Copyright news18
As the Air Quality Index (AQI) dips across major Indian cities, it’s no longer just our lungs that need protection, it’s our skin. From fine particulate matter to toxic gases, pollution silently attacks the skin barrier every single day. The result? Dullness, breakouts, dryness, sensitivity, and premature aging. With smog becoming a part of urban life, dermatologists and skincare experts agree, your skincare routine needs an urgent pollution-smart upgrade. “Protecting the skin from pollution is becoming just as important as protecting it from the sun,” says Ashish Chaudhary, AVP, Group Lead Retail & Training, The Body Shop. He explains that prolonged exposure to pollutants like dust, smoke, and particulate matter accelerates visible aging, weakens the skin barrier, and leads to inflammation. These micro-particles can penetrate deep into pores, disturbing the skin’s natural balance. To combat this, Chaudhary recommends antioxidant-rich skincare. “Ingredients like Edelweiss, known to be a powerful antioxidant, can neutralize free radicals and repair damage caused by pollutants. Edelweiss extract has 43% more antioxidant power than retinol, and much like the flower’s resilience in harsh alpine conditions, it helps skin look stronger, smoother, and fresher,” he adds. Another powerful ally in urban skincare, he notes, is Vitamin C. “The Vitamin C Glow Revealing Serum brightens dull complexions, evens out skin tone, and reverses pollution-induced fatigue,” Chaudhary says. For a complete defence routine, he suggests beginning with a tea tree or vitamin E toner to deeply cleanse pores, followed by The Body Shop’s Skin Defence range enriched with Hyaluronic Acid for hydration and protection. While product choices are crucial, Ishika Virmani, Director, Esskay Beauty Resources, emphasizes the importance of understanding your skin’s actual needs. “A ready routine isn’t about having ten steps; it’s about having the right steps,” she says. “If your skin feels tight, stressed, or dull, it’s communicating distress. Listen to it, simplify your routine, and be consistent, real results take time.” Virmani’s approach centers on gentle cleansing, deep hydration, and non-negotiable protection. “When your routine is truly ready, your skin doesn’t just look good, it behaves well.” For dermatological insight, Dr Poonam Arya, Founder, Radiance Aesthetic Clinic, underlines the medical implications of rising pollution levels. “When the AQI is high, fine-particle pollutants land on the skin, block pores, cause inflammation, and break down collagen,” she explains. “Immediately, this shows up as dryness, acne flares, and dullness; long-term exposure leads to pigmentation and premature aging, especially on the cheeks and forehead.” Dr. Arya recommends a pollution-smart skincare regimen that begins with a double cleanse every night to remove microscopic residue. “Antioxidants like Vitamin C and Niacinamide are essential to neutralize free radicals,” she says. “Follow them with barrier-repair ingredients like ceramides, panthenol, and hyaluronic acid to restore moisture.” She also singles out Edelweiss extract as a standout ingredient for city skin. “Edelweiss boosts elasticity, repairs environmental damage, and protects against oxidative stress, a must for polluted environments,” she notes. And her final reminder: never skip sunscreen, even in smog. “UV rays penetrate through pollution and worsen damage. Pair external care with internal support, hydration, good nutrition, and rest.” As India’s urban air grows thicker, the message from experts is clear, skincare is no longer just cosmetic. It’s a daily defence system against pollution-induced damage. In the smoggy season ahead, smarter skincare isn’t indulgence, it’s protection for your skin’s long-term health.
