More than 40 percent of us live in areas with unhealthy air quality, according to the American Lung Association, and a significant amount of research links air pollutants with skin damage.

These invisible particles and gases cling to the skin’s surface, attacking lipids and proteins, damaging the barrier, and possibly triggering a domino effect of inflammation, sensitivity, and redness if the pollutants aren’t neutralized or washed off. In fact, Chinese researchers attributed an increase in doctor visits for contact dermatitis and eczema to rising levels of ozone.

Every morning, arm your skin with an antioxidant arsenal to fight off the damage produced by pollutants.  Sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, as well as foundation and mineral makeup, can also act as a physical barrier. At night, wash your face with whichever gentle cleanser you like most, massaging it in to loosen debris. Then wipe skin with an alcohol-free toner to remove even more environmental waste.

Skin should never get worse before it gets better. Ease into a potent routine to stay clear and even.