We’ve all got to grips with wearing daily SPF (right?) and can even get on board with the idea of protecting our skin from fumes within busy cities. But surely when we’re safe at home, we can take a break from thinking about pollutants and other aggressors? Wrong, sadly.
In fact, if anything, the inside of your house or flat could be housing air that is even worse for your skin, sleep and general health. And since the average adult breathes in around 10,000 litres of air every minute, it IS something we should all be paying attention to. A scary concept, yes, but nothing that can’t be fixed...
Is there actually pollution INSIDE your home?
Lots, yes, and from various sources. In fact, many surveys suggest the air inside the home could be worse (depending on where you live) than outside, as much as five times higher*. And since we spend up to 90% of our time indoors - much more in recent times of course - it’s the air you’re exposed to more than the air outside that can affect your skin.
Many of these pollutants are known to cause health issues from skin and sleep problems, to respiratory issues.
Where does the air pollution come from?
‘There is a plethora of air pollutants that can accumulate in the home’, says Dyson’s VP of Environmental Care, Alex Knox. ‘Most obvious is dust when it builds up over time on surfaces, pet hair on carpets, build-up of mould in damp environments or pollen that is drawn in through open windows.’
One of the other main areas of concern is invisible fumes ‘released from new furniture, cleaning solvents, deodorants, scented candles and gasses from cooking,’ says Knox. So sadly, every time your doing your best by cleaning, DIYing or upgrading your interiors game, you could be adding to toxins in the air.
Your beauty products can also add to the issue, releasing VOCs (volatile organic compounds) from hairspray and perfume into your space.
Further to that, there is, of course, the air coming in from outside, either seeping in via bad insulation or rushing in when your windows or doors are open.
Why is poor air quality bad for your skin?
Just like the sun and city-based smog, the atmosphere inside your home - depending on the quality - can play havoc on your skin. ‘Environmental pollution causes the promotion of free radicals onto the skin and these dangerous molecules are triggering a cascade of chemical reactions’ says Dr Marko Lens, a reconstructive and plastic surgeon and founder of skincare brand Zelens. ‘These reactions can cause skin inflammation and subsequently skin ageing.’
These free radicals can be especially damaging to the skin barrier, which protects the skin and keeps it healthy and irritation free.
How can you improve your air quality at home?
There are many ways you can better the situation for yourself. Either by improving the air quality by removing polluting particles, swapping in products that aren't going to add to the problem, or by protecting your skin from what is there already.
1. Try an air purifier
'Pollutants come in many different shapes and sizes so it’s important to have the right cleaning systems to maintain a healthy home environment', says Knox. HEPA (efficiency particulate air) filters are important for capturing fine particles such as pollen, dust and debris, but a purifier will have the added value of removing ultra-fine particles and harmful volatile compounds that can lead to health and sleep issues.
Look for purifiers that capture the smallest size particles (measured in microns) possible for your budget .
ELLE Edit: Air Purifiers
Dyson Pure Humidify + Cool Humidifier - £599.99
The OGs of making appliances sexy, Dyson, have it truly nailed with this newest model which purifies, humidifies and cools to your heart's content. The sealed HEPA filter is proven to capture 99.97% of potentially harmful pollutants in the air (even the teeniest, tiniest particles), and remove 99.9% of bacteria in the water too. One of a kind, it's worth the investment.
Bionaire BAP600 Compact Air Purifier - £98.99
If you don't the space for a huge unit or, you know, a few hundred quid spare, this little guy is a great option. It can perch on a surface (it's about 30cm high and wide) to work it's purifying magic on smaller spaces. With 3 cleaning levels and a filtration system that removes up to 99% of indoor airborne particles, the stats are impressive for the price.
Philips AC2889/60 Series 2000i Connected Air Purifier - £400
This might look simple, but it houses some very brainy mechanics, that automatically monitor, react and purify the air in your home to remove 99. 97% of ultrafine particles, allergens, gases, bacteria and viruses. A night mode does the same job but in near silence, and you can prompt the speed and power using Alexa voice control.
Levoit Air Purifier for Home - £79.99
Another compact option, but don't be fooled by it's size (the base is a dinky but practical 21cm). This has three strength settings, is practically silent, and captures airborne contaminants as small as 0.3 microns. Which isn't as small as others, but is very impressive for the price.
2. Switch to non-toxic candles
A scented candle might be one of life's simplest and greatest pleasures, but they can also be the worst culprit for your health at home. With most made from paraffin wax (derived from petroleum, coal or shale), every time you light it you're potentially releasing toxic compounds such as acetone and benzene into the air, both recognised carcinogens.
