Shehnaz Hussain's tips to protect skin from pollution

Our skin has to face many problems. From no proper nutrition to pollution, our skin has to face many problems. We always try to save our skin from the ill effects of pollution. But lesser tricks are known to defend against pollution.

Pollution affects our skin in many ways. It causes premature ageing, wrinkles, loss of elasticity, dark patches and spots. Chemical pollutants in air disrupt the normal balances of skin and scalp which lead to problems like dryness, sensitivity, rashes, acne, irritative or allergic reactions, dandruff and related conditions. Skin and hair may also lose their vitality due to pollution.

But worry not, beauty expert Shehnaz Hussain has shared some home remedies that can help you keeping pollution's harmful effects at a bay.

Skin cleansing helps a lot in getting rid of the impurities and pollutants deposited on the skin. For dry skin, cleansing cream or gel is beneficial while for oily skin you can go for cleansing milk or facewash.

Shehnaz Hussain suggests using  cosmetic products with ingredients like Sandalwood, Eucalyptus, Mint, Neem, Tulsi and Aloe Vera. The anti-toxic and tonic properties of such ingredients help in clearing skin congestion and eruptions resulting from pollution.

Aloe vera is a powerful moisturizer, that helps relieve dryness and makes skin healthy. Ingredients like apricot kernel oil, carrot seed, wheatgerm oil, etc. also work same way.

Sandalwood cream works as a protective layer acting as a barrier between skin and pollutants in the air. It also protects skin from irritative reactions and eruptive conditions. And most of all, it suits every skin type.

Well, our scalp also gets afeected by the harmful pollutants in the air. For this, you can try an easy home remedy: Mix one teaspoon each of vinegar and aloe vera gel with one egg. Massage the mixture lightly into the scalp. Leave on for half an hour and then wash the hair. Rinse well with water or give hair hot oil therapy. Heat pure coconut oil and apply it on hair. Take towel dipped in hot water. Wrap it around your head. Keep it on for 5 minutes and repeat it for three to four times. Leave oil on overnight and wash hair the next day.

Eyes are also affected by pollution. For taking proper care of eyes, place cotton wool pads soaked in chilled rose water or green tea, over eyelids.

NASA has recommended keeping specific house plants to purify the air and remove toxins, making the air safe for us and specially our children.

NASA has mentioned Aloe Vera which is an antioxidant and prevents oxidation damage. It is said to release considerable quantities of oxygen, while it absorbs carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, as well as formaldehyde; thus making the air much cleaner and purer. 

Ficus also purifies the air. Some other plants mentioned by NASA that purify air are Areca Palm, English Ivy, Boston Fern and Peace Lily.