According to the WHO, nearly the entire global population (99%) breathes air that exceeds recommended pollution  limits. While this air pollution increases the risk of cardiovascular, respiratory diseases, and lung cancer, it is equally harmful to our skin and hair. It causes oxidative stress within cells, which struggle to eliminate free radicals, slowing down their repair mechanisms.

As a result, the skin appears more tired, dehydrated, and dull. Skin aging is accelerated, with exacerbated dark spots, acne, and sensitivity. Hair becomes less shiny, more brittle, and split ends appear, while the roots become highly sensitive.  These issues are worsened by the limescale that comes with every shower and hand wash.

So, what anti-pollution steps should you take to address this? There’s no miracle cure; the only solution is to follow a precise beauty routine. To maximize  effectiveness, use products specifically formulated to detoxify and create a protective barrier for your skin and hair.

Invest in a water softener 

The first anti-pollution step is to install a water softener in your shower. Increasingly popular, this solution removes limescale residues from tap water by exchanging calcium and magnesium ions (responsible for limescale formation) for sodium ions, resulting in softened water.

With fewer irritants,  the skin no longer feels tight and hair becomes less dry. If installing a water softener is too complex, start by investing in a limescale-reducing showerhead. Equipped with a special filter, it softens the water and increases the flow rate, leading to consumption savings.

Follow a precise routine 

While there are solutions to clean your home, you cannot control outdoor pollution. To minimize damage, it is important to adhere to a precise skincare and haircare routine.

Cleanse 

To remove all external pollution molecules (gases, smoke, fine particles, etc.), cleanse your skin deeply every morning and evening with products suited to your needs. Use a milk, oil, mousse, or micellar water for your face, ensuring the cotton pad is completely clear before moving on to the next step. For the body, choose a neutral pH cleanser to maintain the skin barrier.

Once a week, exfoliate to remove limescale residues, pollutants, and dead cells. Follow this with a purifying mask, preferably with detoxifying charcoal. Note that more brands are now developing specific anti-pollution treatments.

The right product

Chanel anti-pollution cleansing mousse

This mousse deeply cleanses and purifies the skin with two detoxifying marine plant extracts. It removes impurities like pollutants, dust, sweat, and excess sebum. The creamy texture transforms into a delicate mousse upon contact with water.

Price: 617 DH for a 150 ml tube.
Available at selective perfumeries.

For hair, the process is similar. It is recommended to wash hair every 2 to 3 days with gentle, sulfate-free products to avoid damaging the hair fiber already stressed by limescale and pollution. Every 15 days, use a detox shampoo with a slightly more cleansing formula. Opt for products enriched with mint, salicylic, glycolic, and lactic acids, known for their anti-pollution efficacy.

The right product: 

L’Oréal Professionnel Metal Detox Line

L’Oréal Professionnel has recently launched a complete range for dry, dull, and brittle hair: Metal Detox. It has been shown that porous hair absorbs twice as much water. When metal in water penetrates the hair fiber, it increases the risk of breakage.  The Metal Detox protocol is enriched with glycoamine that penetrates the hair fiber to neutralize metal. Results? After the first use, hair is deeply nourished, appears shinier, and becomes less prone to breakage with each wash.

Price: Shampoo 175 DH for 300 ml bottle, mask 230 DH for 250 ml jar, concentrated oil 229 DH for 50 ml bottle.
Available at selective perfumeries.

Hydrate 

After bathing or showering, it is important to deeply nourish the skin to protect it from free radicals and repair damage caused by limescale and pollution. Favor hydrating hyaluronic acid and antioxidants like vitamins C and E. Regularly use thermal water to soothe irritations. Apply it to the entire face (and body if needed) just before your moisturizer.

The right product: 

Dr. Barbara Sturm Anti-Pollution Drops

This innovative serum contains a special formula  made from marine microorganism extracts that boost skin defenses, neutralize heavy metals, and reduce inflammation caused by pollution. Hyaluronic acid hydrates while cacao seed extract offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Price: 1750 DH for a 30 ml bottle.
Available at Esthécare.

For hair to regain its flexibility and vitality, use nourishing and repairing masks. Also, rinse your hair with diluted white or cider vinegar to remove limescale residues, close hair cuticles to protect them from external aggressions, and add shine.

The right product: 

Christophe Robin Thermal Mud Purifying Mask

Suitable for stressed scalps and dry ends, this mask revitalizes the lipid barrier of the hair and improves its ability to defend against external aggressions. Applied weekly on wet hair, it removes impurities and pollution buildup. Immediately, the scalp is soothed, roots are refreshed, and hair appears visibly healthier, softer, and shinier.

