15 simple ways to stay safe and how to protect yourself from air pollution

The air quality is deteriorating each day around the world. The deadly smog has taken Delhi and its neighbouring states into its clutches. With the increasing urbanisation and industrialisation, there is an upsurge of toxic air in cities. Not only is it a threat to the environment, but the hazardous air is also making people cough, causing throat infections, and even spreading viral cardiovascular diseases.

Reducing air pollution by switching to an eco-friendly lifestyle is the need of the hour. Using energy efficient light bulbs and appliances, carpooling and taking public transport, advocating emission reductions from power plants and turning off electricity when not in use are a few ways to help as a community.

Meanwhile, many are wondering how to stay safe and protect themselves from the ill-effects of air pollution. Dr Anup Dhir, senior consultant and cosmetic surgeon at Apollo hospital, has a few tips to stay fit:

* Keep your house dust free and uncluttered. Using a vacuum cleaner, wet mopping and dusting are recommended.

* Many air purifiers are available that claim to reduce pollution. These claims are not evidence-based and may not work as well as advertised. Even if they reduce particulates slightly, it may be better than nothing.

* Wear full sleeved clothes on days when the pollution levels are extremely high to offer some protection to your skin.

* Always use a good quality sunscreen, even in winter to protect against sun damage. Wearing minimal make-up may offer some physical protection.

* Eat a healthy, balanced diet, avoid smoking, and follow a regular exercise regime to keep your body healthy.

* A good skincare routine to cleanse, tone and moisturise your skin is very important to replenish the skin.

* Drink water to hydrate the skin. Try to take a steam in the evening to relax your air passage and help your body remove harmful particulates.

* Skin rejuvenation is gaining momentum and cosmetic surgeons now offer many simple techniques like chemical peels and PRP therapy to improve the skin.

Skin care is also important in such times. Shambhavi Mishra, an ethical beauty blogger at Talksassy suggests a few more tips to adopt a healthier lifestyle to rejuvenate your body.

* Moisturise your skin to keep yourself from getting dehydrated. Use a good cream with SPF for the morning ritual and go for facial oils at night.

* Essential facial oils have more benefits and help rejuvenate skin naturally and quickly. Avocado oil has a good amount of fatty acids and so, it penetrates deeper into your skin.

* The skin has its own life cycle and ability to heal after any damage. Do not try new products every now and then as it can cause harm to your body.

* Do not wash your face too much to avoid dry skin. If you have oily skin, cleanse around three to four times a day.

* Organic turmeric can keep your skin healthy. It can be consumed in different forms such as in food, infused liquid intake or capsules. It can also be applied to face packs. Consuming it on a daily basis or using it externally can be good for your body.

* Use natural packs like a mixture of aloe vera, cream and turmeric. Besan and raw milk are one of the best scrubs.

* Fruit or vegetable mashes and peels are always good. Take dry beetroot, grind into powder, mix with honey and use it as a lip balm.

Add these quick fix tips to your lifestyle and get rid of the harmful effects of air pollution.