It is widely known that city living drastically increases skin exposure to air pollution, however with UK pollution levels continuing to rise, the struggle to purge away impurities has never been more real! Arbonne Independent Consultant, Laura shares skincare secrets that have helped to pollution-proof her acne and eczema prone skin and explains how a holistic approach using 100% vegan and gluten-free products helps to keep your skin smiling, even on the dullest of days.

How has London-living affected your skin?

I’ve always had flawless skin in my teenage years, but when I turned 22, I suffered from adult acne. I had been in London 2 years and the pollution and hard water definitely affected my skin.
At the time, I was also using products with harmful chemicals in that I didn’t know about such as sodium lauryl sulphate, mineral oil, parabens and phthalates.

Since I swapped my skincare and added digestive enzymes, such as probiotics on a regular basis, my skin cleared up completely. I encourage the use of digestive enzymes as they help with breaking down the food we eat and sustain the balance of good bacteria in the gut, where our serotonin (happy hormone) is made.

What are the best ways to maintain radiant skin when commuting in an urban city?

Cleanse your face twice a day, I also use micellar water.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. I find myself more active when living in the city, so make sure to drink enough water. I also discovered an anti-pollution CC cream (Arbonne Intelligence Pollution Defence CC cream with SPF 30) which protects my skin, and still makes my skin look natural and flawless. With a complex formula of botanicals, it creates a ‘second skin’ as a protective barrier against everyday pollution.

What are the benefits of using a vegan and gluten free skincare brand like Arbonne?

For me, it’s the best of both worlds. The mix between botanically based formulas, high technology, and sustainable ingredients makes all the difference. This way, I know that the core ingredients of the product have a purpose and there has been no testing on animals in the process. As I have sensitive Scandinavian skin with eczema, I’ve always been careful with what I apply on my face. I think everyone should consider more environmentally friendly brands, both for your own health, and for the planet’s sake.

How did your transition to cruelty-free beauty products and a plant-based diet impact your skin?

The transition impacted my skin massively! Cutting out dairy in particularly had a great impact on my eczema. I have noticed an overall glow and wellbeing in my body and skin as my gut health has improved, and my skin can breathe even when I wear makeup. I must admit, I was sceptical in the beginning if cruelty-free beauty products would have the same quality, but I am happy I gave it a try as I love it now!

Extensive skincare routines are a thing of the past for many busy city women. What’s your advice to those struggling to maintain a consistent routine?

Start small. Find a routine with 3-4 products and get into the habit. Do that routine at the same time every day, that way after a while it becomes second nature. Approach it in a positive manner, you are taking care of you, enjoy that few minutes of self-care. You’ll feel better for it, and it starts the day on a positive note.

Glowing skin is the first sign of internal happiness – what are your top health and wellness tips to get your skin glowing from the inside out?

I cannot emphasise enough how important gut health is, as your gut is named to be your second brain. If you are lacking in energy and focus, or you’re bloated, or suffering from irritated skin, blemishes or cellulite it is most likely that you have a toxin overload.

Sort out that tummy would be my top tip. This can be achieved through digestion enzymes, good nutrition, less allergens and processed foods, exercise, mixed with mindfulness or any other form of mind conditioning.

Are there any tricks for transforming dull, tired complexions caused by long days, minimal sleep and commuting in a polluted city?

Get yourself a cellular renewal mask so those dead skin cells go away. I also use some eye gel pads that save my life from puffiness and dehydrated skin around my eyes. I also use fizz sticks (natural energy booster with ginseng and b12), those are a life safer! Studies have shown that ginseng can increase your energy levels and boost your immune system, as it contains sustained caffeine from green tea. B12 is an essential vitamin that our bodies cannot produce but it adds to our cognitive function and memory. The worst thing you can do on those days is to overload on coffee and salty foods. Power through with healthier nutrition and hydration, there is a reason why we read that everywhere. Your future self will thank you for it!