Price: 520 DH for a 250 ml jar.
Available at Esthécare and partner pharmacies.

Read also : DOMESTIC POLLUTION : OUR TIPS FOR CREATING A HEALTHY HOME

Protect 

It is crucial to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, even in the city. UV rays combined with pollution accelerate skin aging. Just before going out, you can also spray a protective anti-pollution mist over your face. These products create an invisible barrier that prevents pollutants from penetrating the skin.

The right product: 

Institut Esthederm InCellium City Spray

This mist, specifically formulated for urban environments, enhances skin protection against daily environmental aggressions. It prevents photo-aging and dark spots, fights collagen degradation, delays wrinkles, and loss of firmness. A must-have to keep with you and spray on your face multiple times a day.

Price: Approximately 550 DH for a 100 ml spray.
Available at pharmacies.

Hair also has protective treatments. These are designed to form a shield over your locks , protecting the hair fiber from free radicals, UVA and UVB rays, heat from styling tools, etc. Additionally, tying up your hair and/or covering your head helps protect it from ambient air. This is especially useful when you know you will be outside for a long time in a polluted environment.

The right product: 

René Furterer Astera Anti-Pollution Protective Serum

This high-tolerance leave-in treatment acts as an invisible shield to protect sensitive hair. The formula includes an exclusive blend of natural daisy extract, moringa extract, and witch hazel floral water. Apply it section by section to the entire dry or damp scalp. The ultra-light gel texture melts effortlessly and can be used daily. Result? Soft, soothed, and shiny hair. Suitable for children from 3 years old.

Price: Approximately 250 DH for a 75 ml tube.
Available at renefurterer.com.

No matter how careful you are, applying sunscreen regularly, and following dermatologists’ recommendations to the letter, there’s still a chance of getting a sunburn. A gentle breeze, and the nth layer of sunscreen is forgotten. There are also those who are too rushed to sport a tanned look and don’t adequately protect themselves. Long story short, your skin has turned lobster red and is causing you considerable discomfort. Here are our tips to counter the most common summer nuisance.

Assess the Extent of Damage

Redness, tightness, overheating? Although painful, sunburn is often mild. However, consulting a doctor urgently is recommended in certain cases, such as when a large area of the skin is affected, when sunburn strikes a vulnerable individual (elderly person, child, sick adult…), in case of fever, headaches, or discomfort. In the absence of these symptoms, a sunburn can be easily relieved and recovery can be swift if handled properly.

Take a Cold Bath

Sunburn is nothing more than a burn and an accumulation of heat. The skin can’t take it anymore and lets you know by becoming red and painful. The first step is to cool it down by taking a cold bath or shower. The cooler the water, the more your skin will appreciate it. Gently eliminate any traces of salt and sand, preferably using a “soap-free soap,” before rinsing thoroughly and patting yourself dry very delicately with a towel. Avoid rubbing the already fragile skin.

Use an Anti-Inflammatory to Calm the Heat

Doctors generally recommend taking an anti-inflammatory to relieve mild sunburn, such as ibuprofen, marketed under names like Algantil or Brufen (just to name a couple). You can also opt for classic pain relievers like paracetamol (Doliprane) or aspirin. But always keep in mind that self-medication must follow certain rules. Take the time to discuss it with a pharmacist who will guide you in choosing a good repairing cream, as well as a protective treatment if you had the unfortunate idea of traveling without one.

Apply a Generous Layer of Repairing Cream

While many soothing creams exist on the market, it’s hard to overlook the iconic Biafine… In France, the country where this anti-burn lotion was born in 1976, about 340 tubes are sold per hour on average. The reasons for this success? Biafine creates a highly moisturizing protective barrier on the skin, promoting rapid skin reconstruction. The formula contains paraffins and avocado oil for hydration, and trolamine for soothing–the miracle recipe for relieving a sunburn. Don’t hesitate to apply a thick layer of the product and repeat the process if necessary.

Note: contrary to popular belief, Biafine is indeed a medication. Always read the instructions and if needed, seek advice at a pharmacy.

Read also : BAKUCHIOL: THE STAR INGREDIENT OF NEW ANTI-AGING TREATMENTS

Deep Hydration is Key

The next day, make a hydrating and soothing cucumber mask before starting your day. Thinly slice a few pieces and apply them to the areas that feel warm: face, shoulders, the neckline, etc…. Leave on for about ten minutes before rinsing with cold water. And of course, no exposure or skipping on a very high protection sunscreen (SPF 50+) which remains the best remedy against sunburn.

Picture (c) : Elle