An expert's guide to fight back pollution for flawless skin

Living in a metro isn’t just stressful, it’s skin-threatening. Pollution is quietly one of the biggest enemies of good skin today. Let’s break it down in a way that doesn’t sound like a dermatology textbook. Your skin is made up of tiny cells stacked beautifully together to form what we call the skin barrier. Think of it like a royal fort built by our maharajas—strong, majestic, protective. Its job? To keep the bad guys out and the good stuff in. But here’s the truth: even the strongest forts have loopholes. And pollution loves exploiting them.

When you’re exposed to high AQI levels, the air is filled with suspended particulate matter—microscopic pollutants so tiny that they can actually penetrate your skin barrier. Yes, just like your serums and creams do. The only difference? While your skincare is trying to nourish you, these nanoparticles are busy sabotaging your glow.

These uninvited guests increase toxins in the skin—what we scientifically call free radicals. The result? Oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is basically the villain behind acne, dullness, pigmentation, premature ageing, and flare-ups of conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. Not exactly the city-girl aesthetic we signed up for.

So what do we do? Move to the mountains and become monks? Tempting, but unrealistic. The good news is: you can protect your skin while still living your best metropolitan life.

Here are three primary ways to combat the effects of pollution on your skin.

1. Build a physical shield and protect the barrier

If pollution is attacking your skin, your first job is defence.

Double cleansing is non-negotiable. Your regular face wash may not be enough to remove stubborn pollutants, dust, and particulate matter that cling to your skin throughout the day. Start with an oil-based cleanser or micellar water to dissolve impurities, followed by a gentle water-based cleanser.

Next, use barrier creams. Products containing zinc oxide are brilliant because they form a physical shield on the skin, blocking pollutants from entering. And yes, even your sunscreen counts. SPF isn’t just about sun protection anymore—it’s your everyday armour against environmental damage.

(Also Read: An expert's skincare lessons to take into 2026)

2. Fight back with antioxidants 

If pollution creates free radicals, antioxidants are your superheroes.

Start from within. An antioxidant-rich diet goes a long way. Think green leafy vegetables, colourful fruits, and fibre-rich foods. They help neutralise oxidative stress before it shows up on your face.

Now for skincare—this is where things get exciting. Ingredients like Vitamin C, ferulic acid, and niacinamide work beautifully to neutralise free radicals, brighten skin, strengthen the barrier, and improve overall resilience. Consider this your skincare version of Carrie’s power heels—strong, effective, and iconic.

3. Boost your body’s defence system

Sometimes, topical care and diet aren’t enough—especially if you’re constantly exposed to high pollution levels.

This is where systemic antioxidant support comes in. Treatments like IV glutathione and NAD drips help by delivering antioxidants directly into the body, reducing oxidative stress at a deeper level. Think of it as internal skincare—because real glow is always an inside-out job.

Living in a city doesn’t mean sacrificing your skin. It just means being smarter, more intentional, and a little proactive. You can still live your Carrie Bradshaw fantasy—just with a solid skincare routine, a strong barrier, and antioxidants working overtime.
Because while pollution may be unavoidable, damaged skin doesn’t have to be.

(Also Read: The skin ritual which "might be working" for Samantha)

Dr. Geetika Srivastava is a Delhi-based Dermatologist and Founder of Influennz Clinic.