Naturally . . . combating air pollutants

I cycle almost everywhere, and every so often I get a foul gulp of exhaust from a passing bus or car and am reminded that there are all sorts of invisible pollutants floating around in the air, particularly in traffic-clogged cities. I’ve worried about them making their way into my lungs, but they’re not great for skin either.

Air pollution is believed to clog pores, cause allergic reactions, increase inflammation and even accelerate ageing in the skin.

A 2010 German study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that women living in urban areas had 20 per cent more hyperpigmentation, or age spots, on their cheeks and foreheads than women living elsewhere.

Particle pollutants, which are widely believed to release free radicals, are the main concern. This type of pollution is the combination of tiny particles and liquid droplets in the air. It’s made up of a number of components, including acids, metals, chemicals, dust, pollen, soot and smoke.

In recent years, the beauty industry has rolled out products aimed at urbanites promising to combat the harmful effects of pollution. But treating skin for overexposure to car exhaust, industrial emissions and other environmental hazards looks a lot like treating it for fine lines and wrinkles. Like anti-ageing products, antipollution products focus on antioxidants, which neutralise free radicals before they cause damage.

To get your fill of antioxidants, a diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables is essential, followed by antioxidant-rich topicals. Proper cleansing will help rid you of the dirt and grime the city has smacked all over your face, and will make sure you absorb the goodness of your free-radical-fighting moisturiser.

And as life moves faster in the city, quick-fix solutions for cleaner, plumper skin are much appreciated.

Clay masks are a great way to deeply cleanse your skin and quickly brighten up your complexion. They draw out impurities, stave off blackheads and breakouts and refine pores.

I love Get Glowing (€38, voya.ie, pictured bottom) from Irish brand Voya because it does just that – gets you glowing. This clay mask is made with more than 70 per cent organic ingredients, including hand-harvested Atlantic seaweed and nourishing essential oils. After just 10 minutes my skin looks brighter and feels silky soft and squeaky clean.

Slightly easier on the wallet, Caudalie’s Instant Detox Mask (€20, Arnotts) is aimed at city dwellers looking for a deep clean. You need only five minutes with this mask, which combines natural clay, grape marc, coffee and essential oils to absorb the bad stuff and nourish the skin.

If you’re willing to splash out, a number of sonic facial brushes on the market promise a more thorough cleanse than anything out of a tube or tub. I’m not convinced they’re entirely worth the money, but I’d have to admit my Luna Mini by Foreo (€119) – which is less expensive than many of its competitors and is gentler on the skin – leaves my skin surprisingly smooth and clear. You apply your cleanser as usual, wet the silicone brush and gently glide it over your skin as it pulses away. It claims to unclog pores of 99.5 per cent dirt and oil and 98.5 per cent of makeup residue.

For gentle exfoliation to help antioxidant-rich products work their way into the skin, I love Le Mieux’s Vita-C Clear Skin Pads (€55, Neelu’s in Arnotts). This micropeel includes glycolic acid, botanical extracts and vitamin C, which work to smooth fine lines, minimise hyperpigmentation and keep the skin bright and glowing.

And I’ve recently discovered Skyn Iceland’s Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels (€25.50 for eight pairs, Marks & Spencer, pictured centre). They don’t look like much but they’ll surprise you. Place these sticky gels under your eyes for just 10 minutes for an instant eye-lift effect. They reduce puffiness, plump up fine lines and leave the skin smooth and moist – just what skin battling the elements needs before a night out on the town.