11 Expert-Approved Anti-Pollution Skincare Ingredients

Jessica Ourisman · Oct 9, 2018

City gals, it's time you knew: Pollution stands between you and your skincare goals. Everything from car exhaust and industrial waste to smoke from fires and even stovetop fumes can contribute to skin symptoms like inflammation, hyper-pigmentation, wrinkles, dullness, and dark circles. The environmental irritants create free radicals that accelerate cell oxidation, which basically causes them to age faster. But by using ingredients like ceramides that boost the body's natural protection from external nasties, you can get your anti-aging regimen on track. Read on to learn about 11 ingredients that experts recommend for the ultimate anti-pollution skincare routine.

Vitamin C: Look for the tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate form of vitamin c, which is preferable for anti-pollution protection due to its lipid-soluble formula, according to NYC-based dermatologist Neal Schultz of Beauty RX. It is absorbed more deeply into the cells, protecting skin from the inside out and aiding with repair overall. Brit + Co Pick: Allies of Skin 1A All-Day Pollution Repair Mask ($99)

Algae: "Algae helps protect the skin and [improves] circulation," says Jacqueline Schaffer, a board-certified physician and founder of Schique Skincare. "These two main functions assist the skin from retaining toxic environmental factors." To try it out for yourself, consider a detoxifying mask that provides a weekly deep cleanse. Brit + Co pick: Leahlani Mermaid Mask ($38)

Mineral Blockers: Mineral SPFs like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide form a physical barrier that prevent UV rays and environmental toxins from reaching our complexions. How's that as a case for mineral sunscreen (over chemical)? Brit + Co pick: Arbonne Intelligence Pollution Defense CC Broad Spectrum SPF Sunscreen ($44)

Niacinamide: Damaged skin barriers increase the risk of inflammation, which is why barrier-strengthening niacinamide, or vitamin B3, is clutch. This serum relays comprehensive antioxidant protection against the three sources of free radical damage — oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen free radicals — that we face on the reg. (Pun intended.) Brit + Co pick: Grown Alchemist Detox Serum Antioxidant+3 Complex ($55)

Vitamin E: Look for two forms of vitamin E — tocopherol and tocotrienol — that are necessary for long-term protection, according to Schultz. The synthetic, vitamin E-based antioxidant lipochroman, was specifically designed to fend off pollutants as well. Brit + Co pick: Dr. Loretta Anti-Aging Repair Moisturizer ($70)

Dandelion: Dandelions really can grant our wishes — for purified complexions, that is. It aids the skin in its natural detoxification process, which, in effect, prevents premature aging. Brit + Co pick: Schique Skincare Intuitive Restoration Renewing Mask ($48)

Ceramide 3, Sterols, Fatty Acids: Combined in the right proportions, these three ingredients result in a healthy, functioning skin barrier. In other words, the protective trifecta is the ultimate way to show your complexion some love. Brit + Co pick: Orveda Skincare Eye Unveiler 422 ($234)

Green Tea: Our fave beverage is fab for our skin due to its antioxidant-rich make-up. Schultz calls it a top ingredient for free radical protection and praises its circulation-boosting effect thanks to caffeine. Brit + Co pick: Peach & Lily Matcha Pudding Antioxidant Cream ($48)

Thermus Thermophilus Ferment: Fermented ingredients relay antioxidant relief to stressed-out skin — and thermus thermophilus ferment is one of the best, according to Sue Y. Nabi, an agronomy and environmental engineer and the founder of Orveda. She claims that it outperforms both vitamins C and E in providing skin protection. Brit + Co pick: Rhonda Allison Sea Gems ($85)

Prebiotics: Think of prebiotics as vitamins for the skin. Specifically, they nourish and protect the probiotic bacteria that make up the biome on the surface of your complexion. While environmental stressors can disrupt the delicate balance and put the skin barrier at risk, prebiotics help keep the area balanced and healthy. Brit + Co pick: Zelens Z Balance Prebiotic & Probiotic Facial Mist ($78)

Chicory Root: It's not just for a morning boost. Including it in your regimen, particularly when followed by a moisturizer, helps keep irritants at bay. Brit + Co pick: Tula Purifying Cleanser ($28)

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