First, London Mayor, Sadiq Khan issued the capital’s first ‘very high’ pollution alert amid fears of toxic air in the city – and now the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is warning of ‘very high’ pollution levels in several other areas across Britain. Like it or not, pollution is all around us – but that doesn’t mean that your skin has to suffer.
As well as being bad for the environment, this heightened level of pollution can be extremely damaging to the skin, but thankfully, there are ways to protect yourself. We sat down with Vicky Beckett, vice president at natural health, beauty and wellness brand, Arbonne, to find out the very best advice on how to protect your skin from pollution the natural way this summer.
Here are her top three tips:
- Protect the Skin
Facial oils serve as a protective barrier against pollution, preventing bacteria and toxins from entering the skin. They can also encourage an even skin tone as well as superior hydration to combat dryness – and all whilst repairing the existing damage, too. Look out for oils that contain omega fatty acids, and superfood botanicals such as buckthorn oil, as their properties have the ability to draw out environmental toxins from the skin, leaving you with a glowing, clear complexion. Try Arbonne’s Nourishing Facial Oil (£65) to protect your skin this summer.
- Keep it Clean
Washing your face twice a day will help to prevent environmental impurities getting stuck in the pores, and will also improve dryness and decrease the number of breakouts. It’s important to choose a face wash that isn’t full of chemicals, as these can further pollute the skin; botanical ingredients such as aloe vera and cucumber will lift impurities without damaging the surface.
- Scrub away the Pollution
Exfoliating will help to scrub away any chemical nasties that have landed on the skin, and will promote cell renewal. Dead skin cells will be extracted, helping to prevent an uneven tone and dark spots. Again, remember to pick products containing natural exfoliators such as sea salt rather than microbeads, as these are far better for the environment, as well as for the skin.
And don’t forget, healthy skin starts on the inside, so eating a well-balanced diet that is packed with anti-oxidant rich foods will help to protect you from the inside out!
