How to Protect Your Skin from Pollution and Smog: Expert Advice for the Season

New Delhi | November 4, 2025 As winter sets in and smog begins to blanket cities, rising pollution levels are taking a visible toll on the skin. Dust, toxins, and harmful particles in the air don’t just make breathing harder — they also damage the skin barrier, cause dullness, breakouts, and accelerate ageing. Experts say that adopting a smart skincare routine can help keep your skin healthy and glowing, even when air quality drops. Dermatologist Dr. Rinky Kapoor explains that pollution speeds up skin ageing, inflammation, and loss of radiance. To protect your skin, she recommends a balanced routine of cleansing, exfoliation, hydration, and sun protection. Start by using a gentle, sulphate-free cleanser twice a day to remove dirt and grime without stripping natural oils. Ingredients like green tea, charcoal, or salicylic acid can help detoxify the skin. Exfoliate once or twice a week using mild exfoliators with AHAs or BHAs to remove dead cells and unclog pores. After cleansing, apply a hydrating toner and serum rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C or niacinamide. These help strengthen your skin’s barrier and protect against free radicals caused by pollution. A good moisturiser — gel-based for oily skin or creamy for dry — locks in hydration and shields the skin from pollutants. Never skip sunscreen, even on cloudy or smoggy days. Harmful UV rays can easily penetrate polluted air, worsening pigmentation and premature ageing. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen for full protection. Dr. Kapoor also highlights the importance of night care. Using nourishing creams or sleeping masks with retinol, vitamin E, or niacinamide helps the skin recover overnight. Lastly, healthy skin starts from within. Eating antioxidant-rich foods like berries, citrus fruits, spinach, and nuts, along with staying hydrated, can make a big difference. A consistent skincare routine, combined with proper nutrition and sun protection, can act as your best defence against pollution and smog this winter — helping your skin stay fresh, strong, and radiant despite the rising AQI. Glow Against the Smog As the air turns heavy with smog and pollution, your skin fights a silent battle every day. Dust, toxins, and grime don’t just dull your glow — they clog pores, trigger breakouts, and speed up ageing. But you can fight back with a smart routine that builds your skin’s defence. Start with gentle cleansing to wash away the day’s dirt, followed by mild exfoliation to clear dead cells. Strengthen your barrier with hydrating serums packed with vitamin C or niacinamide, then lock in the goodness with a moisturiser suited to your skin type. Never skip sunscreen — UV rays and pollutants are a harsh combo for premature ageing. At night, let your skin breathe and repair with nourishing creams or sleeping masks. And remember, beauty begins within: hydrate well and fill your plate with antioxidant-rich foods like fruits, greens, and nuts. Smog season doesn’t have to steal your shine — protect, nourish, and glow your way through it.