Tips to Maintain Your Holiday Glow This Pollution Season

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The holidays do something magical to our skin. Better sleep, lighter moods, good food, a little extra self-care-suddenly the glow is glowing. Then reality hits. You're back in the city, traffic is relentless, AQI apps are screaming red, and within days your skin looks tired, dull, and irritated again.

The good news is that you don't have to watch your holiday glow disappear just because the pollution levels continue to rise. Having a smart and scientifically-backed tweak can protect your skin barrier and keep that post-holiday radiance alive.

Here's how.

Understand what pollution really does to your skin

Urban pollution is more than 'dirt on the face.' PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone penetrate the skin barrier, leading to oxidative stress. It further causes inflammation, blotchy tone, breakouts, dehydration, and faster aging. Chronic pollution exposure has been linked in various studies to increased pigmentation and collagen breakdown, flare-ups of eczema, and acne.

In simple terms, pollution weakens your skin's defence system. Your routine, therefore, needs to focus more on repair and protection, rather than aggressive fixes.

Cleanse gently: over-washing does more harm

Photo Credit: Freepik

The instinct, of course, when pollution is high is to scrub harder, to wash your face again and again. That backfires.

Stick to:

• A mild non-foaming cleanser, twice a day
• Lukewarm water (hot water strips natural oils)
• Double cleansing at night if makeup or sunscreen is worn
• Avoid using harsh exfoliating face washes on days when the pollution levels are soaring high. This damage in the barrier will help the passage of pollutants deeper inside.

Antioxidants are your glow's best friends

Pollution creates free radicals, which damage skin cells. Antioxidants neutralise them.

Look for:

• Vitamin C (brightening + protection)
• Niacinamide (strengthens barrier, reduces redness)
• Green tea or ferulic acid (anti-inflammatory)
• Apply antioxidants in the morning, under sunscreen. Think of them as an invisible shield that works quietly throughout the day.

Never skip sunscreen, even in winter

This is the point where most people make a slip-up: UV rays don't disappear during winter, and pollution actually amplifies sun damage.

Photo Credit: Freepik

A broad-spectrum sunscreen:

• Protects against UV + pollution-induced oxidative stress
• Prevents pigmentation and dullness
• Preserves collagen and elasticity
• Wear at least SPF 30. Reapply if you are outdoors for several hours. Yes, even on cloudy, smoggy days.

Hydration is not optional

Pollution dehydrates the skin by damaging its moisture barrier. That feeling of tightness, of being stretched? That's your skin begging for help.

Do this instead:

• Use a light moisturiser with either ceramides or hyaluronic acid.
• Seal it with a few drops of facial oil at night if skin feels dry.
• Drink enough water: topical hydration works best when internal hydration is at a good level.
• Hydrated skin reflects light better. That's glow 101.

Cut down on over-exfoliation

Your skin already has enough stress to deal with.

Limit exfoliation to:

• Once or twice a week
• Mild chemical exfoliants, such as lactic acid or mandelic acid
• Avoid scrubs and strong acids on highly polluted days. A compromised barrier equals more breakouts, sensitivity, and dullness.

Your diet shows up on your skin

What you eat during pollution-heavy months matters more than you think.

Support your skin from within by including:

• Vitamin C-rich fruits (amla, oranges, guava)
• Omega-3s (nuts, seeds, fish)
• Zinc and selenium (for repair and immunity)
• Reduce ultra-processed foods and excess sugar, as they inflame you and make pollution damage worse.

Don't underestimate sleep and stress

Pollution already puts your skin in fight mode. Add stress and poor sleep, and the glow doesn't stand a chance.

Photo Credit: Freepik

Aim for:

• 7-8 hours of sleep
• A short nighttime routine that helps you wind down
• Minimal screen exposure before bed
• Skin repairs itself while you sleep. No product replaces that.

Bottomline

Maintaining your holiday glow during pollution season isn't about adding more products; it's about being kinder to your skin. Protect the barrier, neutralise any damage, deeply hydrate, and avoid unnecessary aggression.

Glow isn't fragile. With the right care, it can survive traffic jams, smoggy skies, and busy workdays - and look just as good doing it.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.