Anti-pollution skincare is the hottest beauty trend right now. Editor Trudi Brewer reveals why you should be adding this protection product to your beauty routine.
A stroll through any beauty store will reveal that there's a skincare product to address just about any concern from dryness and sensitivity to wrinkles and sun damage. But look a little closer and you will notice a new type trend emerging: anti-pollution skincare. It's no secret that the pollution produced by modern life is damaging the environment, but have you ever questioned how it might be affecting your skin? Well, beauty companies have and the news is not good.
What pollution does to the skin.
From traffic fumes, smoke and toxic gases like nitrogen oxide – is associated not only with premature skin ageing and loss of elasticity but also with inflammatory conditions such as dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis and in some extreme cases even cancer. Then there are micro-particles in the form of dirt and dust that clog up our skin leading to breakouts and a generally dull-looking complexion.
BY TERRY City Serum, $223.
Ideal for morning and evening use, the brand believes this serum 'envelops the skin in a protective veil, working to protect it against the stressors of city living'. And we agree. With ingredients such as alpine rose cells to give an antioxidant boost, acerola extract, amino acids and peptides this lineup helps fight that free-radical damage our skin is subjected on the daily.
DR. BARBARA STURM Anti-Pollution Drops, $212.
First up, we're fans of this MD formulated skincare range, and this serum contains a powerful antioxidants lineup found in organisms in French Polynesia. From cocoa bean and radish, ferment extracts to name only two, this combination protects against UV and blue light radiation. But what we like best, you can add a few drops of this serum to any moisturiser or sunscreen for extra protection and hydration.
Katherine Daniels Urban Shield Concentrate, $84.
Stacked with antioxidants seed oils such as jojoba, coconut and Abyssinica oils, as well as the moisture-magnet hyaluronic acid. The end result - a lightweight lotion that works well under your sunscreen, to give the skin that layer of extra defence against environmental damage.
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It's not just UV rays that damage our skin
While UVA (the ageing rays) and UVB (the burning rays), prematurely age our skin, infrared, high-energy visible blue light from our digital devices is the latest threat to our complexion. According to Dr Howard Murad the maker of Murad skincare, 'pollutants trigger the immune system to produce excessive melanin, which causes pigmentation, skin darkening, and inflammation and weakens the skin's barrier, causing lines and wrinkles.' Another reason to step up pollution protecting skincare 24/7
Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50, $105.
If you don't wear an SPF each day it's time to start. This mineral-based tinted sunscreen not only keeps the UV damage at bay, it also protects the skin against blue light (emitted from our screens), and infrared radiation. Packed with vitamin C and a built-in tint it adds radiance and protects. Make sure you shake well before applying.
Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart SPF50, $117.
While this skin shield is up there in price, it's worth every cent. The 100 per cent mineral sunscreen contains a cocktail of antioxidants and vitamins and a natural-looking, subtle beige tint. It's all you need during the summer on the weekends, consider this your day cream with brilliant protection benefits.
Get antioxidant savvy
Short of donning a hazmat suit to do the weekly grocery shop, what can you do? Well, you can start by incorporating some of the new anti-pollution products into your beauty routine. These generally have high levels of antioxidants to combat the oxidative effect of pollution on the skin. They may also work to strengthen the skin's barrier function so less pollution is absorbed into your body, and they can help to normalise your skin's pH. Cleansers and masks will help draw out impurities and reduce the build-up of microscopic dirt and grime.
Clinique Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly, $69.
The glycerin and hyaluronic acid, are moisture magnets and once blended with antioxidants including sunflower seed cake, barley, and cucumber extracts this combination strengthens and nourishes the skin. But it's the clever addition of an ingredient the brand called 'clean shield technology' that leaves an invisible barrier on the skin's surface to lock those hydrating ingredients in and keep the grime from everyday pollution out.
Nivea Urban Skin Day Cream SPF20, $14.
From luxe-y to more accessible skincare the beauty giant Nivea is launching a new skincare range that protects against the stress of city living. The creams are stacked with ingredients such as organic green tea, and the antioxidant-rich plant-derived bio-flavonoid (alpha-glucosylrutin). While the detox masks include liquorice extract, magnolia extract and kaolin as well as the moisture-boosting hyaluronic acid. There are three detoxifying masks, a night cream, and day cream pictured here.