Your Morning Commute Could Be Wreaking Havoc On Your Skin
The quest for healthy, glowing skin can feel challenging during the winter months, with cold temperatures, icy winds, and dry indoor heating stripping the skin of moisture, leaving it dull, dehydrated, and more prone to irritation.
But it’s not just the weather working against us, with our daily commutes also taking a toll. It could actually be causing some significant damage and it’s important that we know how to treat it.
Louise Walsh from Savoo, also known as The Skin Nurse, reveals the biggest things to watch out for, as well as simple skin remedies, and the common mistakes that so many of us make that could be leading to issues!
How does a typical daily commute impact our skin, particularly in busy cities?
She says: “a daily commute exposes the skin to multiple stressors at once, including pollution, temperature changes, wind, and low humidity. In busy cities, pollution particles settle on the skin and trigger inflammation, while moving between cold outdoor air and heated indoor spaces weakens the skin barrier. Over time, this can lead to dryness, sensitivity, congestion, breakouts, and premature ageing.”
What is one of the most common habits you see people doing on commutes that could lead to skin breakouts?
She added: “touching their face repeatedly! Hands pick up pollution, bacteria, and irritants from phones, railings, and seats, which are then transferred directly onto the skin. This can worsen breakouts, irritation, and sensitivity, especially around the mouth and jawline.”
Are certain skin types more vulnerable to commute-related damage?
She said: “yes. Sensitive, rosacea-prone, acne-prone, and dry skin types tend to be more vulnerable. Anyone with a compromised skin barrier will notice symptoms more quickly, as the skin struggles to defend itself against pollution and environmental stress. Even resilient skin can become reactive over time without proper protection.”
How exactly does pollution damage skin, and what signs should we look out for?
Pollution in big cities can be a nightmare for irritating the skin and she says: “pollution generates free radicals that cause oxidative stress in the skin, leading to inflammation and accelerated collagen breakdown. Signs include dullness, uneven tone, increased sensitivity, congestion, breakouts, and a general tired appearance. Over time, this can contribute to fine lines and loss of elasticity.”
Can makeup or sunscreen act as a barrier against environmental aggressors during our commute?
She adds: “yes, both can help. Sunscreen is essential all year-round, and many formulas now also protect against pollution. Makeup can provide a light physical barrier, helping prevent particles from settling directly onto the skin.”
“It is important to cleanse gently but thoroughly at the end of the day to remove pollutants without stripping the skin. Also, using Vitamin C serums in morning skincare routines can help fight the stress that’s created.”
Are there any skincare misconceptions you’d love to debunk?
Finally, she says: “one big misconception is that harsh cleansing or exfoliating will remove pollution damage. In reality, over-cleansing weakens the skin barrier, making skin more vulnerable. Gentle cleansing and barrier repair are far more effective than aggressive treatments.”