When it comes to pollution, what you see is not what you get. Unfortunately, you get more than what you see.
Everyone is aware of the extent of air pollution, especially in super-buzzing cities such as Bangalore. India is in fact, amongst the most polluted countries in the world with a ranking of 101 of 146 countries, according to a recent study by the Environmental Sustainability Index. But most of us are oblivious to the extent of damage pollution can cause. We only look at the visible effects — increase in cases of asthma, eye and throat infections, nose blocks etc. But stop and think about the kind of damage pollution can inflict on our skin!

Skin is really the biggest victim of air and water pollution. If the Taj Mahal made of pristine marble can get polluted enough to deserve a mud pack treatment, you can imagine the plight of human skin, which is constantly exposed to harsh elements.

The skin faces radical damage when exposed to external pollutants. Free radicals (that can also lead to skin cancer) causes skin problems such as pigmentation, graying, dullness, dehydration, premature ageing and fine lines.

What the skin needs is constant protection, continuous hydration and regular detoxification. And this is not an impossible task. 

A day moisturiser, which uses ingredients like the powerful white tea that contains polyphenois, a potent antioxidant that is said to ‘snap up’ free radicals, UV filters and ceramides that form a protective barrier on the skin, is ideal. It is also important to clean the skin regularly, not with moisture-draining soaps but a detoxifying and gentle face wash. The beauty regime is completed with the use of a night cream that replenishes the skin’s moisture and help rejuvenate cell growth while you are having your eight hours of beauty sleep!

Anil Chopra, VP, Hindustan Unilever, said: “Every time, you step out of your house, pollution starts attacking your skin. It robs your skin of its natural glow and leaves it lifeless. Hence, we have come up with an anti-pollution skin range that hopes to fight against the skin’s biggest enemy — pollution!”

So go ahead, protect your skin against pollution and enjoy summer while it lasts!