The onset of winter combined with the festive season in India is something to experience. There is a thrill in the air. However, November and December are also marked by high pollution levels, especially in Delhi/NCR and its neighboring areas. The main reason for this is the stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana combined with the wind conditions that carry the pollution to the neighboring regions. In this blog, we shed light on how to protect your skin from this pollution.
Table of contents
How To Protect Your Skin During The Pollution-Peak Months In Delhi/NCR
How does this pollution impact the skin?
5 Tips To Protect Your Skin From November Pollution
1) Cleanse thoroughly twice a day
2) Incorporate an antioxidant serum
3) Moisturize to build a protective barrier
5) Exfoliate gently once or twice a week
Pollution everywhere!
November in Delhi/NCR is synonymous with alarming levels of air pollution. Several factors combine to make this month particularly hazardous:
Stubble burning: Farmers in neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana burn agricultural stubble after the harvest to clear their fields for the next crop. This annual practice releases a significant amount of smoke and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) into the atmosphere, which drifts into Delhi/NCR, contributing heavily to the smog.
Diwali celebrations: Diwali, the festival of lights, often coincides with early November. The use of firecrackers during celebrations releases large amounts of smoke, chemicals, and particulate matter into the already polluted air, worsening the air quality.
Vehicular emissions: With over 10 million vehicles on the road, Delhi/NCR faces constant emissions from cars, trucks, and buses. The pollution is exacerbated by the winter’s temperature inversion, where colder air traps pollutants near the ground instead of allowing them to disperse.
Low wind speed and winter climate: The transition to winter brings lower wind speeds, which fail to carry away pollutants. Additionally, the cold air near the surface gets trapped under a layer of warmer air (a phenomenon called thermal inversion), leading to a buildup of pollutants.
Construction and dust: Ongoing construction projects contribute to dust pollution, which, when mixed with industrial emissions, adds to the already dangerous levels of particulate matter in the air.
Please note that we do not intend to demean or look down upon the Diwali celebrations. We’re just trying to put forth the reasons for the increase in pollution levels during this time of the year. While vehicular and construction-related pollution is there all through the year, November sees two other pollutants - stubble burning and firecracker-based pollution.
How does this pollution impact the skin?
The high pollution levels during November have profound and immediate effects on your skin. Here’s how polluted air affects your skin health:
Clogged pores and breakouts: The fine particles in polluted air, especially PM2.5, are small enough to settle into your pores. These particles mix with dirt, oil, and toxins, leading to clogged pores, blackheads, and acne breakouts. The presence of chemicals and heavy metals in pollution further irritates the skin, triggering inflammation.
Dryness and dehydration: Pollution strips the skin of its natural oils, leading to a compromised skin barrier. As a result, the skin loses moisture more quickly, becoming dry, flaky, and prone to irritation. The combination of cold winter air and pollution can make dehydration worse, leaving skin feeling tight and rough.
Premature aging: Long-term exposure to pollution accelerates skin aging. Pollutants generate free radicals that attack collagen and elastin fibers, which are responsible for keeping the skin firm and youthful. The degradation of these fibers leads to fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin, giving you a prematurely aged appearance.
Hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone: Pollutants, particularly heavy metals and chemicals, can trigger oxidative stress in skin cells. This causes the overproduction of melanin, resulting in dark spots and uneven skin tone. Prolonged exposure to pollution can also lead to dullness and a lackluster complexion, making skin look tired and lifeless.
Increased sensitivity and irritation: Pollution can irritate the skin, particularly for those with sensitive skin or pre-existing conditions like eczema or rosacea. The particles and toxins in polluted air inflame the skin, causing redness, itching, and a heightened sensitivity to skincare products.
Weakened skin barrier: The skin barrier’s role is to protect against environmental stressors, but constant exposure to pollution weakens this defense mechanism. A compromised barrier allows more pollutants to penetrate the skin, leading to a cycle of irritation and damage. Over time, this can result in chronic dryness, sensitivity, and increased vulnerability to environmental toxins.
