Pollutants and environmental stressors can wreak havoc on sensitive skin.

From emissions to recent Western wildfires, air pollution, and air quality seem increasingly poor at this point in time. Redness, dehydration and overall discomfort are all tell-tale signs of a compromised skin barrier. And your environment may be to blame.

Not only do we have current environmental triggers that may pose harm to sensitive skin, but as we transition from warmer weather to the colder months, sensitive skin is even more susceptible to damage.

Good news? High-quality skincare and healthy lifestyle habits can work in your favor to protect your skin from becoming overly sensitized.

Battle of the Elements: Your Skin vs. Your Environment

When your skin is sensitive (or blemish-prone), the external skin barrier, which normally protects the skin from environmental stressors and irritants becomes weak and permeable.

This means microbes, allergens, pollutants and microscopic chemicals can pass through the skin barrier and cause sensitive reactions such as blushing and hives.

In major cities, pollution is heavier--on the streets and even in your home.

Protecting Your Strongest Asset.

Your skin barrier has your back (well...your face) at all times. It’s best to show your skin equal amounts of love by feeding it the ingredients that it needs to stay strong and resilient in the face of harsh, changing environments.

#1. Focus on Nutrients. 

Pollutants, smoke and smog, and environmental toxins deplete the skin of vitamins and nutrients it has stored from your diet and skincare routine.

The solution? Antioxidants.

Antioxidants fight free-radicals that are abundant in polluted air. Focus on Vitamins C + E, as well as herbal and botanical extracts that help to heal stressed-out skin. 

Our Moonlight Brightening Gel Cleanser features glow-boosting Vitamin C, Guava Leaf and Chinese Ginseng which help to deep-clean toxins from your pores, allowing for better skincare absorption and results.

#2. Do a Detox.

Much like the detox you may take part in after a weekend of yummy treats, your skin needs to detox from all of the toxins it takes in, too.

We love our Clarifying Skincare Bundle, featuring our oil-balancing Earth Mother Detoxifying Charcoal Mask and anti-inflammatory Petal Soft Cleansing Balm. Use this ritual 2-3x during the week for truly purified pores and a radiance-restore.

 #3. Quench Your Thirst.

We all know how important it is to drink plenty of clean water for healthy, strong skin. But because inflammation caused by air pollution and harsh environments weaken the skin barrier, it’s essential to have a high-quality moisturizer on-hand to replenish lost hydration and help the skin retain moisture more efficiently.

Our Skin Lullaby Ultra Moisturizing Cream (Unscented) uses elasticity-replenishing Shae Butter, Rosehip and Elderflower extracts, as well as soothing Cucumber and Aloe Vera to wrap your skin in a protective shield--strengthening the protective barrier over time. This nourishing, deep-moisture cream sinks into the skin with a weightless finish, making it ideal for all skin types-- especially dry, sensitive, or acne-prone.

De-Gunk-ing the Skin Myths

It’s important not to simply think that a healthy diet and protective skincare are the “be all, end all” to perfectly healthy skin. The environment you’re in can certainly play a role in skin clarity, skin age, and overall skin health. Whether you’re in a smoggy city or a pure, pristine rainforest, microscopic particles are still making their way into your skin.

Avoid strolling-around outdoors when pollution levels are particularly high, and make sure you’re keeping your sensitive skin balanced with a quality skincare routine, proper nutrition, and active lifestyle.