Fight pollution with a clean beauty routine: A green guide to protecting your skin

Riddhi Doshi October 21, 2024October 29, 2024 beauty, fight pollution, skincare

By Riddhi Doshi

Come Diwali and the winters the air quality index in India will reach new levels of low. The vehicular traffic add to that the crackers will create havoc on the environment and our health. How do you then keep your skin, the most exposed to the pollution healthy, especially in the festive season when you want to dress up and look your finest?

Urban poses significant threats to the skin, leading to dullness, premature ageing, and breakouts. To combat these effects, it’s essential to adopt a skincare regime that focuses on detoxification, protection, and repair. Here’s a curated anti-pollution skincare routine, featuring sustainable Indian beauty brands like Aminu, Old School Rituals, and Mintree, along with other natural, ethical products to protect and nourish your skin.

1. Double Cleansing to Remove Impurities

Pollution particles can cling to your skin, causing clogged pores and inflammation. Start your routine with a double cleanse to effectively remove dirt, makeup, and pollutants.

Cleanser: Dissolve impurities with an oil-based and water-based cleanser.
- Aminu Melting Balm Cleanser
  - Features: This lightweight balm cleanser effortlessly melts away makeup and pollutants while moisturizing the skin. Aminu is committed to using high-performance botanical extracts, making it a top choice for sustainable beauty lovers.
- Juicy Chemistry Hemp, Tea Tree and Neem face wash
  - Features: Saponified oils of olive, coconut, castor, safflower, hemp seed and neem.
    - Old School Rituals Hand-worked Red Sandalwood and Saffron Cleansing Nectar
      - Features: Crafted with Tulsi (holy basil) and saffron, this Ayurvedic face wash detoxifies and refreshes skin without drying it out. It uses 100% natural ingredients, reflecting the brand’s focus on ancient rituals and sustainability.
    - Forest Essentials Delicate Facial Cleanser (Kashmiri saffron and neem)
      - Features: A luxurious Ayurvedic formulation, rich in honey and rosewater, it soothes the skin while removing impurities.

2. Exfoliate to Detoxify

Pollution can lead to the accumulation of dead skin cells, resulting in a lacklustre complexion. Exfoliating 1-2 times a week helps clear out toxins.

Mintree Exfoliating Face Scrub
- Features: Mintree’s exfoliating scrub is a blend of natural ingredients, including walnut and papaya extracts, to gently exfoliate and brighten the skin. Mintee prides itself on being cruelty-free and free from harmful chemicals, offering an eco-friendly exfoliation experience.
Kama Ayurveda Kumkumadi Brightening Ayurvedic Face Scrub
- Features: Infused with saffron and almonds, this scrub gently exfoliates while nourishing the skin. It also promotes blood circulation, leaving the skin glowing.

3. Antioxidant Serum for Protection

Antioxidants neutralize free radicals caused by pollution, helping to prevent damage and brighten your complexion.

Aminu Longevity Serum
- Features: Enriched with potent antioxidants like Vitamin C and ferulic acid, this serum forms a protective barrier against pollution while evening out skin tone. Aminu’s products are known for their clean formulations that are free from harmful chemicals.
Ilana Organics Clarifying Skin Serum (Vitamin C + Papaya Extract)
- Features: A powerhouse of antioxidants like Vitamin C and fruit extracts. It brightens the skin and provides a protective barrier against pollution and UV damage.

4. Hydration and Moisturization

Pollution can dehydrate your skin, weakening its natural barrier. A deeply hydrating moisturizer will replenish moisture and strengthen your skin’s defences.

Old School Arrack of Indian Spices Purifying Mousse
- Features: It is Infused with cinnamon, and cardamom clove that have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory that prevent excess oil secretion. It also helps heal skin impurities and gives it a calming effect. The brand’s commitment to sustainability is evident in their packaging and the organic sourcing of their ingredients.
Mintree Hydrating Moisturizer
- Features: Formulated with aloe vera and green tea extracts, Mintee’s moisturizer hydrates without clogging pores, making it ideal for daily use. The brand emphasizes eco-friendly practices and clean beauty standards.
82E Ashwagandha Bounce Face Moisturiser
- Features: This Ashwagandha moisturiser reduces pigmentation and brightens skin colour. It also has anti-ageing properties that helps one get hydrated and vibrant skin.
The Moms Co. Natural Vita Rich Face Cream
- Features: Enriched with chia seed oil, hyaluronic acid, and Vitamin B5, this cream is ultra-hydrating and ideal for pollution protection. It’s also free from parabens and sulfates, making it safe for sensitive skin.

5. Sunscreen for Daily Protection

UV rays and pollution go hand-in-hand when it comes to skin damage. Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen to shield your skin.

Aminu Mineral SPF Drops – SPF 50
- Features: This lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen provides effective protection against both UV rays and pollution. It is rich in antioxidants, offering dual protection and care for your skin.
- Earth Rhythm Ultra Defense SPF 50 Sunscreen
  - Features: A mineral-based sunscreen that offers high SPF protection without leaving a white cast. Earth Rhythm is a zero-waste, sustainable brand, making this product a great eco-friendly choice.

6. Face Mist for On-the-Go Refreshment

To refresh and hydrate your skin throughout the day, especially when exposed to pollution, a hydrating face mist can be your best friend.

Cinamon and mango toner mist
- Features: A sweet and spicy toner mist that’s made especially for sensitive skin. It helps retain moisture and cleans impurities for pollution-exposed skin.
Vilvah Store Rosewater Toner
- Features: 100% pure steam-distilled rosewater, this mist helps to refresh and hydrate the skin, reducing the impact of pollution.

7. Overnight Repair

After a day exposed to environmental stressors, your skin needs repair and rejuvenation. Incorporating a nourishing night cream will help heal and restore skin.

SoulTree Anti-Aging Face Cream (Saffron & Almond Oil)
- Features: SoulTree’s cream is an organic formulation that works overnight to nourish the skin with rich botanicals. It helps reduce signs of aging while hydrating and repairing the skin barrier.

Why Opt for Sustainable Beauty?

Brands like Aminu, Old School Rituals, and Mintree not only offer effective skincare solutions but are also dedicated to sustainability. They use eco-friendly packaging, source organic ingredients, and avoid harmful chemicals, making their products safer for both your skin and the planet. By choosing such brands, you’re contributing to a cleaner environment while ensuring your skin gets the best possible care.