Pollution Isn't Pretty: Protect Your Skin and Scalp

Next-level skin and scalp products to keep you clean in a dirty world.

By The LifeMinute Team

January 26, 2016

What we've guessed for years has now been proven: Pollution has an adverse reaction on our skin, scalp and hair, aging us before our time. The good news? There are top-level products designed to combat these effects.

Magic Micelles

"One of my favorite products is created by La Roche-Posay. It's a Miceller Water, which is a cleanser," says dermatologist Alysa Herman. This trendy new product category is a favorite of dermatologists and consumers alike because it contains small micelles which act like little sponges on the surface of the skin. These molecules remove the small polluted particles, leaving skin clean and smooth.

As a bonus: "It doesn't compromise the barrier of the skin. It's very gentle and reestablishes the physiological barrier of the skin, so it's not drying."

Pollution Protection

Ultraviolet radiation is a very large component of skin aging. So every day, no matter where you live, rain or shine, experts suggest using an effective broad-spectrum sunscreen. "Anthelios, created by La Roche-Posay, is one of my favorite go-to suncreens to recommend to my patients because it has broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. You want to use it every single day," says Herman.

Excellent Antioxidants

Since pollution depletes skin of antioxidants, experts suggest replacing these must-have youth protectors back onto the skin. "SkinCeuticals creates a powerhouse product called Phloretin CE which has three powerful antioxidants: pholoretin, Vitamin C and ferulic acid," says Herman.

"These will collectively protect skin from the effects of pollution, as well as radiation."

Scalp Sense

The scalp is one of the most often-forgotten areas on the body, but it is also susceptible to the effects of pollution. "Pollution can cause dryness, itchiness, flakiness and dandruff," says Herman. "Head & Shoulders did some research and came up with a new line called Nourishing Hair & Scalp Shampoo and Conditioner. It keeps the scalp healthy and protects it from the effects of pollution."

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