Living in the city is your skin’s worst nightmare

What it does: It’s been proven that the air around us has a direct bearing on our skin. “For every 1 per cent decrease in ozone there is a 2 per cent increase in UVB irradiance, and, therefore, a 2 per cent increase in skin cancer is predicted,” reveals Dr Sharad. And that is only the start of it. Environmental particulate matter induces oxidative stress via production of toxins, resulting in the degradation of collagen—ergo ageing skin. Other direct signs of air pollution are skin hyperpigmentation, inflammation and rough, damaged texture. If shifting base to the mountains isn’t an option, you know precaution is necessary.

What you should do: While we cannot stress enough the importance of sunblock and its re-application every few hours, it is also important to cleanse morning and night followed by a thorough regime of antioxidant-packed serums and moisturisers to soothe and defend. Dr Sharad suggests keeping a thermal water spray handy if you’re on the streets for longer periods, wearing physical and chemical sunscreen, covering up the head with a scarf and wiping off dirt and grime often. Detoxify your skin by regular exfoliation and masking to extract all the accumulated gunk and pollutants.

What to look for: Look for products with Vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant and fights free radicals. Also look for ferulic acid, coenzyme Q10, Vitamin E and resveratrol.

Find it in: (Left to right) Dermalogica Charcoal Rescue Masque (Rs 3,995); The Body Shop Skin Defense Multi-Protection Essence (Rs 2,495); Clinique Superdefense Daily Defense Moisturizer (Rs 4,150); Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask (Rs 1,000); Kiehl’s Cilantro and Orange Extract Pollutant Defending Masque (Rs 2,950)

What it does: The causes are endless but the effect is instantly visible: dark circles and baggy eyes, dry and dehydrated skin, and reduced skin immunity that makes it susceptible to infections and allergies. Stress also increases oil production, leading to acne and release of free radicals, causing early wrinkles and hair loss.

What you should do: Dr Sharad suggests adding foods rich in Vitamin E and B, like almonds and walnuts, and Vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits, to your diet. Use a mask of mashed oranges and papayas with a teaspoon of honey for stressed, dull, pigmented and oily-skin issues.

What to look for: Vitamin C, E and peptide-based blends, retinol, marine algae and niacinamide

Find it in: (Left to right) La Prairie Anti-Aging Stress Cream (Rs 18,630); Lancôme Hydra Zen Anti-Stress Moisturising Cream-Gel (Rs 4,500); Blossom Kochchar Aroma Magic Reviving Oxo Pack (Rs 375); Avène Skin Recovery Cream (Rs 1,400)

What it does: Squinting into your screen = fine lines. Staring down at your smart phone = sagging skin. Constant exposure to radiation = ageing. Plus, browsing in bed that cuts into your snooze time disrupts circadian rhythms, and staring into a bright screen after sunset interrupts production of melatonin that is important to induce sleep.

What you should do: Unplug! A digital detox needs to become a regular practice, with no-phone-in-bed to be followed as a cardinal rule. Hold your electronics in front of you (eye-level) to avoid droopy layering of skin. To offset the effects of sleep loss (weakened skin defense barrier) caused by excessive time spent on the phone or iPad, drink plenty of water and apply nourishing night masks to replenish overnight.

What to look for: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, caffeine and squalene.

Find it in: (Left to right) Lancôme Énergie De Vie Nuit Sleeping Mask (Rs 5,800); Vichy Lift Activ Serum (Rs 2,750); La Roche- Psay Anthelios Fluid (Rs 2,000); Clinique Pep-Start Eye Cream (Rs 1,890)