Online searches for anti-pollution skincare have been on the rise over the past year, and we expect them to spike even further in 2020.
With pollution and global warming both hugely environmental topics at the moment, it's only right we should be considering the massive impact they're having on our skin and bodies.
Small particulate matter doesn't just sit on the surface of our skin, it can penetratre deep into the pores and cause oxidative stress and early ageing. If you suffer from skin redness, dullness or blemishes, chances are it could be caused by pollution.
What is anti-pollution skincare?
Made with a blend of potent antioxidants such as Vitamin C, anti pollution skincarehelps to counteract the free radicals in the air and shield your skin against their damaging effects.
Although there isn't a "pollution protection factor" like SPF's, products rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are a great place to start.
10 of the best anti-pollution skincare products
Clinique Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly
One of our favourite launches was Clinique's Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly, so much so that we're taking it on our 2020 skincare jourmey too.
The lightweight jelly absorbs quickly into the skin, without leaving any greasy or sticky residue behind, making it great for all skin types, but especially those with combination complexions.
Fortified with the brand's unique and exclusive Clean Shield Technology™, the moisturiser helps to protect against environmental aggressors and pollutant particles, keeping your skin beautifully glowing, soft and healthy. It also contains hyaluronic acid to help hydrate and plump-up the cpmplexion for 24 hours.
Chantecaille Anti-Pollution Mattifying Cream
If you prefer a cream-like texture to apply onto your skin, you will love Chantecaille's Anti-Pollution Mattifying Lotion.
With a wipped-like formulation, it absorbs beautifully into the skin yet still offers long-term hydration, and most importantly protection against pollutants, external aggressors and even blue light damage. Discover more about the harmful effects of light pollution here.
Fortified with a blend of very exotically-sounding ingredients, including white tea, desert cactus yeast and white horehound stem cell extracts, it's the ultimate weapon in your skincare arsenal if you live in a city or built-up area.
We love to apply this in the morning before going out, but it can also be used as part of your evening routine if you want to offset pollutants from the day before.
DECLÉOR Hydra Floral Anti-Pollution Hydrating Rich Cream
Nourish and protect your complexion with DECLÉOR Hydra Floral Anti-Pollution Hydrating Rich Cream; a lightweight, quick-absorbing formula that works to restore smooth, plump skin.
Fortified with Neroli Essential Oil and Rosehip Botanical Oil, the luxurious cream delivers long-lasting moisture and hydration, whilst a dose of antioxidant-rich Moringa Extract forms a protective veil over skin to defend against environmental aggressors. Dull, lack-lustre skin appears radiant and replenished with a healthy glow.
Ultrasun SPF 50+ Anti-Pollution Face Fluid
Skincare meets sun protection with the SPF 50+ Anti-Pollution Face Fluid from Ultrasun. The lightweight, non-greasy sun cream provides broad spectrum protection from UV rays whilst also using Glycofilm® Pollustop® to help prevent skin damage caused by everyday pollution.
Vichy Mineral 89
A unique skincare product, Vichy's Mineral 89 is undoubtedly one of the best launches of 2018.
Made to add a boost of hydration under your moisturiser, the lightweight serum also helps to shield and protect against damaging pollutant particles.
Made with only 11 ingredients, the serum is great for all skin types, but especially those with dry, sensitive and oily. It contains both hyaluronic acod and Vichy's Thermal Mineralising Water, a potent moisture combination to keep the skin hydrated and healthy.
We find this works really well under makeup as it creates a super smooth base for foundation application.
Caudalie Vineactiv Overnight Detox Oil
If you don't have time for a long drawn-out anti-pollution skincare routine, you will love Caudalie's Vineactiv Overnight Detox Oil.
A lightweight oil made entirely of 100% natural ingredients, it contains essential oils of sandalwood, sweet almond, lavender and carrot to help repair the skin after a day of environmental pollution exposure.
While plant oils help to purify, a blend of nourishing botanicals help to nourish and hydrate the skin, keeping it soft, healthy and glowing.
Although you can apply this on its own before moisturiser, we love to mix into our night cream for ease.
Jurlique Radiant Skin Foaming Cleanser
Wash away a day of pollutants and environmental aggressors with the Jurlique Radiant Skin Foaming Cleanser.
Whipped in texture, the cleanser helps to purify the skin thanks to its blend of superfine exfoliating minerals and botanical extracts such as lemon balm, rosemary, yarrow, birch and calendula.
The cleanser is suitable for all skin types and can be used both morning and night, but we like to use it in the evening to wash away all manner of dirt, oil and impurities.
Clinique Superdefense SPF 20 Age Defense Eye Cream
The delicate skin around your eyes needs as much protection and care as the rest of your skin, which is why we love Clinique's Superdefense Age Defense Eye Cream with SPF 20.
Helping to shield against aggressors and pollution which cause visible signs of ageing, the cream melts into the skin and instantly brightens dark cicles and pigmentation. Protecting the skin against both UVA and UVB rays, eyes appear wide awake, healthy and radiant.
Suitable for all skin types, the cream is also safe for use if you wear contact lenses thanks to its ophthalmologistically tested formulation.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum
One of the most well-known and talked about beauty products of all time, the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum is a classic that should always be in your skincare stash.
The lightweight serum should be applied in the morning to help keep the skin shielded against damaging environmental pollutants. Rich in 15% pure Vitamin C, alongside Vitamin E and 0.5% ferulic acid to help wrap the skin in an invisible protective veil, the serum melts into the skin to brighten and reduce the visible signs of ageing.
This is one of our HG products, so if you've never tried it before, add it to your 2019 checklist.
Sukin Oil Balancing + Charcoal Anti-Pollution Facial Masque
Gently refresh your complexion with the Oil Balancing+ Charcoal Anti-Pollution Facial Masque from Sukin. Fortified with a purifying blend of Bamboo Charcoal, Willow Herb and Rooibos Tea to deliver a deep pore cleansing action, buffing away dirt, toxins and harmful substances to reveal a clear, fresh appearance.
