Air Pollution vs. Your Skin
Just heading out the door is a dangerous adventure for your skin. While it may be the largest organ in your body, it's also the one that gets the more exposure to chemicals and other toxins. Air pollution alone accounts for much of the aging that your skin undergoes – even though you can't see the pollution or feel it enter your body. There are ways you can reduce your skin's exposure without having to stay at home.
One of the easiest ways to protect your skin from air pollution is to create a barrier between your skin and the pollution. There are several ways to achieve this. One is with your first layer of sunscreen. This should be applied right after any other lotions that you might use on your skin in the morning before your makeup. Sunscreen contains filters for blocking the light and can help to reduce the impact of pollution. In addition, you might want to add a layer of powder or of foundation to help add another barrier.
Not only can you add a layer or protection on your skin, but you can also add an internal layer of protect by fortifying your body's ability to excrete toxins. By making sure to eat a balanced diet and drinking lots of water, you will encourage your body to expel any dangerous chemicals from the environment. You might also want to try some herbal remedies like dandelion root to help with further liver and cellular detoxification.
If you live in an area with a lot of pollution, your best bet is to avoid going out during times when the pollution is at its worst. Try doing most of your traveling early in the morning or late at night to help minimize the damage to your skin. If you can stay inside of a car or a subway, that's the best option.
Though you might want to walk outside, try to head as far away from the city as possible to breathe clean air and to expose your skin to air that's not going to cause wrinkles or cellular damage.