Smog Is Deteriorating Your Skin: Here Are Some Tips To Keep Your Skin Safe

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Deteriorating air quality has engendered a state of terror in our minds, especially with this sudden accumulation of smog around us in the last few days.

Smog is the lethal blend of chemicals that reacts with the sun to break down into free radicals. These free radicals can speed up the ageing process, and cause cell damage and serious illness varying from skin allergies to deadly conditions like Cancer. Skin is the largest organ of the body, and is most likely to be affected by coming in contact with these harmful pollutants.

It's important for you to take some precautions to minimise the effect of smog on your health.

Here are some handy facts and tidbits that will help you to protect your skin :

Our skin secretes fats and oils called lipids that act as a barrier against pollution and help fight free radicals. Here is a handy skincare guide that you can follow to strengthen and support this defensive mechanism of your skin.

• Deep cleanse to let your skin breathe: The high acidic levels in the air make your skin dry, it is easier for free radicals and other harmful particles to penetrate your skin.
• Use oil-based cleanser: It is important to deep clean your skin, but instead of using harsh cleansers go for a cleanser that doesn't strip away all the moisture from your skin. Oil-based cleaners are best when it comes to deep cleansing and restoring your skin barrier.
• Scrub all the toxins away: You can scrub all the body parts that were exposed to air, mild scrubbing will ensure that your skin is thoroughly cleansed and there are no accumulated dust particles left on the skin.
• Use a toner to hydrate your skin: A gentle and soothing toner will remove excess oil, dirt, and acidic particles and help to clarify your skin. If you are using a chemical exfoliant it is advised to use the toner before exfoliating whereas in the case of physical exfoliant, use your toner afterwards.
• Use moisturisers: Use a hydrating moisturiser to prevent your skin from cracking up due to deteriorating air quality.
• Essential oils: You can use essential oils to moisten your skin, oils act as a barrier which doesn't allow pollutants to penetrate your skin.
• Sunscreens: The use of sunscreen not only acts as a shield against UV rays but also protects against air pollutants. Sunscreen should be applied every day regardless of whether you are stepping out in the sun or staying indoors because UV rays can penetrate through glass which means you are exposed to these harmful rays even when you are indoors.
• Face masks: The best way to replenish skin's lost nutrients is by using all-natural face masks. There are so many face masks that you can experiment with and are completely safe to use.
• Stick to a high-antioxidant diet: Antioxidants like vitamins C, and E, and carotenoids help to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Plant-based foods are the best source of antioxidants.
• Prepare a detox water for extra hydration: Detox water helps in clearing skin from within and it minimises the harmful effect of smog on your body as well. To prepare the detox water, slice a few pieces of cucumber, lemon, watermelon, apples or fruit of your choice and drop them into your water bottle.
• Herbal teas: Herbal teas are very useful especially ginger and tulsi tea to alter the ill effects of pollution.
• Limit outdoor exposure: Although it is not possible to stay indoors all day long it is advisable to only step out when necessary. You can use air fresheners at home to filter the air at your home.

That's about it folks! Keep your skin healthy and glowing with these tips.