Pollution and Your Skin: How to Protect Your Glow in a Busy World

Pollution and Your Skin: How to Protect Your Glow in a Busy World

If you’ve ever stepped outside and felt like your skin was just… not having it, you’re not alone. Between car exhaust, dust, city grime, and even indoor air pollutants, your skin is fighting a quiet battle every day. And unless you’re living deep in the rainforest (jealous), it’s a battle worth prepping for. 

The good news? Your skincare routine can act like armor, shielding you from these sneaky skin aggressors. Let’s chat about how pollution affects your skin, how sunscreen and double cleansing can be your ultimate protectors, and how a few powerhouse products—yes, including black rice-infused skincare to fight free radicals—can make all the difference. 


Wait—Pollution Affects Skin That Much? 

Yup. Air pollution isn’t just bad for your lungs—it’s a real party crasher for your skin. Even if you can’t see it, it’s there: microscopic particles floating around waiting to settle onto your face like unwelcome glitter. And no one asked for glitter in their pores. 

  • Free Radical Frenzy: Pollution causes oxidative stress, which generates free radicals that break down collagen and elastin (the stuff that keeps your skin firm and bouncy). 
  • Inflammation Station: It can trigger inflammation, causing sensitivity, redness, and flare-ups. 
  • Pigmentation Woes: Pollution can lead to the formation of dark spots and uneven tone over time. 
  • Pore Problems: Dust and debris settle on the skin, leading to clogged pores, breakouts, and that icky congested feeling. 

    It’s like your skin’s constantly trying to keep out uninvited guests at the front door—and after a while, it gets tired. 


How SPF is Basically Your Skin’s Bouncer 

Let’s make one thing clear: if you’re not wearing SPF every day, your skin is missing out on its strongest defender—not just against UV rays, but against pollution, too. Sunscreen creates a physical and/or chemical barrier that blocks out harmful rays and reduces oxidative damage. 

Enter: haruharu wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++. This gem is unscented, non-sticky, and leaves no white cast (thank you!). But it’s not just about what it doesn’t do—what it does do is even better: 

In addition to SPF protection 50+ PA++++, the formula is infused with black rice extract—a natural antioxidant that helps fight off free radicals in pollution. As the name implies, the airy breathable texture makes daily wear feel effortless, even under makeup! 

Basically, it’s the kind of sunscreen you’ll actually want to wear every day, and that’s a win in itself. 


Double Cleansing = Double the Defense 

Let’s talk about double cleansing. It’s not a trend—it’s a skincare ritual, and it’s especially important if you’re dealing with pollution, sunscreen, or city living in general. Oil cleansers excel in melting away impurities trapped deep within your pores that have accumulated over the day like pollution, sunscreen, makeup, and excess sebum. Water-based cleansers have a velvety lather that finishes cleansing the skin, removing any leftover sweat, dirt, and grime. 

You’ll feel like you’re giving your skin a big sigh of relief. 

And guess what? haruharu wonder makes both steps a dream. The Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil isn’t your average cleansing oil. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, consists of only 9 ingredients, and contains rice bran oil. This minimalistic formula helps to gently lift pollution particles and excess sebum without stripping the skin, support skin elasticity and hydration—thanks to naturally occurring antioxidants in black rice— and maintain your skin barrier, even after a long day out in the city. 

Follow it up with the Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel. It’s the perfect second step in your double cleanse and ideal for skin that’s feeling a little overwhelmed by the environment.
The low pH formula (5.5), which supports your skin’s natural acid mantle (aka the invisible armor that protects you from pollutants and bacteria). Once again, our hero fermented black rice extract is also present (you’re probably noticing a theme here) and helps reduce irritation while providing a gentle antioxidant boost. As the name implies, this cleansing gel foams into a soft pillowy lather that won’t strip your skin of moisture, leaving it soft and supple! 


A Pollution-Fighting Routine You’ll Actually Stick To 

Ready to build your urban armor? Here’s a simple AM/PM routine to help defend your glow from city grime and environmental stress: 


Morning: 

Gentle Cleanser: A quick cleanse with the Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel to start fresh. 

Moisturizer: Lock in hydration to support your barrier with our newest addition to the barrier repair line the Black Rice 5 Ceramide Barrier Moisturizing Cream. 

SPF: Don’t skip the Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen—this is your shield for the day! 


Evening: 

Step 1: Oil Cleanser: Start with Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil to dissolve the accumulated pollutants, dirt, and makeup. 

Step 2: Gel Cleanser: Follow up with Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel to gently yet thoroughly cleanse the skin. 

Antioxidant Serum: Think vitamin C or niacinamide for added pollution-fighting power, our Centella 4% TXA Dark Spot Go Away Serum is the perfect combination of these two ingredients. Kill two birds with one stone using this one product! 

Moisturizer: Once again, follow up with our barrier repair cream to help seal in the deal while sleeping takes care of the rest of your rejuvenation! 


Bonus: Indoor Pollution is a Thing Too 

Let’s not forget about indoor pollutants—yep, they’re a thing. Think cooking fumes, dust mites, and even the air from your heating or cooling system. Even your phone screen can emit blue light, which contributes to oxidative stress (infinite scrolling is our worst enemy). 

As tempting as it may be to just roll out of bed and skip skincare since you’ll just be staying indoors, take the extra five minutes to pamper yourself! So while you’re cozy inside, your skincare should still be hard at work—hydrating, protecting, and soothing your skin while you’re settling in with a nice iced matcha latte (or whatever your preferred beverage may be). 


Skin First, City Second 

Living in a city (or even a dusty suburb) doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your skin. With the right routine—powered by gentle double cleansing, daily SPF, and a few skin-loving ingredients—you can walk out the door feeling fresh, confident, and glowy. 

Pollution might be unavoidable, but damage doesn’t have to be. 

Now go on—let your skin breathe, bounce, and bask in its black-rice-protected glory. 

Back to all

Related Products