We're forever discovering new beauty products that aim to fix problems we didn't even know existed. It can sometimes be intimidating to keep hearing about the importance of ingredients like retinol [1] and hyaluronic acid [2], and sometimes even moreso when we hear the problems they aim to treat, including sun damage, fine lines, and pollution damage [3]. Although some of them are more important than others, when it comes to pollution, it actually is important to protect the skin, especially if you live in a big city. And, it's also not as hard to protect against as it sounds.

We all know the drill with sun protection [4]. Off on holiday? Wear an SPF 30 or 50 and re-apply all day. Stepping out in the sun any day of the year? Protect your face. But what about pollution? According to the World Health Organisation [5], pollution is the world's single biggest environmental health risk, so it's something we should consider when it comes to our beauty routine. It really is up there with the importance of sun protection.

So, how does pollution affect the skin? Yasmin Mahmmod, Dermatica's Clinical Pharmacist [6] explained that air pollution generates free radicals and causes inflammation, which can potentially lead to a skin barrier impairment. It can also cause an increase in the sebum secretion rate, which can lead to clogged pores.

But, this doesn't mean adding in five extra steps to your skincare routine on top of everything else. We're all about making a routine work for you, and should you choose anti-pollution to become part of your routine, we have the tools to do so effectively. Protecting your skin against environmental factors isn't bullsh*t, but it doesn't have to be complicated or dull when it comes to makeup. Ahead, read up for expert advice and the best product recommendations.

You Can Still Have Fun With Makeup and Protect Your Skin

Sometimes we tend to assume that if a product is working, it probably isn't as fun as all the colour and glitter, but that doesn't have to be the case. Actually, the best thing you can do to protect yourself when it comes to makeup, is remember to remove it, according to celebrity makeup artist, Malin Coleman [7].

Makeup That Does Good

Coleman suggested a good dose of hyaluronic acid in the day helps to plump the appearance of fine lines and create softer, smoother skin. She also recommends using Revlon Rose Glow Illuminating Primer [8] (£13) to help foundation stay in place for longer, followed by the new Revlon Candid Anti-Pollution Foundation [9] (£9) and Concealer [10] (£6, more shades are available online than in-store) to create a barrier against pollution and blue light (giving not only a great finish, but a protected one).

Skin Care That Means Business

Mahmmod explained we can counteract the mechanisms that are initiated by these pollutants, starting with antioxidants such as vitamin C, which has the potential to neutralise free radicals and contributes to the formation of the skin barrier by enhancing the epidermal differentiation (the outer layer of the skin). Another ingredient that can potentially combat the effects of air pollution on our skin is vitamin A derivatives (retinol). "Retinoids are very well known to influence a variety of cellular processes," and help improve fine and coarse wrinkling, hyperpigmentation, skin texture, as well as unclogging pores and reducing acne.

Products That Protect

The effects of pollution sound scary, but there are products you can use that don't require lots of effort. Skyn Iceland's Icelandic Youth Serum [11] (£40) uses an ingredient called astaxanthin, an antioxidant harvested from micro-algae in Iceland, said to be 6,000 times stronger than vitamin C, neutralising stress-inducing free radicals and oxidative stress. On the more expensive end of the scale is the Dr Barbara Sturm Anti-Pollution Drops [12] (£105), protecting against UV, free radicals, and blue light.

It's Not Just About the Makeup and Skin Care

Unfortunately, the hair is often forgotten when it comes to protecting against pollutants. If exposed often to pollution, the hair can become dull, dry, and cause an itchy scalp. David Felstead [13], Head of the Hair and Scalp Clinic at Daniel Galvin explained that, "follicles sit below your scalp and your hair grows through them, so any build-up of pollution, excess oil, or dry skin flakes can potentially block this process," leading to possible thinning and damaged-looking hair. Felstead advises to never leave too big a gap between washes, and not to use too much dry shampoo as a substitute. Excessive use of dry shampoo creates a "residue on the hair and scalp, therefore attracting further pollution and dirt from the environment."

Scalp Care Matters Too

The good news is, there are products that will come to the rescue. Using a shampoo like Klorane Anti-Pollution Detox Shampoo With Aquatic Mint [14] (£8) helps to rid all of the grime in the hair without stripping it of natural oils. Along with this, masking with Daniel Galvin's Miracle Detox Solution [15] (£30) penetrates the hair cuticle to get rid of any product build-up, hydrating the hair.