It’s no secret that air pollution is a worldwide problem. In fact according to the World Health Organization, 91% of the world’s population lives in a place where air quality exceeds WHO guideline limits. And with new studies published in recent years (more on that later) it’s increasingly clear that this pollution can wreak havoc on your health, including your body’s largest organ -- your skin.
Enter the rise of anti-pollution skincare. Products promising to fight pollution are showing up on beauty shelves at an overwhelming rate. But what really works when it comes to anti-pollution skincare? Here’s what you need to know about this latest skincare craze.
Anti-pollution skincare... Worth the hype?
Many air pollutants, also called particulate matter (PM) are tiny. So tiny that they can actually penetrate through our pores causing damage on a cellular level. This study by the Journal of Investigative Dermatology discovered that traffic-related air pollution is one of the most common culprits of age spots. This is because pollutions trigger the immune system to produce excess melanin, which results in pigmentation and dark spots.
Pollution also weakens your skin’s natural moisture barrier which can lead to a myriad of skin problems, including premature aging, inflammation, sensitivity, skin dehydration and loss of collagen. So while anti-pollution skincare may be a buzzword right now, it’s also a trend that is very much worth your attention.
K-beauty tips & pollution-fighting products.
The combination of anti-pollution products and a consistent skincare regimen is the best way to keep your complexion healthy, whether you live in the city or the country. Because while traffic pollution has high concentrations in urban areas, air pollution is found everywhere and can take many forms, like free radicals. Don’t wait until you see the damaging signs of pollution showing up on your skin, instead take the K-beauty approach of prevention-forward skincare with these simple tips and product suggestions.
Tip 1. Add on Antioxidants
Pollution in the air can actually attack your skin’s natural antioxidants so it’s important to add antioxidants back into your skin. Antioxidants are also amazing for anti-aging so it’s really a win-win situation.
Ohlolly Suggests:
Once or twice a week use an antioxidant-rich sheet mask for 15-30 minutes, which will allow your skin time to really soak in those antioxidants and other skin-benefitting ingredients. Then add more antioxidants, while locking in all that hydration, with a rich cream.
Huxley Anti-Gravity Cream
Another great way to boost antioxidants in your routine is to add a few drops of this nutrient-filled Urang Glow Oil Serum into to your BB or foundation before you head out in the morning.
Tip 2. Layer, layer layer
While adding one pollution-fighting product is good, layering multiple products is better. Layers of protection will actually help keep those minuscule PM from penetrating your skin, while also helping strengthen your skin’s own protective barrier.
Ohlolly Suggests:
Remember when layering treatments start with the lightest and build to the heaviest. For example, after toning, use the Huxley Oil Essence which is full of vitamins and nutrients, and then finish with a moisturizer that helps strengthen your skin's moisture barrier.
Huxley Oil Essence
Etude House SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream
And of course never forget your sunscreen, which adds essential protection from UV rays and pollution. We love the Huxley Stay Sun Safe Sun Cream which is infused with prickly pear cactus seed oil extract.
Tip 3. Cleanse Well
While layering can do wonders in warding off skin-wrecking pollution, some pollution will seep into skin. It’s inevitable, which is why daily and proper cleansing is crucial. Don’t rely on one quick rinse to do the trick. Double cleansing is really the best way to ensure that that your skin is properly cleansed.
Ohlolly Suggests:
The first cleanser should focus on getting rid of makeup, sunscreen and anything else on top of your skin. Then the second cleanser can actually cleanse deep into your pores where grime and pollution may have settled. Try to Huxley Cleansing Duo which includes a Cleansing Water, perfect for a first cleanse, and a Cleansing Gel, which deeply cleanses while hydrating. And once or twice a week use a gentle exfoliator to keep skin fresh.
Huxley Cleansing Duo
JKosmmune Enzyme Cleansing Powder
Huxley: The anti-pollution skincare hero.
While Ohlolly carries many products that would work great in an anti-pollution routine, Huxley is definitely our top brand when it comes to fighting pollution. That’s because Huxley formulated all of their products to provide real solutions for skin suffering from harmful environmental elements and stress in urban areas. In other words, anti-pollution is not a marketing afterthought, but really the heart of Huxley.
Learn more about Huxley’s star ingredient - prickly pear cactus seed oil.
Use our quick guide to find the right Huxley products for your skin type.
Written by Kait @ Ohlolly
