Anti-pollution beauty products

Actress Aicha Reid has had a strict skincare regimen since high school. 

"I'm always looking for, like, the latest tips, the latest tricks for my skin," she said. "You know, what more can I do really?"

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It wasn't until recently though that she started facing her fear that air pollution might be damaging her skin.

Reid explained, "It's happened before where I'm walking by a bus and then all of a sudden there's just like this thick black smoke just wafting into my face and I'm just like, 'my pores!'" 

Reid isn't alone. A Mintel report found that in the United States, 34% of women are concerned about the effects of pollution, the environment, and radiation on their skin. Cosmetic companies are taking notice.

"There's been an explosion of products that are either being developed or remarketed for the purpose of decreasing damage from air pollution," explained Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Amy Derick, who's also a member of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Products that are promoted to remove particulates from the skin, or neutralize free radicals, which are molecules experts say injure the skin's cells and cause inflammation.  But, is pollution really a concern when it comes to skincare?  Derick says recent research indicates the answer is yes.

"Pollution can accelerate normal aging by breaking down collagen and increasing free radicals in the skin, so I think that it can accelerate the aging process in certain people," she said.

Which experts say, over time, can lead to dullness, wrinkles and dark spots. Derick recommends using a cleansing brush to decrease the amount of pollution left on your skin overnight and also a topical antioxidant.

"If air pollution does get through into your skin and starts to create damage, these antioxidants are able to kind of scavenge the free radicals that are created and may decrease the damage that's done," she explained.

So, how do you decide which products are right for you?   Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi, who consults for cosmetic companies, suggests consulting with a dermatologist on your skincare routine.  She also has a word of warning.

"Buyer beware. Do your homework. Find out what products have been shown to be scientifically helpful. Find out which ones are not just jumping on the pollution bandwagon, and those that have really gone and put in some research behind it," said Tanzi, who's also a member of the American Academy of Dermatology.

While Tanzi says there is science behind protecting the skin from air pollution, she says we're only beginning to understand the effects of pollution on the skin and she anticipates even more growth in the number of products to fight pollution damage.

"Much more research is needed to find out exactly what is happening with not only ozone pollution but particulate pollution on the skin over time, how can we combat it? We're really only seeing the beginning of this process," Tanzi added.

Reid, who sticks to natural products, says her skin looks even better now that she's paying attention to the air around her.

"I've noticed a major improvement in my skin since I started taking, you know, proper steps to sort of counter the effects of air pollution damage," she said.

Cosmetic industry studies are underway to further investigate the effects of pollution on the skin, and industry experts also say we can expect even more anti-pollution skincare products on the market in the near future. 

Derick says it's even possible research will show that different types of pollution have different mechanisms for creating damage to the skin.

Products shown or talked about in this story:


Information on free radicals:


Recent research on pollution and the skin:


Press Release regarding industry study: