Decleor Hydra Floral Anti-Pollution Hydrating Active Lotion, $50, is a lightweight essence you pat onto skin after cleansing. It immediately hydrates, and it leaves behind a protective layer of moringa olifeira extract, which blocks particulate pollution. When Decleor studied the results of using this lotion, they found that pollution is easily washed away at the end of the day. Without it, the particles stick to skin and get trapped in pores.
After scrubbing away the pollution and filth of the day, dab on Kiehl's Cilantro and Orange Extract Pollutant Defending Masque, $32, to repair your skin and make it more resilient. This overnight mask (you leave it on while you sleep) contains cilantro to restore the skin's barrier and orange extract for long-lasting antioxidant protection.
It may seem too good to be true — that an occasional spritz can make a difference when we're talking about smog and car exhaust — but sometimes that's all it takes to build a barrier against pollution. Ren Flash Defense Anti-Pollution Mist, $38, contains biosaccharid gum, which is derived from corn and yeast and creates an invisible shield over your face (or wherever you spray it). It's also packed with antioxidant boosters and skin detoxifiers for long-term pollution-fighting benefits. And it doesn't disturb makeup — so feel free to mist with abandon whenever you're feeling a little grimy.
Skinceuticals CE Ferulic, $165, continues to be the gold standard antioxidant serum. It's simple yet potent — the vitamin E and ferulic acid help keep the high concentration of vitamin C stable and active. The Skinceuticals scientists recently concluded a massive pollution study and found that an antioxidant serum paired with a sunscreen will significantly protect skin from ozone pollution — the worst kind for aging. Without adequate antioxidant protection, however, pollution exposure is just as damaging as UV — if not worse.
