Protecting Your Skin From Pollution

With each passing year, changes in the environment become noticeable, along with an increase in pollution. From a health perspective, the harmful effects of pollution are most evident on our hair and skin. Pollution damages the skin barrier, leading to issues like premature aging, acne, and hyperpigmentation. For our hair, exposure to dust, dirt, and various chemical reactions in the air causes dryness, breakage from the roots, and the onset of ‘Sensitive Scalp Syndrome’.

Even with a busy schedule, skin and haircare should be a priority.

For skincare:

• To cleanse your face properly:

Our busy lives often require us to spend extended periods outdoors. Unfortunately, environmental pollutants and free radicals can damage our skin’s natural barrier, leading to excessive oiliness or dryness. To combat these issues, it’s crucial to establish a solid skincare routine. After a long day cleanse your face with a Charcoal and Aloe Vera-infused cleanser to purify your skin.  The best method is to take a small amount of face wash onto clean, wet hands, rub it gently for a few seconds, and then use it to wash your face. This activates the ingredients in the face wash or cleanser, allowing them to work more effectively on the skin.

• To use moisturizer and sunscreen

Following up with a moisturizer and a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher. Excessive use of creams and alcohol-based products can actually attract dirt and debris to your skin, so it’s best to use them in moderation. If you’re out and about for an extended period, facial refreshing wipes can provide a quick and convenient way to remove dirt and oil. Wearing a face mask is recommended whenever possible.

For haircare:

• Brushing your hair:

When hair is directly exposed to air, it becomes frizzy and unmanageable. During this time, the scalp can either become excessively oily or extremely dry. Dirt and excess oil accumulation on the scalp lead to scalp buildup. After exposure to dust and pollution, it is a good idea to brush your hair. This helps remove dry dirt and dust particles from the hair strands.

• Use shampoo frequently:

When shampooing, it’s best to use a sulfate-free shampoo. These mild shampoos are gentle and suitable for daily use, causing no harm to the hair. After washing, applying a hydrating mask containing ingredients like Argan Oil or Shea Butter can help reduce dryness and lock in moisture, making the hair soft and bouncy.

• Hair oiling:

Regardless of the weather or environment, over-washing can sometimes dry out the scalp. To maintain a healthy scalp, it’s essential to oil your hair 2-3 times a week. Gently massage the oil into the scalp, leave it on for 20 minutes to an hour, and then wash it off with a mild shampoo. Avoid leaving oil in your hair overnight, as this can worsen acne problems for those with acne-prone skin and weaken hair roots, leading to hair fall. You can use a hair serum to keep your hair nourished and manageable.

• Using Detoxifying Masks

Detoxifying masks help deeply cleanse the skin by removing dirt and impurities. These masks can be easily prepared at home using natural ingredients.

1. Charcoal Face Mask

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon Multani Mati (Fuller’s Earth)
• 1 teaspoon charcoal powder
• 1/2 teaspoon honey
• 3 teaspoons water

Mix everything together in a bowl and apply a thin, even layer to your face and neck. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with water. Charcoal helps to cleanse the skin of free radicals and germs, while Multani Mati helps to reduce pimples. Using this mask 1-2 times a week can improve skin radiance.

2. Coconut Clay Mask

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons Bentonite clay
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil
• 1/2 teaspoon honey

Create a paste by mixing all ingredients together. Apply generously to your face and neck. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse. This mask will soothe and soften your skin, reducing any redness or inflammation.

The environment is constantly changing. As a part of survival, we must adapt to these changes. Therefore, staying healthy is essential in all aspects of our work and daily activities. Often, small acts of care can solve significant problems. Hence, it is important to be mindful and take care of ourselves.