Pollution Can Age Your Skin. Here’s What Derms Say Can Protect It

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

Not to be an alarmist, but climate change isn't coming. It's already here. Beyond the recent Canadian wildfires that burned millions of acres and negatively impacted the air quality of the Northeast, USA Today reports that a new study shows the majority of summer forest fires in California are primarily caused by climate change.

“We show that nearly all of the observed increase in burned area in California over the past half century is attributable to human-caused climate change,” Don Lucas, a scientist and a coauthor of the study, told the publication.

Of course, it goes without saying we should all be doing our part to cut down on our emissions and limit climate change and shop in a more eco-friendly manner whenever possible. But what can we be doing in the meantime to protect ourselves from the increase in pollution? As a beauty editor who has experienced the smog and pollution from the recent wildfires, I immediately felt compelled to chat with two of my most-trusted medical experts about anti-pollution skincare.

The dermatologists explain anti-pollution skincare, its many benefits, their favorite anti-pollution ingredients, and go-to beauty products. While using anti-pollution skincare products won't contribute to fighting climate change, incorporating these expert-loved items in our daily routine can be helpful the peace of mind knowing our skin is being taken care of properly.

What to Consider

How Does Air pollution Damage the Skin?

According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rebecca Marcus, M.D., FAA, air pollutants damage the skin by activating metabolic and inflammatory processes. “These processes can lead to [an] acceleration of signs of aging, such as lentigines (brown spots) and wrinkling in the skin, and may even exacerbate inflammatory skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis [eczema] and acne. In addition, UV radiation interacts with air pollutants to form a ground-level ozone, which creates free radicals that damage [the] skin by creating an oxidative stress response," she explains.

So, What Does Anti-Pollution Mean in Skincare?

Marcus and fellow board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick, M.D., FAAD, agree that anti-pollution in skincare refers to incorporating ingredients, such as antioxidants, that help protect the skin against free radical damage that causes oxidative stress on the skin.

How Should We Protect Our Skin from Pollution?

Marcus says we can protect our skin by using products that contain antioxidants. “It is also important to thoroughly cleanse the skin at the end of each day, ensuring complete removal of dirt, debris, and pollutants that may have accumulated on our skin throughout the day,” she advises. For more information on our favorite cleansers, explore our guides to the best face washes for acne-prone skin and face cleansers for every skin type.

What Ingredients Protect Against Pollution?

We've mentioned antioxidants quite a bit, but what exactly are they, and why should you use them? "Antioxidants protect the skin against pollution as they help to neutralize free radicals and prevent free radical damage that can be caused by pollution. Some antioxidants include vitamins C and E," notes Garshick.

Another winning ingredient in someone's anti-pollution skincare routine is ectoin, a compound sometimes called extremolyte, which offers protection against external stressors. Garshick says it can also help to moisturize the skin as well as support the skin barrier.

Does Sunscreen Protect Skin from Pollution?

If you're familiar with our beauty content, it's unsurprising that we love sunscreen. From sports sunscreens and SPFs for darker skin tones, to our guides on scalp sunscreen and sunscreen for oily skin, we have everyone's sun protection needs covered.

Understanding the importance sunscreen plays in guarding the skin against the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays, I just had to ask the pros their honest thoughts about sunscreen potentially protecting the skin from pollution.

Here’s the tea straight from Marcus: “Physical SPF [aka mineral sunscreen] does help to protect against some forms of pollution. Using a physical sunscreen containing ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide is beneficial because these ingredients exert their protective effects by forming a physical barrier on top of the skin that prevents harmful UV rays from reaching the skin. Since some pollutants are activated by UV radiation, this protective physical barrier can help defend skin against pollution-induced damage.”

How We Chose

Since Marcus and Garshick are two of our most trusted dermatologists, I asked both experts to share their picks for the best anti-pollution skincare products. These products contain antioxidants such as vitamin C, boast hundreds of impressive online reviews, and start at just $39 on Sephora, Amazon, and Ulta. And because our skincare content runs deep, I vetted all of the vitamin C serums we've previously recommended and settled on a popular derm-approved serum that will help protect the skin from pollution.

And if you or a loved one is interested in more content around air quality and skincare, be sure to explore our beauty page and guides to air quality monitors and air purifiers for an updated list of expert-loved, Best Tested products.

Magic Cream Moisturizer

I recently named this one of the best night creams available, so when Marcus picked it as one of her anti-pollution skincare recommendations, I knew this was undoubtedly our best overall pick.

“Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream contains vitamins C and E, which have both been shown to be reduced in the skin after exposure to pollution. This formula also contains hydrating hyaluronic acid, which helps to reinforce the skin barrier, which in turn helps [the] skin to resist damaging pollutants,” explains Marcus.

I've been using Magic Cream on and off for almost 4 years, so I can confidently attest to its ability to hydrate and plump up the skin. During New York winters, my oily complexion becomes more like combination skin, so I love to slather on this cream when braving the cold.

My mom has dry skin, and she's also obsessed with this product because it does an excellent job of moisturizing her skin. She loves the lavish feel, scent, and fast absorption of the product, noting it's a great fit for her skincare goals and is much gentler on her wallet than her former favorite La Mer cream.

More: I'm a Beauty Editor, and These Are the Best Cream Blushes

Brightening Vitamin C & Ferulic Acid Serum

Looking to incorporate a lightweight, oil-free face serum into your anti-pollution skincare routine? Opt for Garshick's budget-friendly solution from Acure.

