Singapore is generally known as a green and clean city-state, but if you think the frequent episodes of haze do not suggest the air’s true condition then you might as well give it a second thought. Even if you can’t smell anything foul in the air, Singapore actually has a higher carbon dioxide emission per capita in comparison to other developed countries.

Air pollution can cause myriad issues for the people residing around, but lately it has also been one of the trending words in the field of skincare after research discovered the harmful effects it brings onto the skin. Dirty air was never great for the skin as it has a lot of harmful particles, with some tiny enough to latch and slip through your pores.

You are not doomed, though. There are things you can do to protect your skin from the pollutants lurking in the air and this article will present some of them.

Cleanse
Pollutant particles might still be lurking on the surface of your skin or lodging in your hair follicles as you read this sentence, which is why the first step in protecting your skin has to be getting rid of these. It might require additional products to use and more time in the bathroom, but giving your skin a deep cleansing effectively removes more dirt compared to merely just washing.

Exfoliate
It is also equally important to get rid of the dead, polluted cells latched on the skin’s surface every time you wash your face. If anything, it’s a must. When it comes to exfoliating, be sure to use a product that is gentle enough on the skin even with regular use since it is ideal to exfoliate at least two-three times a week.

Antioxidants
Antioxidants neutralize the free radicals unleashed onto the skin by pollutants in the air. A lot of dermatologists advise applying a day cream rich in antioxidant vitamins on the skin if you plan on spending a day outdoors, and an addition of a vitamin C serum is also highly ideal. Not only does it give your skin the protection it needs but it also curbs and even reverses the age spots triggered by air pollution.

Treatment
Facial masks have greatly improved over the years. Gone were the days we relied solely on the cliché of black-colored mud packs and cucumber slices placed over one’s eyes. There are now masks sold in the market which will not only maintain the youthful vigor of your skin, but also block receptors that air pollutants usually latch onto. Using them ideally for at least once a week can further protect your skin.