What Exactly Is Anti-Pollution Skin Care?

It's no secret that pollution affects our daily lives. Whether it's walking through a cloud of cigarette smoke or living in an industrial area, pollution can take a toll on our skin. However, did you know there is a way to fight back? Anti-pollution skin care is the beauty industry's latest solution to fighting back against the signs of environmental stressors. These products promise to defend your skin from outside aggressors, and help prevent further signs of damage. However, do you really need these products or is this just another fading trend?

To be honest, it's a bit of both. While protecting your skin from environmental hazards is important, it's also to note that there is no such thing as anti-pollution ingredients specifically, according to Refinery29. Instead, the ingredients in these products that are responsible for these beneficial claims are often times powerful antioxidants or vitamins and minerals.

However, that doesn't mean you should forget about defending your skin. According to Lizz Starr, Executive Director of Origins Global Product Development in an email to Bustle, protecting your skin against the signs of pollution is a must. "Pollution is only increasing around the world and we are just beginning to see what it does to health and our skin. It is vital to start pollution protection now to begin building skin’s resiliency and strength." To be honest, it makes sense. Our skin is our body's largest organ, so keeping it healthy is essential for an overall healthy lifestyle.

In time, pollution can cause premature aging, sagging skin,rougher skin texture, discoloration and more prominent lines and winkles, according Starr. Keeping nourishing, moisturizing, and defensive products in our skincare routines is essential for keeping nasty side effects at bay. The easiest way your can do this is by using products that help to fight off free radicals, nourish your skin's moisture barrier, and help to purify the skin. Here are five products that can help you do just that.

1. Origins Dr. Andrew Weil Mega-Defense Barrier-Boosting Essence Oil

Oil, $51, origins.com

Formulated with powerful antioxidants like Lady's Thistle Extract, this lightweight oil works will you sleep to help replenish your skin's moisture barrier and fight off the signs of environmental stressors.

2. Clarins UV Plus Anti-Pollution Sunscreen Multi-Protection Tint SPF 50

Sunscreen, $44, sephora.com

Fight off damaging free radicals and harmful UV rays with this super-charged sunscreen.

3. Kiehl's 'Cilantro & Orange Extract' Pollutant Defending Masque

Mask, $32, nordstrom.com

Whip your face into shape with this strengthening and purifying face mask. Formulated with cilantro and orange extracts, this mask is great for detoxifying the skin and removing harmful pollutants.

4. SheaMoisture Raw Shea & Cupuacu Daily Defense Shea Butter Bar Soap

Soap, $4.99, drugstore.com

Clean away dirt, debris, and toxins from your skin with this nourishing daily defense soap.

5. Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Serum Synchronized Complex II

Eye Serum, $65, esteelauder.com

Formulated with special anti-pollution technology, this powerful eye serum helps to reduce the look of tired, aging eyes.

While "anti-pollution" might just be a marketing term, the ingredients behind the products are anything but. Give your skin a fighting chance by nourishing it with beneficial antioxidants and skin loving ingredients.

Images: Pixabay (1); Courtesy Brands