Dirt, dust and metals in the air can cause premature ageing, dullness and irritation – and they aren’t going away any time soon. These protecting and detoxifying skincare promise to shield the complexion and repel pollution.
Dirt, dust and metals in the air can cause premature ageing, dullness and irritation – and they aren’t going away any time soon. These protecting and detoxifying skincare promise to shield the complexion and repel pollution.
1 Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart Broad Spectrum SPF50 Hydrating Shield, $99.
This sunscreen forms an invisible barrier to prevent harmful toxins and pollution particles from coming into contact with skin. In addition, amino acid and ferulic acid neutralise free radical damage, while enzymes from plankton and ocean bacteria extract fight oxidative stress.
2 Shu Uemura Anti/Oxi+ Pollutant & Dullness Clarifying Cleansing Oil, $125.
This has papaya, moringa and green tea extracts to remove harmful pollutants like PM2.5 particles from skin, as well as fight free radical damage and sallowness for a radiant, healthy complexion.
3 Allies Of Skin 1A All-day Mask, $99.
A leave-on mask that can take the place of moisturiser, it has moringa seed extract to protect skin from pollution. Meanwhile, its blend of 11 antioxidants supposedly combats impurities, repairs skin damage and hydrates for improved suppleness.
4 Laneige Anti-pollution Day Defensor, $50.
To be applied after moisturiser, it is made with the brand’s Dust Block technology that uses negative ions to repel dust, preventing it from settling on skin.
5 Ren Flash Defence Anti-pollution Mist, $69, Escentials.
Using sugar and yeast extracts, it forms a non-sticky, invisible shield that acts like a second skin, protecting your face from environmental impurities and free radical damage. Plus, it has plant extracts that reportedly detoxify and boost cell repair to combat fatigue.
6 La Mer The Intensive Revitalizing Mask, $300.
A creamy rinse-off mask, it has lime tea concentrate and glacial kelp to help neutralise free radical damage caused by pollution and stress. It also has Vitality Ferment, which is said to enhance skin’s protective barrier.
7 Clarins UV Plus Anti-pollution Day Screen Multi-protection SPF50/PA++++, $74.
This watery sunscreen has organic alpine sanicle plant extract that’s said to boost skin’s own defence system against UV rays and pollution, as well as blackcurrant extract to reduce inflammation.
8 Kiehl’s Cilantro & Orange Extract Pollutant Defending Masque, $49.
How this promises to work: It has cilantro extract to draw out pollutants and reduce heavy metal build-up, chestnut extract to purify skin by removing excess toxins, and a blend of antioxidants to repair and strengthen skin’s protective barrier.