She appreciates that it blends brightening vitamin C and ferulic acid with pineapple extract and matcha tea to improve dullness and discoloration. It's also infused with papaya extract, which helps fight free radical damage, minimizes signs of aging, and exfoliates dull skin.

Many online reviews consider it their go-to serum that can be used twice daily. The frequency of use will depend on how your skin reacts to these ingredients, so it's best to start with one night and increase the frequency as necessary.

I also have great news for anyone dealing with teen or adult acne — several reviewers note it helps clear up their pesky pimples. “I’m only a couple weeks into using this, but it’s the only thing I’ve changed in my routine, and WOW. With this serum, I’ve noticed my pores clearing out and acne healing faster, with no/very few new pimples popping up,” says one mid-30s Amazon reviewer dealing with acne and fine lines.

Blue Light Protect + Set Mist

Garshick is a massive fan of ILIA's anti-pollution skincare product. We're also fans and previously named the company one of the best clean beauty brands ever. “This non-sticky mist works to hydrate, set makeup while also providing protection from blue light and pollution, making it a great option for on the go to help refresh and reset the skin,” she says.

ILIA's face mist relies on marine actives to hydrate, firm, and guard the skin against pollution, while tara extract neutralizes free radicals and protects the skin from blue light exposure. Mastic is especially handy for summer because it minimizes shine, acts as a pore minimizer, and visibly smoothes the skin.

Pro tip: Store this hybrid facial mist and finishing spray in your fridge. It feels incredibly refreshing on the skin, and doctors previously told us that cold beauty products help soothe irritation and help extend the product's lifespan.

Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50

Garshick notes some sunscreens may contain ingredients that help to protect the skin against free radical damage, in addition to protecting against UV rays. Her go-to solution is the Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex.

“This lightweight, broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen uses zinc oxide 12%, iron oxide, antioxidants, and a patented Enviroscreen technology to protect against UVA/UVB, blue light, pollution, and infrared radiation,” gushes Garshick.

Although Sunforgettable is available in four shades, it doesn't leave behind an annoying white cast on darker skin tones. Garshick promises it blends easily, and the iron oxide pigments adapt to someone's complexion. (Colorescience advises using a lighter color if someone is between shades.)

Another winning aspect? Garshick says it doesn’t leave the skin greasy, so it’s fantastic for all skin types. “It is also hydrating and contains niacinamide to help soothe the skin and aid the skin barrier,” she adds.

Deep Hydration Daily Shade + Blue Light Defense SPF 30

Dermatologists, the FDA, and organizations like the American Academy of Dermatology all agree that broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential when exposed to the sun. However, if you only have $20 to spend, let this be your next anti-pollution skincare product.

Unlike the pricier ColorScience option, this Andalou sunscreen is best for someone who doesn't need tinted sunscreen or cares about minimizing the damage caused by infrared radiation.

"This ultra lightweight formula combines apple stem cells, biodesigned collagen, and hyaluronic acid with zinc oxide to protect the skin while also nourishing it and hydrating it. It also contains ectoin providing additional protection against environmental stressors like blue light and pollution. It has a fresh and light fragrance leaving you feeling refreshed," Garshick says.

It's also the only SPF on our list that earned a special seal from the Skin Cancer Foundation, indicating the nonprofit recognizes it as a sunscreen safe for daily broad-spectrum protection.

A bonus: While not as eco-friendly as a refillable beauty product, like the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream, this packaging is made with 50% recycled plastic, which is a step in the right direction to help cut down on waste.

Serum 6

Marcus founded Maei MD, so naturally, she created her favorite anti-pollution skincare product. Still, I'm confident anyone looking to add a gentle, lightweight addition to their beauty routine will also be a fan of this item.

Serum 6 is fragrance-free and specifically formulated for sensitive skin in mind, so it's no wonder Marcus and her patients are obsessed with this product. Notably, it contains an antioxidant-rich blend of vitamin C and pinus pinaster, an ingredient Marcus says is shown in studies to recycle vitamin C, increasing its utility and activity in the skin.

“In addition, as pollution has been shown to negatively impact the skin microbiome, the probiotics in Serum 6 can help by supporting the skin’s natural microbiome. The serum absorbs quickly and completely and acts as a smooth base under makeup and sunscreen,” she explains.

It also contains hyaluronic acid of various molecular weights, which hydrate and plump the skin, giving the complexion a uniform glow.

C E Ferulic

Since our experts highlighted vitamin C as a game-changer in an anti-pollution skincare routine, I wanted to share what many consider the gold standard of vitamin C serums.

I previously named this the best vitamin C serum because the award-winning formula provides advanced environmental protection and improves the loss of firmness and wrinkles.

“This serum features a synergistic antioxidant combination of 15% pure vitamin C (ascorbic acid), 1% vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), and 0.5% ferulic acid. This combination enhances the protection against environmental stress and damage caused by free radicals,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Alain Michon, M.D., of Ottawa Skin Clinic, previously told us.

It also comes in an amber glass jar, which dermatologists previously highlighted as an easy way to ensure vitamin C products remain shelf-stable.

You Might Also Like

• The Paris Hilton Housewares Collection Brings ‘That’s Hot’ Energy to Your Kitchen

• 16 Best Noise-Canceling Headphones Perfect for Rocking Out in Quiet Bliss

• Beyoncé Uses This $26 Amazon Product for Her Glossy Blonde Hair