As skincare professionals, we know that clients face numerous environmental aggressors daily, but few are as consistently damaging as pollution. Whether they live in busy urban centres or spend time commuting through traffic-heavy areas, exposure to pollutants can have a profound impact on their skin’s health and appearance. Educating your clients about how to protect their skin with an effective anti-pollution skincare routine is essential. Fortunately, it all begins with the basics: cleanse, tone, moisturise and SPF. Read on to find out more about the impact of pollution on the skin, and how you can recommend anti-pollution skincare for your clients.
The Impact of Pollution on Skin
Environmental pollution is caused by harmful substances and activities which disrupt the natural balance of the ecosystem. By-products and waste from human activities enter the environment to reduce air quality. Car exhausts, factories, dust and pollen are the main culprits. Air pollution can have an oxidative stress response on the skin. It can activate inflammation and skin problems like psoriasis and acne. It can also lead to dryness, sensitivity and premature ageing. If exposure to these particles is high, it can even cause pigmentation, dullness and wrinkles.
Anti-Pollution Skincare
To combat air pollution, promote an anti-pollution skincare regime.
Cleanse
Cleansing is the first step in an anti-pollution skincare routine. Clients must never skip this step so encourage them to ‘wash the day off their face’. A double cleanse in the evening will effectively lift away makeup, grime, excess oils and debris that settle on the skin throughout the day.
Toner
Toning after cleansing helps to remove any residual impurities remaining on the skin. Advise clients that when environmental aggressors and pollution stress the skin, toner can also help to rebalance the skin’s natural barrier. This step in an anti-pollution skincare routine also preps the skin to absorb subsequent products more effectively.
Moisturise & SPF
Pollution can weaken the skin’s natural moisture barrier, so remind clients that keeping it well hydrated with a nourishing moisturiser is key to maintaining resilience and bounce. Along with this, pollution and UV exposure work hand-in-hand to accelerate skin damage, so emphasise to clients how daily sun protection is non-negotiable, even on cloudy days.
Bonus Tip: SkinBase Hydro Facial
For best results, recommend a Hydro Facial to treat skin. Offer your clients a dual-serum approach. By using both the Brightening and the Renewing serums, they will benefit from antioxidant and anti-aging ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide.
Don’t offer Hydro Facial? Become a SkinBase Provider today.
