The 6 Most Important Skincare Ingredients Of 2021

If you live in a big city, you know how dirty your face can get after being outside for a few hours - all you have to do is swipe a cotton pad with toner across your cheek to see the dirt and oil from free radicals (pollution, smog, oil, dust) in the air. This is especially true for those of us who live in polluted cities like New York and Los Angeles. We find it hard to make room for an anti-pollutant in our routine as we already layer so much on, so we found products that are dual-action and work harmoniously with our regular routine. 

Guerlain's Cleansing Oil Anti-Pollution removes waterproof makeup and cleanses the skin of pollutants of various sizes. Skin is more luminous and hydrated and since it's an oil cleanser, it's ideal for sensitive skin. We use this at night to wash away impurities from the day. Afterwards we tone, and then layer Murad's City Skin Overnight Detox, a thick night cream that neutralizes the daily damage caused by pollutants and blue light. It also plumps and moisturizes so we wake up with supple bright skin. It's our go-to after a night of drinking as we usually end up looking like Mrs. Puff in the mornings.

Nourish Mantra's Urban Rani Facial Serum is made to combat fatigue from pollution and environmental factors as well as target blemishes and pigmentation. It's formulated with AHAs, Vitamins B3 and C, giving you a youthful glow. This is great to use in the morning in lieu of your regular serum, as it gives your skin the structure it needs to fight pollution hands on. Follow up with the best protective moisturizer out there, La Prairie's White Caviar Illuminating Infusion. It shields against pollution, reduces redness and dark spots, and improves elasticity. It's enriched with Golden Caviar Extract and an illuminating compound that diffuses light on the face (exclusive to La Prairie). Pricey, yes, but worth it.

Replace your bronzer with Drunk Elephant's Best Selling D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Bronzing Drops. It's the perfect 3-in-1 serum because it defends, heals, and glows. It safeguards against pollution and environmental stressors, repairs fine lines, and gives you a bronzy glow. 

To make sure all environmental stressors are removed from your pores, you should do a peel or a mask once a week. Priori's Q+SOD Enlightening Peel Pads are equipped with retinol for exfoliation and brightening. CoQ10 + Superoxide Dismutase brighten and protect against free radicals while Lactic Acid exfoliates. The retinol is a beautiful additive as it promotes collagen stimulation and elastin production. If you're not comfortable using retinol every night, this is a great weekly alternative.