Pollution is one of the biggest inconveniences of urban living. Several elements can impact your skin, such as toxic particles, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide emissions. Delhi and its adjacent states are engulfed in an intolerable smog that refuses to dissipate. 

Pollution is hazardous at these levels. Everyone should take steps to reduce their exposure. 

What you should do?

1. Stay indoor - Avoid exercising outdoors when pollution levels are high. When the air is bad. 

2. Cut down on alcohol, processed meats, sugar, fried foods, and refined flour.

3. Drinking enough water is necessary for proper skin health. When you drink enough water your body flushes out toxins and helps you keep your skin clear.

4. Antioxidants in food and supplements help fight free radicals from within. Have more cherries, blueberries, nuts, tomatoes, and leafy green vegetables.” 

5.  Remove your makeup and properly cleanse your face twice a day to remove dirt and get rid of as many pollutants as possible.

6. Moisturizers - Regularly moisturizing strengthens the skin barrier to minimize the potential for air pollutants to penetrate skin cells and cause oxidative stress.

7. Protect your skin from the sun. We can’t stress it enough: applying sun protection (or a cream that includes sun protection) on a daily basis is essential. Not only are UV rays harmful to the skin, but they also amplify the effects of pollutants! So, make sure to apply sunscreen every day, year-round.

8. Prioritize exercise, sleep, and healthy eating. These habits boost overall skin health by supporting its natural barrier function. All of these increase metabolism and help eliminate toxins from the body.

9. N95/99 masks should be used whenever you step out. Particles smaller than 2.5 microns are both damaging and dangerous, so choose a mask that can filter them out. A mask should fit snugly over the bridge of the nose and cover the whole nose and mouth. It will utterly ruin the point if it does not fit correctly.

10. Have a high concentration of house plants to purify the air inside your house. Just a handful won’t cut it. The ability of plants to detoxify the air is extraordinary. While leaves absorb carbon dioxide and light, converting them into energy through photosynthesis, they also absorb volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air. Thus, the leafier the plant, the more toxins it will be able to absorb.

11. If your home or office is prone to indoor air pollution, an air purifier can be helpful to remove harmful particles and improve your air quality.

12. To relax your airways and assist your body eliminate hazardous particle substances, 

try inhaling steam with a few drops of eucalyptus oil every day in the evening.

We at One Bharat know how annoying it can be to have irritated, dry and sensitive skin during the winter. But armed with these tips, your skin has no reason to fear!