Also Read: Skincare For The Colored Skin
5 Tips To Protect Your Skin From November Pollution
With November's high pollution levels in cities like Delhi/NCR, taking extra care of your skin becomes essential. Here are five key tips to keep your skin healthy during this time:
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Cleanse thoroughly twice a day
Pollution particles, dirt, and oil accumulate on your skin throughout the day, clogging pores and causing breakouts or irritation. Cleansing your skin is the first step to removing these impurities. Use a gentle cleanser that effectively removes pollutants but doesn’t strip your skin of its natural moisture. Consider a double-cleansing routine at night: an oil-based cleanser to dissolve dirt and makeup, followed by a water-based cleanser to clean deeper into your pores.
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Incorporate an antioxidant serum
Pollution causes oxidative stress, which leads to free radical damage. These free radicals can break down collagen and elastin, leading to premature aging, dullness, and uneven skin tone. Applying an antioxidant serum, like Vitamin C or green tea extract, helps neutralize these free radicals, protecting your skin from damage and brightening your complexion.
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Moisturize to build a protective barrier
Pollution can dry out your skin and weaken its protective barrier, leaving it vulnerable to environmental stressors. A rich moisturizer helps lock in hydration and strengthens your skin’s barrier, preventing pollutants from penetrating deeply. Choose moisturizers containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides, which are great for retaining moisture and repairing the skin's protective barrier.
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Never skip sunscreen
While UV rays are less intense in November, they can still penetrate through smog and pollution, causing skin damage. Sunscreen with at least SPF 30 not only protects against UV rays but also helps shield the skin from pollutants and free radicals. Physical sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide can act as a barrier between your skin and environmental aggressors.
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Exfoliate gently once or twice a week
Dead skin cells and pollution particles can build up on your skin, making it appear dull and prone to breakouts. Regular exfoliation helps remove these impurities. Use a gentle exfoliant, like an AHA or BHA-based product, once or twice a week to clear pores and maintain smooth, healthy skin without over-irritating it.
Oteria to the rescue
Pollution can be dreadful for your skin. And so, we bring to you Oteria, a skincare brand dedicated to protecting your skin from the harsh effects of pollution. Made for all skin types and genders and with a range of products enriched with powerful antioxidants, hydrating ingredients, and pollution-fighting formulas, Oteria provides a complete solution to combat environmental stressors. Our products strengthen your skin’s natural barrier and neutralize free radicals. This helps your skin stay radiant, hydrated, and resilient, even in high-pollution environments.
All-Rounder Skin Cream
Oteria’s All-Rounder Skin Cream is your all-in-one skin protection. Made of Elecampane Extract, the cream offers protection against urban pollution and blue light damage, erases wrinkles, and boosts radiance in just 14 days for youthful, radiant and healthy skin.
Benefits
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Protection from multiple urban pollutants
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Shields from blue light damage
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Prevents signs of premature ageing and reduces wrinkles
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Promote healthy and radiant skin
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Improves radiance in 14 days
Key ingredients
Elecampane Root Extract: Enhances elasticity and combats pollution damage.
How to use
Apply a small quantity of the product on skin using upward strokes until completely absorbed.
Caution
FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. Keep protected from light and moisture at a temperature not exceeding 30°C. Keep out of reach of children.
White Tea Face Wash
Oteria’s White Tea Face Wash repairs and revitalizes damaged skin while boosting its immunity and maintaining a glowing complexion. Infused with antioxidant-rich White Tea from Darjeeling and Niacinamide, it detoxifies, brightens, and hydrates the skin, leaving it nourished and radiant. Ideal for soothing and restoring natural radiance, this cleanser provides hydration and protection, making it perfect for daily use.
Benefits
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Repairs & restores
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Soothes damaged skin
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Protects and boosts skin’s immunity
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Maintains a supple and glowing complexion
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Natural antioxidant properties
Key ingredients
White Tea Extract: offers powerful antioxidant properties, helping to protect the skin from free radicals, reduce inflammation, and promote a youthful, radiant complexion.
