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Large cities are a mix of people, cars, industrial areas, and exhaust fumes. Like much of the world's population, you probably live in an area where air quality levels are inadequate. And that's bad news for your skin too.
High pollution levels can accelerate skin aging, promote inflammation, and worsen various dermatological conditions. Let's look at what anti-pollution really means, what the effects of smog are, and how to protect yourself.
What anti-pollution means
It doesn't refer to a single miracle ingredient, but to a set of complementary actions that help the skin manage exposure to particulate matter (PM), ozone, nitrogen oxides, and other oxidizing substances present in the air.
The literature describes these factors as capable of increasing the production of reactive oxygen species, activating pro-inflammatory pathways, and contributing to the deterioration of barrier function—an environment that worsens sensitivity and reactivity and, over time, promotes skin aging.
One useful thing to know when choosing: "anti-pollution" is not a regulated term, so there is no standard test a product must pass to use it. This means that what makes the difference is the formula, not the wording on the packaging. Further on, you'll find the four elements to look for.
How pollution reaches the skin
Understanding this is what allows you to choose wisely, because it explains what a cosmetic product can affect.
Particulate matter is classified by size, and size determines where it reaches.
| Particulate matter | Diameter | Where it reaches the skin |
|---|---|---|
| PM10 | below 10 µm | They remain on the surface and in skin folds |
| PM2.5 | below 2.5 µm | They settle in the follicular opening |
| Ultrafine particles (PM0.1) | below 0.1 µm | They can penetrate the stratum corneum |
To put it into perspective: a pore is about 50 micrometers in diameter, while a hair is 70. PM2.5 particles are twenty times smaller than a pore opening, which is why urban pollution is associated with comedones and uneven texture even in people who don't have oily skin.
This leads to the right strategy: work on larger particles with cleansing and surface care, and on ultrafine particles with antioxidants, which neutralize the free radicals they generate once they arrive. These are two different fronts, and both are needed.
One fact that almost no one considers: pollution isn't only outdoors. Indoor environments contain volatile organic compounds from cleaning products, dust, and airborne particles, which can worsen barrier function—particularly in people with atopic dermatitis. Spending eight hours in an office doesn't mean you're protected.
How to protect the skin: the four-step strategy
The goal is to reduce the load of particles and oxidants that comes into contact with the surface and strengthen the skin’s natural defenses.
1. Smart cleansing
It must remove smog, dust, and oxidized residue without leaving the skin stripped. Gentle surfactants and a pH compatible with that of the skin are needed to avoid a tight feeling.
It is the most underestimated step and perhaps the most important: particles deposited during the day remain on the skin until they are removed, continuing to oxidize sebum for all the hours they remain on the surface. Cleansing at night is not a cosmetic detail.
The most effective approach is double cleansing: a first oil-based step that dissolves sunscreen, oxidized sebum, and particles, followed by a lighter second step that removes whatever remains.
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CLEANSING DETOX MOUSSE Detoxifying facial cleansing mousse Remove makeup and any trace of impurities Respect the skin's balance Brightens a... Discover CLEANSING DETOX MOUSSE
2. Antioxidant serum in the morning
This is the heart of the strategy, and the most effective response to particles that no film can stop: it neutralizes free radicals generated when the skin is exposed to particulate matter, ozone, sunlight, and blue light.
What to look for: a pool of different antioxidants — water-soluble and fat-soluble antioxidants work in different compartments — ingredients that support the barrier, and a texture compatible with daily use under sunscreen.
Lycoglow Serum is based on mullein, betaine, and Hydromanil, with lycopene in liposomal form to brighten and protect.
LYCOGLOW SERUM Illuminating face serum and anti-pollution Illumina Improves hydration Helps to reduce skin flaking Protects from UV... Discover LYCOGLOW SERUM
3. Hydration and barrier lipids
An intact skin barrier is the first real anti-pollution defense: if the stratum corneum is compact and well hydrated, the skin is less permeable to irritants.
The cream is not just about comfort, but a functional component: humectants to retain water, biomimetic lipids to reinforce the structure, and soothing agents to calm micro-inflammation.
It becomes particularly important for dry or mature skin, during periods of intense exposure—winter in the city, wind, and sharp temperature changes—and for sensitive skin, where any weakening of the barrier results in stinging or redness.
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4. Daily sun protection
Often perceived as "only" anti-UV, it is actually also a cornerstone of an anti-pollution routine: UV rays amplify the oxidative stress generated by pollutants and contribute to extrinsic aging, skin discoloration, and a weakened barrier.
For it to really work, three conditions are necessary: a sufficient amount and reapplication when needed, a texture compatible with daily urban use—otherwise it will remain in the drawer—and pairing it with a morning antioxidant serum.
SPOT DEFENCE 50 SPF Anti-spot face sunscreen serum SPF 50 with encapsulated vitamin C and probiotic ferments for skin with discolorations... Discover SPOT DEFENCE 50 SPF
Frequently asked questions about anti-pollution skincare
What does an anti-pollution product really do?
It works on three fronts: it makes the surface less adhesive to particles, strengthens the barrier so it can filter more effectively, and neutralizes the free radicals generated by exposure. It is an active approach to managing urban exposure, and does more than any ordinary moisturizer.
I live in the countryside—does it still affect me?
Partly, yes. Particulate matter can travel for dozens of kilometres, and dust and agricultural treatments are added in rural areas. Above all, indoor pollution—volatile organic compounds from cleaning products, paints, and furnishings—does not depend on where your home is located.
Is washing thoroughly in the evening enough?
Evening cleansing is the single most useful step because it interrupts the oxidation that would otherwise continue throughout the night. However, antioxidants are needed in the morning to address the free radicals already generated during the day: together, these two steps cover the entire day.
Does makeup protect the skin or make things worse?
Foundation forms a film that traps some of the larger particles, so it offers some surface protection. Provided you remove it thoroughly in the evening; otherwise, it turns into a deposit of particles in prolonged contact with the skin.
How do I choose an anti-pollution product?
Check the INCI rather than the front of the packaging: look for several different antioxidants, barrier-supporting ingredients, and a texture you will actually use every day. A well-formulated antioxidant serum is anti-pollution even if it does not say so.
Does pollution cause acne?
It contributes: particulate matter that settles in the follicular opening and the oxidation of sebum promote comedones and inflammation. Acne nevertheless remains a multifactorial dermatological condition, and persistent cases should be referred to a dermatologist.
