10 face masks to reverse pollution damage

Pink clay and coffee help to purge the accumulated toxins from your skin, while the brand’s signature grape extract detoxifies for a purified complexion. We love that this mask also contains powerful papaya enzymes that gently exfoliates for radiance even after first use.

This powerhouse mask was practically designed for city folk.

Formulated with activated charcoal power that binds to toxins and pollutants, kaolin clay to remove any residual impurities, malachite to detoxify and protect against further environmental stress, astaxanthin (an antioxidant 6,000 times stronger than vitamin C) and horse chestnut to soothe any irritation and purge leftover free radicals – we’re so adding this to our weekly skincare routine.

It wouldn’t be an anti-pollution listicle without one of our favourite home grown labels. We love the concept of all-day masking, because really, why limit treatment to just 20 minutes?

As it’s name clearly states, this leave-on treatment is supercharged with peptides, brighteners and antioxidants to stimulate collagen production while repairing damage skin.

You know kombucha as your gut’s best friend, but the latest is that the probiotics present is also amazing for your skin.

This formula features the goodness of fermented rice, yogurt filtrate and fruit extracts to treat dullness and uneven skin texture, leaving your skin supple and deeply nourished. PS: this 1-minute only mask is also a godsend for time-starved city dwellers. 

Powerful (but gentle) white tea extract make this mask friendly even for the most sensitive of skin types – bonus! The formula also boasts micro-exfoliating perlite (an ultra soft mineral powder) that is known to clarify and brighten dull complexions.

This mask also contains sea buckthorn, which is a powerful ingredient against acne-causing dirt and bacteria, while boosting hydration and elasticity.

Pollution not only adds gunk into your skin, but also removes moisture, which is why it is important to not just focus on detoxing but also hydrating.

We love Philosophy’s sheet mask for this – the ultra hydrating water-dew serum is delivered via a bio-cellulose sheet mask that perfectly fits every contour of your face, ensuring that every inch of your skin is thoroughly hydrated for an impressive 24 hours.

This cult favourite is probably one of the best purifying masks on the market – with good reason!

Its potent mud formula was actually clinically designed to address problems such as blemishes, in-grown hair and even razor bumps, featuring 6 different acids and activated charcoal that leave your skin not only purified, but also refined.

You already know green tea to be packed with amazing antioxidants that are good for your body, so it comes as no surprise that this legendary ingredient would be beneficial for your skin when applied topically too.

From calming redness to soothing irritation and to adding a blast of moisture – we say, what more can you ask for from a $3 mask? We also love this sheet mask because it consists of 2 layers that “sandwich” all that goodness, ensuring maximum absorption as it does not dry out as quickly.

Look, all the vitamins are good for your skin, but many skincare brands focus on vitamin E as it is one of the most effective against free radicals, and inhibits the production of sebum – 2 major issues of skin frequently exposed to pollution.

This sheet mask also contains the ultra hydrating almond oil to restore lost moisture, and 4 types of hyaluronic acid to put pep back into your complexion.

All you need is 10 minutes to draw out impurities and control excessive sebum, leaving your skin fresh and matte.

This mask also taps into the power of multiple fruit acids to exfoliate and brighten, while naturally occurring salicylic acid helps purge any clogging caused by all that airborne impurities.

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