In 2015, a report by the World Bank claimed that the air hanging over the UAE contained worrying levels of pollution. This toxicity was attributed to emissions from the energy sector and exhaust fumes from cars, as well as the dust that’s constantly kicked up by the wind and construction projects. All of this, coupled with the harsh sunlight that we face almost year-round, can wreak havoc on our skin.
“The growing pollution levels in urban locations and our daily exposure to dust, smog, exhaust fumes, harmful sun rays, and even cigarette smoke and the blue light from our phones and other devices can damage our skin if we don’t guard it,” says Leena Al Abbas, founder of Dubai’s Organic Glow Beauty Lounge. According to London-based skin aestheticienne Rita Rakus, while there’s no getting away from organic signs of ageing, “pollutants and grime add further oxidative stress, clog the pores, inflame our skin and, therefore, worsen the effects of ageing”. Inflammation, which is a direct result of air pollution and exposure to the sun, damages the collagen and elastin present in our skin, which in turn can lead to spots, wrinkles, pigmentation, breakouts, a dry and dull complexion, and loss of elasticity.
In fact, the effects of pollution on skin are now a globally recognised problem, giving rise this year to products and regimens that are being billed specifically as “anti-pollution solutions”. According to the NPD market-research group, the anti-pollution-skincare category grew by 30 per cent in the first six months of 2017, while a quick search of the term on portals such as Sephora and Cult Beauty throws up hundreds of results.
Of course, when it comes to the beauty industry, gimmicks abound; from unsubstantiated claims to exaggerated promises, skincare is often the victim of over-the-top marketing campaigns. Al Abbas maintains that when it comes to selecting an anti-pollution product, hybrid is the way to go. "I'm a big fan of multitasking products, versus having one product for one purpose only. Anti-pollution products need to include pollutant guards, ingredients that prevent and rectify skin damage caused by pollution, and that enhance protection against the environment," she explains. "I use the term 'hybrid' because an anti-pollution product should do multiple things for the skin, such as hydrate and brighten it, protect it from ultraviolet rays by acting as an extra layer of sunscreen, remove impurities, revitalise the skin, as well as be an antioxidant and anti-ageing cream."
Given that the aim of such products is to counter the effects of the chemicals found in our surroundings, it follows that the salves themselves should be as natural as possible. Cleansers and creams that contain preservatives (parabens), plasticisers that lend elasticity (phthalates) and foaming agents (sulfates) may look, smell and feel better, or at least be more familiar. However, these are filler ingredients that are ultimately counterproductive to a regime that’s aimed at protecting your skin against mostly man-made elements. “Our skin already deals with so many external environmental issues, so using skincare that contains chemicals, which would do more harm to your skin [in the long-term], is a big no-no. On the other hand, skincare and cosmetics that contain natural ingredients and natural fragrances are not harmful, and they can be equally effective for your skin,” says Mukta Tweani Purain, co-founder of beauty e-tailer MissPalettable.com.
"Can" is the operative word here. When it comes to anti-pollution skincare, there is no one-cream-suits-all formula. Putting an effective regimen in place depends on factors such as your skin type and hormone levels, as well as where you live and the elements you're exposed to, all of which can alter based on age, location and lifestyle. Rakus recommends getting regular in-depth reviews from a skin specialist. "The products available at medically led clinics can be more powerful and effective than those bought over the counter. Look out for instances where you're paying more for the packaging and promotion rather than the actual ingredients. Also, anything that promises results immediately is just a gimmick. Always."
Of course, beauty products, regular facials and the like are only one aspect of skincare. Hoping for a quick fix or looking for miracle solutions only serves to feed the marketing frenzy. Instead, complement a product that suits you with the three Es of a healthy lifestyle: eating, exercising and exfoliating. A moisturiser will never outperform a diet rich in chemical-free foods and plenty of filtered water, while perspiring makes for a better detoxifier than a face wash ever could. And the simple act of using an exfoliating brush improves blood circulation, which in turn leads to shinier surface results.
