As summer winds down, and we move back to the city for jobs or school, it’s important to remember to give our skin a little extra love. Returning to the daily grind of a city comes with an increase of air pollutants that can be harmful to our skin.

Let’s break it down. Here’s how air pollution hurts your skin:

Air pollutants come from everything from smog, cigarette smoke, industrial gases and car exhaust, all of which release harmful chemicals into the environment and into the skin.

Free radical damage and chronic inflammation from these pollutants lead to a break down of collagen fibers, resulting in premature aging and hyperpigmentation.

Pollutants also strip the skin of essential vitamins, leading to dullness or congestion.

So if pollution is the silent enemy, then clean air is essential for dewy, fresh skin. And we’re lucky. Burlington, VT is consistently ranked among the top cleanest cities in America. But we know not everyone has that luxury. Here are our top tips to keep your skin pure + pristine in the city: