The skin is the largest organ in the human body and the very first line of protection against environmental stressors, such as air pollutants. Our skin is continuously attacked by various pollutants. The most common irritants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), oxides, ozone (O3), particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), and cigarette smoke. Smog particles can also stay on the skin and trap the bacteria inside the pores, making it a perfect environment for the development of acne.
Dr Ashini Bhatt, Dermatologist and Cosmetologist, Mayflower Women’s Hospital, Ahmedabad, reveals, “Protecting skin physically from the exposure and aftercare of your skin post-exposure are two different aspects.”
1. Protect Yourself From Sun Damage Physically
“When protecting yourself physically, wear full-sleeved clothing, hats, and sunglasses when outdoors to minimise skin exposure and sun damage to skin. A face mask can also provide a physical barrier. Avoid touching your face to prevent transferring pollutants, dust, and bacteria from your hands,” explains Dr Bhatt.
2. Cleanse Thoroughly Post Exposure To Pollution
Dr Bhatt says, “Wash your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and pollutants. Try double cleansing, using an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based one, to deeply clean your pores. Use serums with antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, or peptides to help neutralise free radicals caused by pollution. Hydrate your skin with a good moisturiser to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, with ingredients like ceramides or hyaluronic acid.”
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day. Chemical exfoliation once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells and clear clogged pores. Consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and nuts to provide your body with antioxidants that support your skin from the inside out.
Dr Soma Sarkar, MBBS, MD, Dermatology, Co-Founder and Lead Dermatologist of Skin Beyond Borders (SkinBB), says, “In recent years, there has been a huge difference in the AQI of Mumbai, and now smog can be seen in the morning. These are the silent symptoms as well as clinical symptoms that include cough, sore throat, and allergies. This is the time when all the atopics are affected, the eczemas start flaring up, the psoriasis flares up, and this level of AQI is not good for skin as well. A lot of pollution and pollutants around us are definitely going to harm the skin and body, both inside and out.
The very first thing or step to protect the skin from these harmful pollutants is to apply a good amount of sunscreen with SPF of 50 with PA triple 4, niacinamide, vitamin C and elements like hyaluronic acid. Second is that they should wash their face with a good face wash containing a good micro exfoliant like glycolic acid, or they can use a cleanser with 1% salicylic acid, and make sure to moisturise the skin very well.
The moisturizer works as a barrier as well as a protector for the skin, and using the combination of niacinamide with hyaluronic acid, or a higher molecular weight of hyaluronic acid mixed with ceramides, will give good results as well.
This combination will work as a good barrier and will also repair the skin. Using filters with good zinc oxide or titanium dioxide also works well with skin.
There are other molecules as well, like Thamidal, which is present in the sunscreen used for anti-pigment. Before using or buying sunscreen, make sure to consult a dermatologist as they will explain what kind of sunscreen will go well with the skin type that the patient has.
Adding an active before applying moisturiser, which is a little creamier and richer, works fine, but make sure the active has 10% ascorbic acid with niacinamide or ferulic acid, or using the active with plain niacinamide 10% will also do well. These actives work as a strong antioxidant and clear all the microsoot that is delivered to the skin.
For the Night routine, start with applying a good amount of exfoliant like retinol. But during winter, retinol can be a little harsh, using components like retinadehyde or retinal, which are milder on the skin, will be better.
Using moisturizer laden with exosomes or plant-based exosomes will send a signal to the skin cells to behave well. For ageing skin, use moisturisers that are PDR and HA-based. For younger skin, avoid using moisturizer with PDR too much, as it can flare up acne, but using moisturizer with a higher molecular weight of hyaluronic acid with a concoction of good glycerine or vitamin E will work better. For pigmented skin, one can choose to use things like lightning agents.
Lightening agents containing azelaic acid or glycolic acid in this weather will do well for the skin.
Apart from skincare, always drink a lot of water. Make sure to eat a lot of coloured fruits and vegetables, as they keep the supplements and nutrition in place. Eating healthy food, having good fibre, good protein in the diet, and sleeping well will keep the skin and body in a perfect state, it will help in taking care of the free radicals in the body and skin to wash away naturally”
Dr Kaleem Khan, Founder and Chief Consultant, Skin Indulgence Clinic, says, “Air pollution is a menace for people with respiratory problems, but it is a bane for skin health too. The fine particulate matter (PM2.5) penetrates the skin and generates reactive oxygen species, causing oxidative damage. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons worsen this damage and increase inflammation, while nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide deplete natural epidermal antioxidants, making skin recovery slow.
All of this results in a damaged skin barrier, causing skin irritation and worsening of acne, eczema, pigmentation, and also premature aging. So it is essential to have a skin routine that addresses all these problems, starting with a good cleanser. Washing the dust and pollution off the face is essential, but at the same time, not too aggressive so as to strip the skin. A double cleanse (oil-based followed by a gentle, water-based cleanser) may be required if the particulate content in the air is very high.
Antioxidant serums containing vit-C, vit-E, and ferulic acid (as a combination) help to reduce oxidative damage. For a more intense protection, look for products containing glutathione, green tea extracts (EGCG), astaxanthin, and resveratrol.
Ectoin is a molecule that specifically protects the skin from environmental stress and is promoted as an anti-pollution ingredient. It is very effective and must be incorporated into the skin routine along with the antioxidants or skin hydration. To improve barrier function, the use of a good moisturiser is essential, which contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and natural moisturising factors (NMFs). Finally, sun protection with a broad-spectrum sunscreen is imperative and nicely ties up the Morning routine.
Night routine will, of course, start with washing off all the pollution from the face, followed by a barrier-repairing, intense moisturiser. This may be followed by an active, which will depend on the need, eg, pigment reduction, anti-aging, or brightening”
Is steam beneficial for skin health?
“Regular steaming has many benefits for facial skin health. Benefits of steaming the face regularly include improved hydration, better pore cleansing, and enhanced absorption of skincare products. The warmth of the steam improves blood circulation, resulting in a natural, healthy glow,” reveals Dr Bhatt.
Steam acts as a natural purifier for your skin, opening up your pores to remove impurities, dirt, and toxins to make the skin cleaner and healthier.
In the case of sensitive skin, one must do safe practices, such as steaming for no more than 5-7 minutes and maintaining a safe distance from the steam.
In an era where pollution levels are rising faster than ever, protecting your skin is no longer optional—it’s essential. With the right habits, smart cleansing, and simple diet upgrades, you can shield your skin from daily environmental damage and restore its natural glow. By following dermatologist-approved practices, your skin not only survives pollution—it thrives despite it.
(This article is meant for informational purposes only and must not be considered a substitute for advice provided by qualified medical professionals. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.)