Finally, the products you do end up using can work against you if not removed properly. And that’s perhaps the top tip when it comes to anti-pollution skincare. An SPF is the most vital part of your routine, but it needs to be washed off and reapplied each time you step out in the sun and removed completely before you go to bed. The same goes for make-up, creams and lip balms. Even if you’re switching from a day cream to one for the night, ensure that you eradicate all traces of the former and the pollutants that are likely to have clung to it. “The important thing,” says Rakus, “is to get and then keep the skin clean, both on the surface and at a deeper level.”
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Read more:
Essentially invigorating: a lesson from Sodashi on essential oils
Ethical beauty: Tried, tested and vegan
Top 5 beauty-tech developments to watch out for
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What is an ETF?
An exchange traded fund is a type of investment fund that can be traded quickly and easily, just like stocks and shares. They come with no upfront costs aside from your brokerage's dealing charges and annual fees, which are far lower than on traditional mutual investment funds. Charges are as low as 0.03 per cent on one of the very cheapest (and most popular), Vanguard S&P 500 ETF, with the maximum around 0.75 per cent.
There is no fund manager deciding which stocks and other assets to invest in, instead they passively track their chosen index, country, region or commodity, regardless of whether it goes up or down.
The first ETF was launched as recently as 1993, but the sector boasted $5.78 billion in assets under management at the end of September as inflows hit record highs, according to the latest figures from ETFGI, a leading independent research and consultancy firm.
There are thousands to choose from, with the five largest providers BlackRock’s iShares, Vanguard, State Street Global Advisers, Deutsche Bank X-trackers and Invesco PowerShares.
While the best-known track major indices such as MSCI World, the S&P 500 and FTSE 100, you can also invest in specific countries or regions, large, medium or small companies, government bonds, gold, crude oil, cocoa, water, carbon, cattle, corn futures, currency shifts or even a stock market crash.
Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
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MATCH INFO
Manchester City 4 (Gundogan 8' (P), Bernardo Silva 19', Jesus 72', 75')
Fulham 0
Red cards: Tim Ream (Fulham)
Man of the Match: Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City)
The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
UAE - India ties
The UAE is India’s third-largest trade partner after the US and China
Annual bilateral trade between India and the UAE has crossed US$ 60 billion
The UAE is the fourth-largest exporter of crude oil for India
Indians comprise the largest community with 3.3 million residents in the UAE
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi first visited the UAE in August 2015
His visit on August 23-24 will be the third in four years
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, visited India in February 2016
Sheikh Mohamed was the chief guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations in January 2017
Modi will visit Bahrain on August 24-25
The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE
Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega
Director: Tim Burton
Rating: 3/5
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If you go
The Flights
Emirates and Etihad fly direct to Johannesburg from Dubai and Abu Dhabi respectively. Economy return tickets cost from Dh2,650, including taxes.
The trip
Worldwide Motorhoming Holidays (worldwidemotorhomingholidays.co.uk) operates fly-drive motorhome holidays in eight destinations, including South Africa. Its 14-day Kruger and the Battlefields itinerary starts from Dh17,500, including campgrounds, excursions, unit hire and flights. Bobo Campers has a range of RVs for hire, including the 4-berth Discoverer 4 from Dh600 per day.
Company profile
Date started: January, 2014
Founders: Mike Dawson, Varuna Singh, and Benita Rowe
Based: Dubai
Sector: Education technology
Size: Five employees
Investment: $100,000 from the ExpoLive Innovation Grant programme in 2018 and an initial $30,000 pre-seed investment from the Turn8 Accelerator in 2014. Most of the projects are government funded.
Partners/incubators: Turn8 Accelerator; In5 Innovation Centre; Expo Live Innovation Impact Grant Programme; Dubai Future Accelerators; FHI 360; VSO and Consult and Coach for a Cause (C3)
Jawan
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Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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