Anti-Pollution Skincare is Here to Stay

“Our skin is the main interface between our bodies and pollutants from road traffic, power generation, agricultural/waste incineration and industry. Features of skin aging, such as wrinkles and dark spot formation, are accelerated in heavily polluted environments and the number of those suffering with skin conditions, such as acne, is increased.” - Dr. Kluk, Harper's Baazar

And since the latest figures show that 91% of the world’s population live in places where air quality exceeds the World Health Organization’s guideline limit, and 4.2 million deaths every year occur as a result of exposure to ambient (outdoor) air pollution, anti-pollution skincare is here to stay.

If sun exposure is our skin’s number one enemy, pollution is the number two.

Obviously it's important to be vigilant about keeping your skin immaculate and removing pollutants as often as you can, and never, ever sleep with the day's grime on your face.

TellurideGlow Skin Recovery is nutritional skincare that supports cleanliness because every ingredient contains one or more antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral, antiseptic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. You can reapply the serum during the day by rubbing one drop (not a full pump) between clean hands and pressing over your make-up to refresh.

The Best Anti-Pollution Skincare Ingredients

There are many ingredients commonly used in TellurideGlow products that help fight the toxic effects of pollution.

Antioxidants: Vitamin C, A + E plus Superoxide Dismutase and Edelweiss

Antioxidants like vitamin C are top of the list to repel skin damaging free radicals common in pollution and UV rays and have many benefits for the skin. They increase microcirculation, which helps stimulate the skin's self-cleansing, self-healing and self-regenerating ability. They can also reverse some of pollution's side effects by brightening skin and stimulating collagen to keep skin looking and feeling firmer.

No one encompasses more antioxidants in skin care than TellurideGlow, so there is no need to purchase additional anti-pollution products, especially if you are using the two-step ritual of the Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence plus your choice of one Serum night and day. Where to find these ingredients: Aspen Dew, The Purist, The Alpine

Mineral Clays

The mineral-loaded cocktail of New Zealand Glacial Clay and Kaolin in Snow Rose Recovery Mask will help counter the effects of pollution on skin. The magnesium, iron, potassium and calcium found in this product help replenish what pollution depletes and rebalance for proper skin function. It encourages vibrancy, stabilizes hydration levels and helps skin absorb vital trace minerals and nutrients. Where to find these ingredients: Snow Rose Recovery Mask 

Dew bean, Rosehip, Shavegrass, Aspen Bark Extract, White Willow Bark, Camellia, Frankincense

This combination helps to strengthen and balance the skin and work together to nourish, cleanse tissues, assist in the skin purging process and increase skin's ability to bounce back. Where to find these ingredients: Aspen Dew, The Purist, The Alpine 

Rose Damascene

Finely powdered rose petals hydrate while helping to draw pollution toxins up and out of the skin then exfoliate them to oblivion. If applied once a week, this ingredient can help reverse the side effects of pollution and leave skin fresh and smooth. Where to find these ingredients: Snow Rose Recovery Mask

Micro-mollecular Hyaluronic Acid, Phytoceramides, Tremella Mushroom, Aloe Vera, Shiitake & Chamomile Hydrosomes

Hydration is key to soothe the skin and maintain suppleness. These ingredients protect your skin against dryness and irritation caused by pollution by reinforcing and protecting the skin from trans-epidermal water loss. Where to find these ingredients: Aspen Dew, Snow Rose Mask, The Purist, The Alpine 

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is an obvious essential. After much trial and error, my favorite is Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 because it has no questionable ingredients and feels like a velvety, clear primer.

Day in, day out exposure to exhaust, smog, smoke, free radicals and even extreme climate can cause many offensive side effects for your skin, like dehydration, wrinkles, fine lines, premature aging, weakened skin, dullness and sensitivity. Incorporating anti-pollution ingredients and diligent sunscreen application is now more necessary than ever.

Sources:

Parrado, C., Mercado-Saenz, S., Perez-Davo, A., Gilaberte, Y., Gonzalez, S., & Juarranz, A. (2019). Environmental Stressors on Skin Aging: Mechanistic Insights. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 10, 759. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2019.00759