As skincare professionals, we know that clients face numerous environmental aggressors daily, but few are as consistently damaging as pollution. Whether they live in busy urban centres or spend time commuting through traffic-heavy areas, exposure to pollutants can have a profound impact on their skin’s health and appearance. Educating your clients about how to protect their skin with an effective anti-pollution skincare routine is essential. Fortunately, it all begins with the basics: cleanse, tone, moisturise and SPF. Read on to find out more about the impact of pollution on the skin, and how you can recommend anti-pollution skincare for your clients.

The Impact of Pollution on Skin

Environmental pollution is caused by harmful substances and activities which disrupt the natural balance of the ecosystem. By-products and waste from human activities enter the environment to reduce air quality. Car exhausts, factories, dust and pollen are the main culprits. Air pollution can have an oxidative stress response on the  skin. It can activate inflammation and skin problems like psoriasis and acne. It can also lead to dryness, sensitivity and premature ageing. If exposure to these particles is high, it can even cause pigmentation, dullness and wrinkles.

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Anti-Pollution Skincare

 To combat air pollution, promote an anti-pollution skincare regime.

Cleanse

Cleansing is the first step in an anti-pollution skincare routine. Clients must never skip this step so encourage them to ‘wash the day off their face’. A double cleanse in the evening will effectively lift away makeup, grime, excess oils and debris that settle on the skin throughout the day.

SkinBase Purifying Gel Cleanser

The SkinBase Purifying Gel Cleanser is great for removing makeup and impurities. While providing a lighter cleanse, gel cleansers are ideal for cleansing the skin and pores without stripping the skin’s natural oils. The SkinBase Purifying Gel Cleanser is suitable for all skin types so it will also work well on sensitive skin. It removes dead skin cells to clear congestion leaving skin clear and refreshed. Perfect for an anti-pollution routine. 

Toner

Toning after cleansing helps to remove any residual impurities remaining on the skin. Advise clients that when environmental aggressors and pollution stress the skin, toner can also help to rebalance the skin’s natural barrier. This step in an anti-pollution skincare routine also preps the skin to absorb subsequent products more effectively.

SkinBase Soothing Toner

The SkinBase Soothing Toner is infused with Vitamin B5 and Aloe Vera to soothe and hydrate skin. Combined with our Gel Cleanser, it is the perfect combination to rid the skin of environmental aggressors. Vitamin B5 is a dry-skin saviour and helps strengthen the skin barrier. Aloe Vera offers soothing and moisturising benefits. 

Moisturise & SPF

Pollution can weaken the skin’s natural moisture barrier, so remind clients that keeping it well hydrated with a nourishing moisturiser is key to maintaining resilience and bounce. Along with this, pollution and UV exposure work hand-in-hand to accelerate skin damage, so emphasise to clients how daily sun protection is non-negotiable, even on cloudy days.

SkinBase Daily Repair and Protect 

The SkinBase Daily Repair and Protect moisturiser provides a daily barrier against pollution. This scientifically advanced cream is SPF30 and formulated with protective benefits for the skin. It contains Vitamin E, Vitamin C and rice bran oil to neutralise damage and heal the skin. The wide spectrum UV filters provide advanced protection against the harmful effects of UV rays and pollution. 

Anti-Pollution Skincare: Antioxidant Action

When used together, Vitamins C and E complement each other by locking moisture in and brightening the complexion. They help protect skin against UV radiation and help with skin repair. Rice Bran Oil has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps shield skin from free radical damage and UV radiation to support the skin’s natural barrier. This is a powerhouse of a moisturiser, and perfect for an anti-pollution skincare routine.

Bonus Tip: SkinBase Hydro Facial

For best results, recommend a Hydro Facial to treat skin. Offer your clients a dual-serum approach. By using both the Brightening and the Renewing serums, they will benefit from antioxidant and anti-aging ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide.