While my fellow city dwellers might be wondering what we can do to stop this damage (aside from starting a new trend, hazmat suit-chic), I do have a silver lining to this cloud. There are some things we can do to at least minimize the pummeling our skin is taking from our daily dose of smog:
Never leave the house without sunscreen.Even on a cloudy day in a windy city, the sun's UVA and UVB rays can find their way to you, bringing sunspots and premature wrinkles. Exercise damage control by limiting sun exposure whenever possible and protecting your skin with products like CHANEL UV Essentiel, $48, which contains UVA and UVB blocker Zinc.
Stop smoking.
In an already polluted environment, the last thing your skin needs is a cloud of smoke front and center. Yes, it looks glamorous in movies; yes, it abstains your appetite; and yes, it's addictive. But cigarette smoke not only speeds up signs of aging, it also clogs pores and may worsen acne. Is it really worth fitting into your skinny jeans if your face suffers?
Moisturize like there's no tomorrow.
Celebrity derms and makeup artists -- most of whom have seen what late nights of socializing and long days at work can do to skin -- insist that moisture be a top priority. "Use the best product for your skin, not necessarily the most expensive," says celebrity makeup artist Patty Bunch. Since smog depletes your skin of moisture-rich antioxidants, consider popping open a skincare capsule of Vitamin E or C to supplement the loss. (Tip: You can even use it as a primer under makeup.)
Eat more greens.
"By having a diet that is very rich in greens [and/or] supplemented with green pounder drinks you can get in health food stores ... you raise your body's PH balance, which leads to anti-aging," says dermatologist Dr. Jeanette Graf. On the other hand, acid producers like caffeine, alcohol, dairy and cigarette smoke need to be limited as they have the opposite effect.
Baby your blemishes.
When you're exposing skin to city dirt and grime, especially during sweat-filled summer months, a blemish (or handful of them) is bound to happen. Don't panic or pick; you'll get scars. Patiently wait it out and cover it with a sweat-resistant formula: Moisturize a clean blemish with a skin salve or balm like 100% Pure Organic Healing Moisturizing Balm, $25, then brush on concealer (like CHANEL Correcteur Perfection Long Lasting Concealer, $40). No time to wait it out? Head to your derm for a hydrocortisone injection, which can safely deflate a monster zit within 24 hours.
Get five more tips to keep your skin protected here!
- Wondering if all that smog is making you look older than you are? Take this quiz to find out.
- Or click here for help finding the perfect skin care regimen for you.
- Ever wonder how the "other half" take care of their skin? Find out here!
