65 years since the Great London Smog of 1952
On the 5th December 65 years ago, a yellow polluted smog as thick as soup descended on London. That 1952 weekend was the culmination of a freezing cold weekend with stoked up coal fires warming a million houses and trains chugging pollution out into the air while weather conditions meant there was no wind or even a breeze to push the yellow fog out of the capital.
Today the issues have changed; but due to the plethora of cars, trucks and today's 40,000 Ubers in London, pollution is a real issue all over the country - and very much affects the skin. "At such high levels, ozone, carbon monoxide and particulate matter impact the skin, depleting vital antioxidants," explains Nourish London founder, Dr Pauline Hili. "This time of year is especially damaging to the skin's lipid - or protective - layer, causing the skin to enter into a repeating dryness cycle. This results in the skin looking dull, encourages acne and rashes and, under such attack, premature ageing."
Cleansing is possibly the most important element of any skincare regime because it removes these air-born pollutants. Dr Hili advises paying particular attention to the grooves in the skin such as around the nose, around the ears and, gently, around the eyes and not forgetting the neck. Nourish London's Kale 3D Cleanse is leading the way, this turns from a pearlescent cream to soft green when massaged into the skin to give a visual indication of where cleansing has taken place. "We were the first skincare range to recognise that kale is a revolutionary ingredient: it has a special enzyme system which enables it to prevent toxic particles from sticking the skin and causing localised inflammation and ageing, says Dr Hili. "Kale 3D Cleanse also provides hyaluronic acid, probiotics and oxygenating extracts that work in synergy to energise and refresh the skin as this facial wash lifts make up and grime."
Alternatively, Nourish London's Kale Enzymatic Exfoliator is also designed for daily use or a once a week treat. This removes urban pollution by exfoliating with pomegranate enzymes, whilst healing probiotics oxygenate and griffonia extract provides a protective shield against daily environmental aggressors.
Before you go out, protect your skin with Nourish London's Protect Replenishing Peptide Serum and Hydrating Moisturiser which will boost the antioxidant level in your skin, thanks to the vitamin C Â from organic Sicilian citrus fruit. This builds your natural defence system against damage.
So when you go out and face what is now a polluted world, do so with pride - and protection.