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Best Skin Care Tips To Fight Pollution, Detoxify, And Prevent Dry Skin

By Kirsten Silven
Published on: 08:24 PST, Jul 20, 2016

As temps routinely soar into the 90s this summer, beauty-conscious readers everywhere are searching for the best skin care tips to detoxify, fight pollution, signs of aging, and dry skin. Considering the natural aging process changes how every person’s skin care routine looks throughout their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond, it can be overwhelming to find proven solutions to address a growing list of skin care concerns.

“Not only is your skin constantly changing (both inside and out), but also the amount of time and money you’re willing to spend on your face is forever in flux,” wrote Self.

Still, there are a few tried-and-true skin care tips and beauty basics that apply to everyone – regardless of age. By consistently using these proven methods to detoxify, fight pollution and prevent dry skin, it’s possible to look good at any age without spending a fortune.

Use Sunscreen

While many of us would like to believe sunscreen is a top priority in our daily skin care routine, the reality is that even the most well-meaning beauty buffs often forget to apply, or simply don’t reapply, the stuff often enough to make a lasting difference. To put proper emphasis on the importance of sunscreen in any list of successful skin care tips, SELF talked to three dermatologists to ask what they recommend for clients at every age.

“Spoiler alert: Every one of them said SPF is a daily requirement in every age group.”

Of course, not all sunscreen is created equal. SELF recommends checking to ensure the packaging says “broad-spectrum UVA and UVB,” and that the product has an SPF of at least 30.

Pollution Protection Skin Care

In response to an increasing volume of science-backed evidence that toxic air, free radicals and noxious gasses have a negative effect on the skin’s natural aging process, a study this year followed subjects in Germany and China, finding a link between increased air pollution and brown spots on participants’ skin, reported the Seattle Times. In response, some major beauty companies are jumping on board with new skin care tips, including adding “pollution protection” products to every beauty routine. These relative newcomers to makeup bags worldwide include a blend of antioxidants like vitamins C and E, provide proper cleansing and promote skin barrier repair.

“Among the skin care ingredients to consider are glycerin, lanolin, niacinamide and beeswax.”

The main takeaway? Although many of the pollutants we encounter daily might be inescapable, our skin care routine doesn’t have to give in without a fight.

Prevent Dry Skin

No matter how diligent you are about applying daily sunscreen, a serum and moisturizer, a day spent at the beach or enjoying a family picnic is just as likely to cause a bout of dry skin as spending months cooped up inside during the dry heat of winter. Just because summer air is typically more humid doesn’t mean your skin care routine shouldn’t include ways to combat dry skin. Here are a few simple tips to take care of dry skin fast, according to BT Group.

First, take breaks from air conditioning, which despite keeping you cool also causes continual drying of the skin. Next, select a non-fragranced moisturizer, especially if your skin feels tight from sun exposure, or opt to use aloe, a facial oil or body oil if extreme dryness has set in. Same goes for fragrance in other beauty and skin care products – avoid it during bouts of dryness to speed up the healing process and avoid added irritation. Finally, try a new twist on staying hydrated by sipping on juice-infused water – simply pop your favorite fruits and veggies in the blender, add a dash of coconut water and you have a super hydrating alternative to plain old tap water.

Detoxify

According to Prevention, the concept of detoxifying goes well beyond a superficial list of skin care tips and includes a more comprehensive detox plan that will ultimately result in smoother skin, shinier hair and perhaps even a brighter smile.

“Fortunately, experts say a few small changes to your diet and beauty routine can give your hair and skin a detoxifying beauty boost.”

Los Angeles-based nutritionist Kimberly Snyder told Prevention that anyone can start by picking proteins wisely. Also, try to choose a plant-based diet whenever possible. Also, cutting back on sugar and eating alkaline-forming foods like parsley, almonds, kale, pears, and lemons can help reverse excess acidity, resulting in healthier bones, teeth, and hair.

As for detoxifying skin care tips, start by applying a natural clay mask at least once a week to pull impurities to the surface, then exfoliate (gently) daily before applying a serum with chelators, which counteract the effects of heavy metals on the skin. Finally, be sure to cleanse nightly before bed and in the morning before applying moisturizer.

By making a few small changes, you can detoxify your diet, clarify your complexion, revive your hair, and freshen your smile.

[Image via Shutterstock/Evgeny Atamanenko]

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