Dermatologist shares anti-pollution skincare routine to protect your skin from smog, screens and stress

Skincare today means protection. With rising pollution and screen time, anti-pollution routines are a must to keep your skin healthy and glowing.
In today’s fast-paced urban lifestyle, skincare is no longer just about hydration or anti-ageing. It’s about protection. With rising pollution levels and hours spent in front of digital screens, more people are looking for ways to defend their skin from modern environmental stressors.
Blue light from devices like laptops and smartphones can contribute to skin ageing, pigmentation, and dullness. Meanwhile, pollution, especially in cities, clogs pores, triggers inflammation and weakens the skin barrier. It’s no surprise that in 2025, anti-pollution skincare is gaining ground as a must-have routine, not a luxury. (Also read: Cosmetologist explains the role of nutrition in skincare: Why what you eat matters for healthy, radiant skin )
Dr Lakshmi Sowjanya Chekuri, MD, Founder and Chief Dermatologist, AVNI Dermatology and Aesthetics, Hyderabad, shared with HT Lifestyle tips for a perfect anti-pollution skincare routine.
1. Use the right cleanser
Wash your face with a gentle, antioxidant-rich cleanser in the morning and before bed. This helps remove dirt, pollution, and prevents buildup. Avoid strong soaps that dry out your skin.

2. Choose a good moisturiser
Pick a moisturiser with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or vitamin E. These ingredients keep your skin soft, hydrated, and protect it from outside irritants.
3. Protect against screen light
Use a serum with antioxidants to fight damage from phone and computer screens. And always wear sunscreen, even when you are indoors.
4. Professional support
Non-invasive treatments are becoming a go-to for deeper protection and repair.

5. Maintain a skin-friendly lifestyle
Stay hydrated, eat antioxidant-rich foods (like berries and green tea), and keep your skin barrier strong with regular sleep and minimal stress.
As we spend more time in hybrid work setups, shifting from office screens to outdoor errands, our skin needs more than just a basic routine. An anti-pollution skincare plan that includes at-home care and expert-backed treatments can help your skin stay fresh, balanced, and future-ready.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
ABOUT THE AUTHORAkanksha AgnihotriAkanksha Agnihotri is a lifestyle journalist with over 3 years of experience. She is a psychology graduate and holds a postgraduate diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, where she graduated as a gold medalist. Originally from Bhopal, the beautiful capital of Madhya Pradesh, she draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage and layered storytelling traditions that subtly shape her narrative voice. She writes extensively about fashion, beauty, health, relationships, culture, and food, exploring everything from trending styles and runway moments to wellness routines and mindful living. Passionate about meaningful and candid conversations, she enjoys interviewing celebrities, doctors, designers, and film personalities, diving into discussions on fitness, beauty, mental health, and everything fun in between. With a keen eye for trends and a thoughtful understanding of human behaviour, she brings depth, sensitivity, and authenticity to her stories, ensuring they resonate with a wide and diverse audience. When she’s not working, you’ll usually find her lost in a book, planning her next mountain trek, or mapping out spontaneous travel escapes. She loves discovering new authors, revisiting old favourites, and spending quiet afternoons in museums soaking in art, history, and culture. An avid bird-watching enthusiast, she finds joy in early morning walks, spotting rare birds, and reconnecting with nature. Whether sipping coffee while journaling her thoughts or exploring hidden corners of a new city, she constantly seeks inspiration in everyday moments that often turn into compelling story ideas.Read More
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