An easy win is switching to non-toxic candles, of which there are many brilliant - and chic - options.
ELLE Edit: Non-toxic Candles
Sun.Day of London Midnight (Somewhere) Candle - £26
Proving you don't have to compromise on cool, this Hackney-based brand makes essential oil filled candles (this one combines lavender, rose, lemon, lime and orange for an uplifting scent) handcrafted using cocobut and gmo-free plant waxes. The oils are aromatherapy-grade, so expect some serious soothing when lit.
Neom Real Luxury Scented Candle (3 Wicks) - £46
For such a well-known brand, it's a surprising fact that Neom's candles are all non-toxic: made of natural vegetable wax. Also, for a reasonable price, they burn down better than some pricier options, with scents that really hang in the air. This one smells luxurious and comforting, heady with jasmine.
Eym Home Candle - £39
With a soy-wax base, this 100% natural candle has a grounding yet fresh geranium and chamomile scent that will fill your space with calm instead of chemicals.
Helm London Eucalyptus Luxury Candle - £29
This hand-poured, vegan-friendly range from London-based brand Helm gives us serious Le Labo vibes but at a snip of the price. This eucalyptus scented one is as green and fresh smelling as it gets.
3. Swap in chemical-free cleaning products
We hate to rain on your Spring-cleaning parade but... all that spraying and scrubbing might make things look clean, but actually be sending lots of chemicals up into your air. Which end up in your lungs - ew. An easy win is your usual household cleaning products for chemical-free brands, many of which are 100% natural or vegan too.
ELLE Edit: Non-toxic Cleaning Products
Daylesford Rosemary Loo Cleaner - £3.75
Thought cleaning your loo couldn't be chic? Think again. This rosemary scented lavatory liquid dissolves dirt and limescale wit natural ingredients, leaving the herby scent in its wake.
Ashley and Co Benchpress Surface Cleaner - £16.00
Another cleaning product that you won't want to hide under your kitchen sink, this all-surface spray is charged with essential oils like citrus and clove bud, all without the use of harsh ingredients. The citrusy scent lingers beautifully too, so you'll save on (non-toxic) scented candles.
Method Rhubarb All Purpose Floor Cleaner - £4
Also available in lemon ginger or almond, this scented floor cleaner is formulated to works on any hard floor (like stone or laminate) and to cut through grease and grime as well as - if not better than - your usual chemical-filled brand. The packaging is 100% recycled and recyclable too.
Ecover Multi-Action Spray - £2.50
Perhaps the original 'green cleaning' brand, Ecover has a whole host of products, from washing up liquid to laundry detergent. Even their factories are energy efficient and clean running, meaning they come from a green home to make your home green - nice. This does-everything spray is an easy swap from your usual one full of chemical nasties.
4. Protect your skin with anti-pollution skincare
There's a host of anti-pollution products available now which, although traditionally designed for city-dwellers and commuters, will work a treat indoors too. Dr Lens also suggests that a 'proper cleansing of the skin is very important to remove all impurities' and to look for cleansers with detox properties.
He also adds to use topical antioxidants that fight against free radicals, and a good moisturiser to keep the skin barrier healthy.
ELLE Edit: Anti-pollution Skincare
Dr Barbara Sturm Anti-Pollution Drops - £110
The great thing about this formula is that it strengthens the skin's defences against pollution, with antioxidants centred around a unique extract of microorganisms. But the BEST thing about this formula? It can be added to any cream or serum to boost its powers.
Zelens Intense Defence Serum - £125
One of the first brands to pioneer pollution-defence skincare, Zelens uses a formula designed to not only make your skin look good, but also shield it from external aggressors. This serum fights against free radicals which can damage the building blocks of your skin. The result is a healthier, glowier face too: win-win.
REN Flash Defence Anti-Pollution Mist - £24
If you just can't bear to add ANOTHER step into your morning routine with an anti-pollution formula, this might be the answer. This mist - which creates a barrier on your skin's surface to protects from atmospheric pollutants - can be applied through the day, and over make-up. The fine spritz will also rehydrate the skin too and add instant relief to stressed skin.
Sisley SisleYouth Anti-Pollution Moisturiser - £138
There's serum, there's Sisley serum, and then there's this Sisley SUPER serum. Formulated with antioxidant ingredients including buckwheat seed, pea extract and vitamin E. Strengthening as well as shielding, it's hydrating, glow boosting and calming all in one. A little bit goes a long way too.
* Source United States Environmental Protection Agency
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