Your Anti-Pollution Skin Care Routine

City living is definitely exciting—but the thing is, there can be some downsides when it comes to the look of your skin. For example, environmental factors such as pollution and skin actually go hand-in-hand. Everything from cigarette smoke to car exhaust can do a number on your complexion’s appearance. Don’t worry, though—we’ve got you covered with skin care tips and skin care product recommendations (like facial cleansers and face masks) to help your skin look its best when you live in a big city. Keep reading for your step-by-step anti-pollution skin care routine.

STEP 1: CLEANSE TWICE A DAY

Dirt, grime, and pollution can build up on the surface of your skin throughout the day—which means cleansing morning and night is a skin care necessity. The following two facial cleansers are formulated to seamlessly transform from clay to mousse and remove everyday impurities without over-drying skin. Immediately, skin is purified of dirt, oil, and pollution.

L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Detox & Brighten Cleanser: This facial cleanser is formulated with charcoal and leaves skin with a clean, clear look and fresh glow immediately. Meanwhile, with each use, dull skin appears more radiant and luminous.

L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Exfoliate & Refiner Cleanser: This facial cleanser also exfoliates to make skin feel smoother. It’s formulated with red algae.

To use either option, squeeze your facial cleanser of choice into your hands and add water to transform it from clay to mousse. Gently massage it onto your face using circular motions, then rinse thoroughly and pat dry.

STEP 2: APPLY AN ANTIOXIDANT SERUM

According to a study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information, skin care products that are formulated with antioxidants, like our L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum, can help protect the surface of your skin against free radical damage. Free radicals are produced by environmental factors like pollution and exposure to them over time can cause skin damage and signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles and dark spots.

STEP 3: FOLLOW UP WITH MOISTURIZER

Once you’re done applying serum, reach for the right moisturizer. In normal and oily skin, external factors like pollution, UV rays, and excessive cleansing over time can damage the skin's moisture barrier, causing loss of moisture and increase in oil production. As a result, your complexion can become overly shiny-looking. The L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Oily Skin is formulated with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera water to help provide long-lasting hydration.

STEP 4: DON’T SKIP OUT ON BROAD-SPECTRUM SUNSCREEN

Regardless of where you live—or what the weather is—broad-spectrum sunscreen should be part of your everyday skin care routine. According to the Food and Drug Administration, you should wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher daily as directed. In addition to that, other sun protection measures are key as well. Make sure to limit your time in the sun (especially during peak hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.), seek shade, and cover up in long sleeves, pants, UV-blocking sunglasses, a broad-brimmed hat. To cut down on the number of steps in your skin care routine, reach for a moisturizer with SPF, like the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Day Lotion SPF 30.

STEP 5: MAKE TIME FOR A FACE MASK

After a long day spent roaming around the city, treat your complexion to a face mask when you get home. Over time, harsh environmental factors like pollution and debris can damage skin, leaving your complexion looking dull and tired. The L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Mask Detox & Brighten Face Mask, is formulated with charcoal and can help draw out the buildup of impurities, dirt, and pollution, reduce the look of dull skin, and even out the appearance of your skin tone. Skin will look brighter immediately. To use, apply an even layer to clean, dry skin, leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes, then rise off. Incorporate the face mask into your routine three times a week for best results.

Next up: Take your masking routine to the next level by learning how to multi-mask. Check out our article, Multi-Masking 101: How To Use Multiple Face Masks At Once On Combination Skin, for tips on doing so.