How can I keep my skin healthy while working in polluted London?

Question

I started working in London a few months ago and have noticed how greasy and dull-looking my skin has become. Any ideas how to fight it or at least make me look a little healthier?! Food ideas or product ideas, thanks!

Answer 1

. . . (dateline: 1 pm Thurs. 21st Sept.) - lunchtime pint and sunbathing, 25 degrees with blue sky and sunshine, Greenland Dock, London SE16 - and those around me look quite healthy too - apart from that wet one covered in gel (laugh, I almost wet myself!) . . .

Answer 2

Lots of fresh veggies,water and exercise. You may want to exfoliate regularly to keep your skin cleaner and rejuvenated. Exercise will stimulate your system and get the blood flowing,this helps your skin have a fresher look and gives you a healthier glow. Eating well is obviously important but it's important to understand that eating poorly will clog up your digestive system and play havoc with your skin
If you really feel dull and blah after this try a little bronzing powder and it will at least give your skin a bit of a glow. Lipstick that has a pinkish base perks up the face too.

Answer 3

Drink more water and eat more greens is a good place to start. Have you started going out more, drinking more, working longer hours, going in smokey bars since you started working in London? Try and do a bit of exercise in clean air, and maybe get a relaxation tape and follow it for 10 mins a night when you come home to give your body a chance to rest. Get a really good make-up remover too (I got Eve Loms cleanser when I worked in London and it was fab, but expensive!). I think the suggestion to wear foundation was a good one as it might protect your skin, but the best thing I ever did for my skin was to not wear any make-up or creams for 6 months and my skin is perfect now without any spots or grease or dry bits. Not always practical I know, but you could take your make-up off as soon as you get in the house so your skin has as much time to breathe as possible. You could get a highlighter cream to add a bit of sparkle to your skin too. Benefits High Beam is a good one. Good luck!

Answer 4

I've lived in London for about 6 years. Firstly, your skin will acclimatise but it takes a while. I notice that now, when I go elsewhere, my skin breaks out, as it tries to get rid of the toxins.

Secondly, do what I do. Get yourself Lush's Mask of Magnaminty face and back pack. Stick on for ten minutes, let it dry, then soak a clean flannel in hot as you can stand water and slough it all off. Rinse and pat dry. Finish with Neutrogena's Visibly Clear Triple Action Lotion on a cotton wool pad and lashing of your fave moisturiser. Repeat once a week. Really helps get the dirt out!

Answer 5

Exfoliate daily! Any gentle exfoiliating face wash would be good and doesn't have to be too expensive. Something like Clean and Clear, if your skin is not that sensitive that is. Also, make sure to drink plenty of water during the day. The best way to protect your face is foundation. Spend your money on this and get one with an SPF.

Answer 6

I agree witht he drink lots of water thing. You might want to try Mary Kays skin care they have a cream with protection that you put on during the day, and a different cream you put on at night that repairs the damage that was done during the day. it is fabulous and makes you skin looks great. By the way I dont sell it, I use it and love it. I feel like it keeps my skin protected. You might also want to check out a viatamin drink called sibu balance it has lots of omegas in it that are really good for your skin.

Answer 7

I had the same problem when I moved to London a few years back. I highly recommend Clarins Beauty Flash Balm - it brings a great glow to your skin whilst acting like a barrier against all the pollutants out there.

Answer 8

Use a good moisturiser that contains at least a SPF 15 & antioxidants. Every 2 -3 days gently exfoliate your skin.. and always cleanse well every day but be careful not to strip away too many natural oils.
As far as diet are concerned eat plenty of fruits containing high degree of anti -oxidants. If that doesn't work you can always wear a balaclava! ;-)

Answer 9

Try drinking a cup of warm/hot water in the morning instead of you usually drew(this with stimulate you kidneys to flush out the toxins).
At you breaks/lunch time find a park and sit in the middle of it so you absurb to goodness from the tree and plants.

Also a good one to try it to get hold of olive leaves (IMPORTANT NOTE not to be used if you take blood thinning medications) and create a herbal infusion, the more leaves to stronger it gets or a witch hazel herbal infusion face wash (uses twice a day) can help you also.

Your local health food shop should beable to surply you with these product.

Answer 10

Lots and lots of fresh fruit and veggies, drink lots of water, and a good skincare routine is a must! Evian do a fab skincare range, but that can be a little hard to get hold of now. I swear by garnier, not too pricey, but effective. Also you could consider a multi vitamin suppliment, including b vitamins and vitamin c, but I would check with a pharmacist first. Good luck!

Answer 11

nope, by working in london you have given up your right to be a normal person.

soon, you will not only have bad skin but you will have a terrible attitude problem and you will find people lose interest in you at parties when you say you are from london.

the best thing you can do is move into real England