BOOM September Issue | Page 34

STYLE TIPS How to Protect Your Skin From Pollution U nless you live at a very high altitude with clean air, your skin is probably suffering every day by exposure to dirt, toxins and free radicals. Protecting it and fighting the effects of pollution isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it.Find out how to protect your skin from pollution with a few simple tricks, from choosing the right type of skincare products to avoiding exposure to more toxins. By fighting pollution when it comes to your skip, you’ll be able to avoid breakouts, inflammation, and keep it looking young for longer. Cleanse the Right Way If you don’t cleanse your skin enough, the dirt buildup can cause acne and blemishes. If you overcleanse, you risk stripping away the natural oil barrier and making your skin even more sensitive to toxins and free radicals. You should make sure that you cleanse your skin carefully before bedtime every day. You don’t have to use a cleanser in the morning if you slept on a clean pillowcase, water is enough. Using a very light and delicate cleanser is an option, but you might be overdoing it. Choose Your Skincare Products Carefully The best way to protect your skin from pollution is to make sure that antioxidants are a big part of your skincare regiment. That means vitamins A, C and E, along with extracts from antioxidant-rich foods or green tea. Avoid Skincare Interactions Many antioxidants are sensitive compounds, but none are as easy to destabilize as vitamin C. If you want your antioxidant-rich creams and serums to have the intended effect, you should avoid using them right before or after other powerful compounds. Vitamin C does not mix well with AHAs, Retinol, and Benzoyl Peroxide. Introduce More Antioxidants to Your Diet Since there are issues with antioxidant stability in skin care, you