For the past couple of days, Lahore has been enveloped in a thick blanket of toxic smog.

School timings have been delayed and hospitals in the city are filled with patients.  Pollution trackers have said that the fog has reached the worst level so far and is so dangerous that breathing in the smoggy air is being compared to smoking 50 cigarettes a day.

Smog can seriously affect your health

Coughing and chest irritation, worsening of asthma symptoms, difficulty breathing and lung damage are the most common health problems caused by smog. What you may not know is, smog can seriously damage your skin.

Smog is nasty enough in the atmosphere, and research suggests that components of smog can seriously stress out human skin cells.

If you live in Lahore and have had terrible skin for the past week…blame the smog. Here are some tips on how to protect your skin against the smog.

1.  Cleanse…and cleanse again

Double cleansing can be important during smog season. Choose a mild and sulfate free cleanser and use it to scrub away pollutants and dirt from your skin. Once you’ve given your face a thorough cleansing, give it another quick cleansing to ensure you have removed all the surface impurities.

2. Scrub a dub the smog away

Exfoliating your skin on a regular basis is very important in order to shield your skin from pollution and all the build up from the day. Dead skin cells can make your skin look dull and drab. A good scrubbing session will clean your pores and remove the dirt, oil and debris from smog.

3. Moisturize

Although it seems obvious, but moisturizing especially during smog season is vital. This will give your skin antioxidant support and hydrate your skin. A good quality moisturizer will help to create a barrier between your skin and pollutants.

4. Antioxidants

Antioxidants are great for your skin because they help fend off free radical damage and support healthy-looking skin. Antioxidants can be taken internally through foods and are also available in skin care products. Look for cleansers and moisturizers  that contain antioxidant vitamins C and E.

5. Stay Hydrated

A very obvious but very crucial step. By drinking more water, you can help keep your skin stay hydrated and less prone to damage. You also need to eat fresh fruits with a high water content. Consuming antioxidant-rich citrus fruits like watermelon and apples for a delicious, hydrating snack.

6. Cover yourself while traveling

Use a scarf or a mask to cover your face while you are spending time outside or traveling. Use sunglasses to protect your eyes from burning or itching due to the smog.

7. Sunscreen

Sunscreen not only protects your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays, but also protects your skin from smoke, dirt, and pollution.

8. Aloe Vera

Exposing your skin to smog can cause it to age prematurely, leading to wrinkles and loss of elasticity of the skin. Using aloe vera gel forms a moisture barrier which holds in your skin’s natural moisture and prevent damage from smog and other pollutants.

9. Defense Serums

Invest in a good quality serum that helps build your skin’s defenses against visible aging and damage. Look for formulas that are anti-pollution and packed with a strong dose of antioxidants to neutralize free-radicals.

Try out these easy tips and let us know how your skin improves.

cover image via: P-News Time / YouTube