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ASA TALLGARD/ART PARTNER LICENSING/RAVEN & SNOW

SOMETHING

IN THE

Ai r

A

nti-pollution skincare may not be a new con-

cept, but increased attention on the poor air

quality in countries like China and India,

together with rising global contamination lev-

els, have pushed it squarely into the spotlight.

“We’re constantly learning about how higher

levels of ‘ambient particulate matter’ affect our skin,” explains

Elizabeth Arden’s consulting dermatologist Dr Dendy Engelman.

And with the world’s population and industrialisation steadily

increasing, this is more than a fleeting fad.

POLLUTION SOLUTIONS

Five ways to safeguard your skin, from left: La Prairie

Foam Cleanser, $100; Dior One Essential Mist-Lotion, $94;

Dr Dennis Gross C+ Collagen Vitamin C Serum, $125;

Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart Hydrating Shield,

$89; Sukin Anti-Pollution Facial Masque, $15.95.

“You cannot get away from your

genetics, so be especially mindful

of what you can control, which

is environmental exposure”

• Dr Dendy Engelman, Elizabeth Arden

Pollution is not just affecting our health,

it’s also damaging our skin. Sherine Youssef

discovers what it takes to face a dirty world

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

“Air pollution is the next UV – traffic pollution is emerging as one

of the most toxic substances for the skin,” says Belinda Besant, La

Prairie’s training manager (other skin-damaging pollutants

include particulate matter, smoke, surface ozone or smog, and

nitrogen oxide gas from burning fuel).

Prolonged or repetitive exposure to pollution harms the skin

in a myriad of ways: it can lead to a decrease in collagen levels,

trigger inflammation, and tiny atmospheric particles can ignite

melanocytes, with the cheeks and forehead often showing the first

signs of hyperpigmentation.

“The pollutants we encounter every day are largely inescapa-

ble, and particulate matter can attach to the skin,” says Besant.

As the skin barrier becomes weakened, it can take years to start

seeing an effect – but it will happen.