Her World Beauty Awards 2018 winners: Anti-pollution

Prevention is better than cure

1/12

We cannot escape from the ill-effects of city-living. According to the World Health Organization, urban air pollution went up 8 per cent globally between 2008 and 2013 – and it will continue to get worse before it gets better.
There’s smog, dust, exhaust, dryness, and smoke almost everywhere we turn, on top of the UV rays beating down. The effects of pollution on the skin are cumulative, clogging pores, stifling skin cells, causing a dull complexion, kicking off the onset of all the signs of ageing.
And stopping these skin consequences is not as simple as just cleansing and washing your face at the end of the day. You need constant, continuous anti-pollution protection on your skin throughout the day, and night too. You need a slew of free radical fighting antioxidants, skin barrier strengthening nutrients and healthy moisture retention and skin cell function.
All these are reasons why the anti-pollution skincare category has grown from having a few players with a handful of products in the past, to having major players offering full skincare ranges. Scroll through our gallery to check out our top picks.

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ALSO READ: 5 detoxifying masks to fight pollution and purify skin

Anti-pollution cleanser (Editor’s choice) - Cle de Peau Beaute Softening Cleansing Foam, $89

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This lathers up into a thick foam that deep cleans. 
It also lifts off pollutants from skin like PM2.5 particles from exhaust gas or haze.
ALSO READ: Goodbye, dullness and clogged pores, this fermented ingredient fights pollution

Anti-pollution cleanser (Readers’ choice) - Biotherm Skin Oxygen Depolluting Cleanser, $45

3/12

This gel-liquid foam has chlorella, an algae that absorbs heavy metals and pesticides.
We got smoother, more even-toned skin in eight days.
 

ALSO READ: Skin care tips from 10 gorgeous K-pop stars

Anti-pollution toner/lotion (Editor’s choice) - Shiseido Waso Fresh Jelly Lotion, $45

4/12

This fluid-gel toner hydrates and strengthens skin against external stressors.
We also love how it feels refreshing on the skin.
 

ALSO READ: 5 detoxifying masks to fight pollution and purify skin

Anti-pollution toner/lotion (Readers’ choice) - Biotherm Anti Pollution Skin Oxygen Oxygenating Lotion, $42

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This also has the antioxidant-rich chlorella algae.
Pores look more refined after application, and it cools the skin for as long as five minutes.
 

ALSO READ: Goodbye, dullness and clogged pores, this fermented ingredient fights pollution

Purifying mask (Editor’s choice) - Sulwhasoo Radiance Energy Mask, $102

6/12

Apply this overnight mask and it will make your skin look brighter and clearer the next morning.
Your complexion also feels smooth and plumped-up, too.
 

ALSO READ: Skin care tips from 10 gorgeous K-pop stars

Purifying mask (Readers’ choice) - Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Color Clay Mask [Purifying], $13

7/12

This volcanic rock and mud mask doesn’t feel tight when it dries; it remains creamy and turns soapy when you add water to deep-clean.
Pores look more refined.
ALSO READ: 5 detoxifying masks to fight pollution and purify skin

Anti-pollution sunscreen cream (Editor’s choice) - Lancome UV Expert Youth Shield Aqua Gel SPF50/PA+++, $75

8/12

The creamy gel has moringa – the plant that’s known for purifying dirty water – and vitamin E to counter free radical damage and inflammation.
It's great for sensitive skin.
ALSO READ: Goodbye, dullness and clogged pores, this fermented ingredient fights pollution

Anti-pollution sunscreen cream (Readers’ choice) - Sulwhasoo Snowise Brightening UV Protector SPF50+/ PA++++, $92

9/12

This upgraded version not only provides the highest UV protection among the brand’s products. 
It also creates a physical film that prevents pollutants from adhering to skin. Comes in two shades.
 

ALSO READ: Skin care tips from 10 gorgeous K-pop stars

Anti-pollution sunscreen lotion (Editor’s choice) - SK-II Atmosphere Airy Light UV Emulsion SPF30/ PA+++, $99

10/12

This watery, slightly shimmery sunscreen feels sticky at first but dries to a lightweight film after a few minutes.
It gives skin a dewy glow.
 

ALSO READ: 5 detoxifying masks to fight pollution and purify skin

Anti-pollution sunscreen lotion (Readers’ choice) - Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart Broad Spectrum SPF50/PA++++ Hydrating Shi

11/12

The gel-cream uses a physical UV block. It also has green tea, ferulic acid and plankton extracts.
Skin appears smoother and brighter, with a healthy-looking glow.
 

ALSO READ: Goodbye, dullness and clogged pores, this fermented ingredient fights pollution

Anti-pollution moisturiser (Editor’s & readers’ choice) - Shiseido Waso Color-smart Day Moisturizer Oil-free, $55

12/12

The gel-cream uses a physical UV block. It also has green tea, ferulic acid and plankton extracts.
Skin appears smoother and brighter, with a healthy-looking glow.

ALSO READ: Goodbye, dullness and clogged pores, this fermented ingredient fights pollution