Parts of the UK are suffering from some of the worst air pollution in recent years due to dirty air from the Continent and dust from the Sahara.
However dust storm or not, pollution poses a risk to our health every day and unfortunately, it's not good news for our skin.
So - want to keep yourself shielded? Aside from staying indoors all day long, there are a few easy steps to take to protect the skin from the harmful effects of pollution.
Cleansing is crucial
Wash your face. Yes, it sounds obvious but it's important to keep skin cleansed twice a day, (even at night when you just want to get into bed without going through a three-step skincare routine.) Look for products with allantoin (a non-toxic chemical compound) in the ingredients list - this promotes skin cell regeneration and it's used in many creams and lotions for its moisturising properties. Try using this First Aid Beauty Cleanser with the Daily Care Night Cream from M&S - both contain allantoin.
Up the antioxidants
Antioxidants protect against the effects of damaging free-radicals (eg. pollution or UV rays) on the body and are often used in skincare products to reduce the signs of ageing. The easiest way to ensure you're getting enough of them is through your diet. However, as well as eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, look to skincare products made with vitamins A, C, E - these are great for boosting collagen production and keeping the skin looking young and fresh.
Drink water
The easiest and cheapest way to flush out toxins is by staying hydrated. This won't just benefit your complexion either - drinking plenty of water will also boost energy levels and improve digestion. You'll probably find those mid-afternoon headaches disappear too.
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