How to use
Pour an appropriate quantity into wet hands. Massage gently onto the face and neck to form a lather. Rinse thoroughly with water and pat dry. Use AM and PM.
Caution
FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. Keep protected from light and moisture at a temperature not exceeding 30°C. Keep out of reach of children.
Bounce Back Skin Cream
Oteria’s Bounce Back Skin Cream is a powerful blend of Encapsulated Retinol, Hyaluronic Acid, and Vegetable Pear. This cream delivers visible results in just two weeks, reducing fine lines and wrinkles while minimizing the side effects of traditional retinoids. Hyaluronic Acid provides intense hydration, leaving skin plump and youthful, while Vegetable Pear protects against photo-aging and enhances skin tone for a smooth, flawless complexion. Incorporate this transformative cream into your nighttime routine for radiant, resilient skin that recovers from daily stressors.
Benefits
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Visual results in 2 weeks
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Soothes skin irritation
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Provides wrinkle therapy and moisturizes skin
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Shields skin from photo-aging
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Improves skin tone homogeneity
Key ingredients
Encapsulated Retinol: Provides effective anti-aging benefits by promoting cell turnover and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles without the irritation typically associated with traditional retinoids.
Hyaluronic Acid: Delivers intense hydration by attracting and retaining moisture in the skin, resulting in a plump, supple, and youthful appearance.
How to use
Apply a small quantity of the product on the skin using upward strokes until completely absorbed.
Caution
FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. Keep protected from light and moisture at a temperature not exceeding 30°C. Keep out of reach of children.
Check out our entire range of products here.
Also Read: Niacinamide: Skin Care’s Unsung Hero
Takeaway
Let this season be a reminder that, even in the face of adversity, you deserve to glow with health and vitality. Embrace the care Oteria offers and step confidently into each day, knowing your skin is lovingly protected and cherished. And to sign off, here are a few lines that, I hope, will make you smile.
The skies are grey, the air thick and heavy
But that’s no reason for you to be weary
Oteria cares for your skin like no other
Almost like your loving old grandmother
FAQs
1. Why is November particularly bad for pollution in Delhi/NCR?
November sees high pollution levels primarily due to stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana, along with Diwali celebrations that involve firecrackers. These factors, combined with vehicular emissions and weather conditions like low wind speeds, contribute significantly to the smog.
2. How does pollution affect my skin?
Pollution can clog pores, leading to breakouts, dryness, and accelerated skin aging. It strips the skin of its natural oils, causes irritation, and can result in uneven skin tone and increased sensitivity.
3. What is the best way to cleanse my skin during high-pollution months?
Cleansing twice a day with a gentle cleanser is essential. Consider a double-cleansing routine, starting with an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup and pollutants, followed by a water-based cleanser to cleanse deeply without stripping your skin's moisture.
4. How can I boost my skin’s defenses against pollution?
Incorporating an antioxidant serum, such as Vitamin C or green tea extract, into your routine can help neutralize free radicals generated by pollution, protecting your skin from damage and promoting a brighter complexion.
5. Is moisturizing still necessary in winter?
Yes, moisturizing is crucial, especially in winter when the air is drier. A rich moisturizer helps maintain hydration, strengthens your skin's barrier, and protects against environmental stressors.
6. Do I need to use sunscreen even when it's cloudy?
Absolutely! UV rays can penetrate through clouds and smog, so wearing sunscreen daily is essential to protect your skin from sun damage and pollution, regardless of the weather.
7. How often should I exfoliate during pollution peak months?
Gently exfoliating once or twice a week can help remove dead skin cells and pollutants that accumulate on your skin. Choose a mild exfoliant to avoid irritation.
8. What products does Oteria offer to combat pollution?
Oteria provides a range of products, including the White Tea Face Wash and Bounce Back Skin Cream, both formulated with antioxidants and hydrating ingredients to repair, restore, and protect your skin from pollution and environmental stressors.