City Skin Defense: Pollution-Proof Your Routine

Double cleanse nightly, use antioxidant serums morning and evening, and never skip SPF to create a barrier against urban pollutants.

1. Morning barrier creation. Start with vitamin C serum on clean skin, followed by a moisturizer with ceramides. This creates your first line of defense against free radicals that pollution generates throughout the day.
2. SPF as your shield. Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 minimum every morning, reapplying over makeup with powder or setting spray. UV rays amplify pollution damage, so this step is non-negotiable.
3. Evening deep clean. Double cleanse with an oil-based cleanser first to dissolve makeup and pollutants, then a gentle water-based cleanser. This removes the day's buildup that regular cleansing misses.
4. Antioxidant repair. Apply niacinamide or vitamin E serum at night to help repair daily damage and strengthen your skin barrier. These ingredients counteract the inflammatory effects of pollution exposure.