How to wash away pollution after a day in the city

There are plenty of benefits of living in a busy city: access to a sparkling social life and top restaurants being two of our favourites. But it’s not just the late nights and over indulging that can impact our skin – there’s pollution to contend with too.

Why is pollution bad news for our skin?

When we think of the effects over-exposure to pollution has on our skin, the first gripes that spring to mind are dullness and congestion. Pollution is associated with being grey and grimy, so it’s easy to picture it taking the radiance from our previously healthy-looking faces and clogging up our pores. Unfortunately, there’s more at play than these city stereotypes.

Pollution can damage the skin barrier, which means more irritants can sneak through the cracks. This can cause skin to become red, flaky and itchy, with conditions like psoriasis and eczema worsened.

If that wasn’t bad enough, pollution can also speed up the ageing process. It generates free radicals, which cause inflammation in the skin. This inflammation is then responsible for the production of age spots and the early appearance of fine lines.

Before you hop on a train and flee the city quicker than you can say “premature ageing”, rest assured that the way you care for your skin can minimise the damaging effects of pollution.

A step-by-step guide to washing away pollution

Here’s how to cleanse your skin properly in the evening, making sure there’s no pesky pollution sticking around. And remember, the sooner you wash your face after arriving home, the less time these particles are spending on your skin.

A step-by-step guide to washing away pollution

Here’s how to cleanse your skin properly in the evening, making sure there’s no pesky pollution sticking around. And remember, the sooner you wash your face after arriving home, the less time these particles are spending on your skin.

Step 1

Take two pumps of our Be Your Best Balm Cleanser and massage onto a dry face. Take the time to really work this into your skin, and don’t forget your neck – this area is often neglected, and can be one of the first places to show signs of ageing. This cleanser is safe to use around the eyes.

Step 2

Once you’ve given your skin a good massage, wet it to emulsify and activate the enzymes within the formula. Use a muslin cloth that’s been soaked in lukewarm water to gently remove the cleanser from the skin. Keep rinsing your cloth until there are no traces of makeup left.

Step 3

Now all of the surface level debris is out of the way, it’s time for our Better Off AHA/PHA Gel Cleanser. This is formulated with lactic, malic, and lactobionic acids to gently exfoliate away dead cells on the surface of the skin. Massage onto damp skin and rinse away with warm water. Skin will be left soft and glowing.

In the morning, there’s no need to double cleanse as skin hasn’t had to contend with external pollution overnight. Washing your face once is fine.

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