsh elements.”
5. Exfoliate regularly
In a polluted environment, exfoliation is essential to remove dead skin cells and keep the skin clear. Dr. Bhardwaj swears by exfoliating the skin twice a week, and I couldn’t agree more. I use The Ordinary’s AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution ($10), which contains alpha and beta hydroxy acids.
These chemical exfoliants not only remove any pollutants lodged deep in your skin (and prevent them from causing damage), but also melt away dead skin cells and promote cell turnover to reveal fresh, radiant skin.
6. Use a detoxifying mask
Once a week I treat my skin to a detoxifying session with Fuller’s Earth Clay, also known as Multani Mitti. This natural clay is a skincare secret passed down from generation to generation and is one of the benefits of living in India. I mix it with rose water (and sometimes a pinch of turmeric powder) into a paste and apply it to my face. Fuller’s Earth works like a magnet and draws impurities and toxins from the skin. This ritual helps keep my pores unclogged and my skin free of the week’s built-up pollutants.
7. Never leave home without SPF
Wherever you live, SPF should be a non-negotiable part of your daily routine, but that’s even more true if you’re in a heavily polluted city like Delhi. Sunscreen not only provides broad spectrum protection against the sun, but also… studies also show this that wearing it regularly can also help reverse skin damage. Dermatologists recommend opting for a zinc-infused formula, which protects against UV rays while creating a physical barrier between your skin and the environment. When I step out into town every day with a powerful SPF, I do so with confidence, knowing that my skincare ritual is not just about aesthetics, but also about protecting my skin from the invisible battle waged by pollution.
In the chaotic whirlwind of Delhi’s polluted air, my skincare routine is my refuge. It is not about succumbing to environmental challenges, but about withstanding them. By embracing simplicity, choosing natural ingredients, and being consistent in my simple routine, I have found a way to promote the health of my skin.