Save your skin from pollution

Chemical pollutants in air disrupt the normal balances of the skin and scalp, leading to problems like dryness, sensitivity, rashes, acne, allergic reactions, dandruff and related conditions. They also make the skin and hair dull, lacking vitality.

The skin is the first to bear the brunt of air pollutants, which not only attack the skin surface but also lead to an accumulation of toxins.

In fact, they are potent skin irritants. There are both long and short term effects of pollutants.

Chemical pollutants cause oxidation damage and this can lead to the manifestation of premature ageing signs on the skin, like wrinkles, loss of elasticity, dark patches and spots, etc.

Cleansing of the skin assumes more importance in order to get rid of the impurities and pollutants that are deposited on the skin.

If you have a dry skin, use a cleansing cream or gel. For oily skins, cleansing milk or face wash may be used.

Look out for products with ingredients like Sandalwood, Eucalyptus, Mint, Neem, Tulsi, Aloe Vera, etc, when you buy cosmetic products.

The antitoxin and tonic properties of such ingredients have helped in clearing skin congestion and eruptions that result from exposure to chemical pollutants.

Aloe vera is a powerful moisturiser, relieving dryness and making the skin healthy and soft. So are ingredients like apricot kernel oil, carrot seed, wheat germ oil, etc.

Antipollution cosmetics help to provide protection and reduce the damage caused by pollutants. These are basically “cover creams” that form a barrier between the skin and pollutants.

Sandalwood protective cream is very useful for this very purpose. It forms a transparent protective cover.

Sandalwood soothes the skin and protects it from irritative reactions and eruptive conditions. It suits all skin types and increases the skin’s moisture retention ability too.

Pollutants also collect on the scalp. Mix one teaspoon each of vinegar and Aloe vera gel with one egg. Massage the mixture lightly into the scalp.

Leave on for half-an-hour and then wash the hair. Rinse well with water. Or, give the hair hot oil therapy. Heat pure coconut oil and apply on the hair.

Then dip a towel in hot water, squeeze out the water and wrap the hot towel around the head, like a turban. Keep it on for 5 minutes.

Repeat the hot towel wrap 3 or 4 times. This helps the hair and scalp absorb the oil better. Leave the oil on overnight and wash hair the next day.

The impurities and pollutants can also affect the eyes, causing burning or redness. The eyes should be washed with plain water several times.

Soak cotton wool pads in chilled rose water or green tea and use them over the eyes as eye pads. Lie down and relax for fifteen minutes. This really helps to remove fatigue and brightens the eyes.