I would ask you all how the weather is treating you, but, unfortunately, it’s firecracker season, so I’m not going to bother with that question.
The data from the Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) tells a story that every Delhiite has been living. It translates air pollution into its most personal cost—our time. The numbers show that, on average, air pollution reduces the life expectancy of an Indian citizen by several years. But for those of us in Delhi, the picture is even more stark.
While there has been some fluctuation and even slight improvement in recent years—with the figure dropping from a high of nearly 9.75 years of life expectancy lost in 2018 to 7.81 years in 2024—the reality remains grim. Even with this progress, the latest data indicates a worrying potential rebound, with projections for 2025 sitting at 8.2 years.
So, how do we help our skin and ourselves survive this? Luckily, my 15+ years of experience and I are here to help you navigate through the city’s choked air and thick clouds.
The unseen enemy
The conversation around air pollution has shifted. It’s no longer just an environmental issue; it’s a pressing health crisis that’s getting personal. Major global health bodies have sounded the alarm, revealing a heartbreaking truth: the very air we breathe is shaving years off our life expectancy, especially here in North India. And our bodies are showing the strain, with rising cases of everything from rheumatoid arthritis to a host of autoimmune disorders like psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, etc.
Think of your skin as the body’s most loyal shield. Every single day, it works tirelessly to protect you from the outside world. But with pollution levels consistently soaring far above what’s considered safe (we’re talking AQI values that have become a source of dread, especially post-Diwali), that shield is under constant attack.
● They start a flight; inflammation: This leads to sensitivity, redness, and can trigger conditions like eczema and acne.
● They steal the good stuff: Pollutants strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dehydration and a weakened, vulnerable barrier.
● They break the best stuff; collagen & elastin: Free radicals break down the proteins that keep your skin firm and plump, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging—aka premature ageing. It’s like your skin is ageing on fast-forward.
● They leave a mess; hyperpigmentation: The inflammation can send your melanin production into overdrive, resulting in dark spots and an uneven skin tone.
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How to build a clean-air sanctuary
● Rethink your personal airspace
This is non-negotiable. If you or anyone in your household smokes, please know that this is one of the most direct assaults on your skin and lungs. The toxins in cigarette smoke are a brutal combo for an already stressed-out complexion.
● Embrace the power of green
Instead of gifting sweets next time, why not gift a breath of fresh air? I’ve started gifting plants to my friends and family, and it’s a beautiful, living reminder that we care about each other’s well-being. Plants like the Snake Plant, Peace Lily, or English Ivy are not just decorative; they’re natural air purifiers, working quietly to increase oxygen and filter out toxins.
● Make conscious celebrations
With Diwali around the corner, the term “green crackers” gives us a flicker of hope. Designed to be less polluting, they are a step in a kinder direction. But let’s be real—in a city like Delhi, where the air quality is already in a critical state, any additional pollution has a compounding effect. My personal prayer this year is that these alternatives truly live up to their “green” promise, for the sake of our health and our city’s future.
Also read: Skin cancer is no more an ‘old person’s disease’
How to handle post-pollution skin
● The double cleanse
You wouldn’t go to bed with the city still on your face, right? A single cleanse often isn’t enough to remove pollution particles and sunscreen. Enter the double cleanse: start with an oil-based balm or cleanser to melt away all the gunk, followed by a gentle, water-based cleanser to deep clean without stripping your skin. It’s the ultimate one-two punch.
● Exfoliate, but don’t annihilate
Exfoliation is like hitting the refresh button. It sweeps away the dead skin cells and pollutants clogging your pores. But in high-pollution times, your skin is already stressed. Be kind! Use a gentle chemical exfoliant (like lactic or salicylic acid) 2-3 times a week instead of harsh scrubs.
● SUNSCREEN!! SUNSCREEN!! SUNSCREEN!!
Make a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 the final step of your morning routine, rain or shine. Reapply every two hours if you’re out and about.
● Hydrate!!
A well-hydrated skin barrier is a strong one. Use a hydrating serum with ingredients like hyaluronic acid to plump up your skin cells, and always seal it in with a good moisturiser. And don’t forget to hydrate from the inside—your water bottle is a crucial part of your skincare arsenal.
● Eat your way to better skin
Load up on berries, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and maybe swap one coffee for a green tea. Your skin will thank you.
● Minimise exposure
1) Invest in an air purifier
2) Check the AQI and try to avoid outdoor activity during peak pollution hours.
3) Regularly dust and vacuum your home to cut down on indoor pollutants.
Navigating life in a polluted city is a challenge, but it doesn’t mean you have to surrender your skin’s health. It’s about giving your skin the love and protection it needs to stay resilient, healthy, and glowing—no matter what the AQI throws at you.
Now go forth and glow!
— Your friendly skincare truth-teller
Dr Deepali Bhardwaj is a Consultant Dermatologist, Max Hospital, Saket. She is also an anti-allergy specialist, laser surgeon and internationally trained aesthetician. She tweets @dermatdoc. Views are personal.
(Edited by Saptak Datta)