Smog, smoke and pollution have become buzzwords in the skincare industry. Pollution invites dirt and is a cause for premature skin ageing. By exposing the skin to toxins and free radicals, pollution damages the collagen, elastin and depletes moisture, causing dehydration and dullness.

In this scenario, instead of using anti-ageing products why not go for anti-pollution products that can stall early signs of ageing? Matcha green tea masks, clay masks, clay toners, broad spectrum SPF 50 PA++++, Amazonian face masks, detox overnight moisturisers, sleep masks, anti-pollution skincare kit, the list is endless.

Top luxury beauty brands have introduced anti-pollution masks, toners, detox peel off masks, face mists, exfoliating masks, antioxidant creams and serums to fight free radical damage.

Pigmentation, wrinkles, ageing, acne and skin darkening are all the side-effects of pollution. Wearing SPF before stepping out in the sun is probably the most important step in your summer skincare regimen. The best part is that SPF is now present in lipsticks, moisturisers, toners and masks too.

Here’s a step-by-step anti-pollution skincare regime:

1. Quick Wash/Cleanse: Start by using a cream, gel or a powder-based face wash. Opt for ingredients like matcha green tea, tea tree, seaweed and vitamin C or vitamin E, based on your skin’s need.
2. Exfoliate: Exfoliate your skin every two days with a mild scrub. The scrub will remove the dead skin cells, rejuvenate the skin, unclog your pores and remove blackheads and whiteheads too. Choose a scrub that has tiny granules to exfoliate well. Vitamin C microdermabrasion is an amazing option.
3. Wear a mask: Use a tea or clay-based face mask. Tea face masks improve skin complexion, reduce dark circles and also treat acne. A clay mask can soak up excess sebum and clean out pores clogged with excess oil. They work wonders on younger skin that may be prone to acne, and they boost elasticity and fight signs of ageing.
4. Just tone it: The skin needs to be toned every day except when you use a face mask. Opt for daily toners that have a cooling effect on your skin, try an aloe vera or a rose toner.
5. Moisturise or use a serum: It is important to hydrate and nourish your skin all day long to keep it supple. Serums, moisturisers and day creams, layer your skin well to replenish all the lost nutrients. So after every wash, moisturise your skin.
6. Wear an SPF: A sunscreen is a must before stepping out in the sun. Based on your sun exposure patterns, smear the right amount of lotion. Apply a coat every two to three hours. Go for SPF 50 PA++++. Apart from your face, your lips also need a coat of SPF, apply a moisturising lip balm that contains a minimum of SPF 15.

Here are some quick tips to deal with the effects of pollution:

• Use a water-based cleanser or a powder face wash.
• To hydrate your face regularly, use face mists that are rich in anti-oxidants.
• Keep a sunblock handy. Wear full-sleeve cotton clothes and use a scarf and a pair of sunglasses whenever you step out.
• Pamper your skin with an overnight hydrating face mask to fight free radicals. The overnight mask will refresh and relax your skin.
• Sip in 10-12 glasses of water to detox and flush out the inhaled toxins from your body.
• Pick skincare products that are rich in antioxidants or multi-vitamins in the form of serums and masks.
• Lastly, try and get at least eight hours of sleep to repair your skin of all the damage that pollution has caused during the day.

(The author is head of training, The Body Shop)