The Best Skincare Ingredients and Products to Shield Against Environmental Damage 
Wellness & SelfcareSkin Care

The Best Skincare Ingredients and Products to Shield Against Environmental Damage

The Best Skincare Ingredients and Products to Shield Against Environmental Damage
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Updated on December 11, 2025
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Whether you're indoors or out, your skin is affected by the environment.

From UV rays to blue light and pollution, “all these environmental factors work by creating oxidative damage in the skin,” says Jennifer Chwalek, MD, a dermatologist at Unionderm in New York City.

Oxidative damage or stress happens when the level of harmful free radicals outweighs the body’s ability to detoxify them, according to research.

 This breaks down collagen and may compromise the skin’s barrier. “A damaged barrier makes skin more prone to the ill effects of UV damage,” says Dr. Chwalek.

We’ve put together a list of the best products and ingredients to shield your dermis from damage, and take a look at the biggest environmental factors that age skin and increase skin cancer risk, according to dermatologists.

1. Try a Mineral Sunscreen to Avoid Sun Damage

Wearing sunscreen is the No. 1 goal, but many dermatologists like Chwalek prefer SPFs that contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which physically block UV rays. “Chemical sunscreens allow some absorption of light, which is why I think physical blockers are superior. They’re a bit more aggressive in protecting you from UV rays,” she says. These sunscreens have “mineral-based” on the label.

UV rays trigger the production of free radicals in the skin that lead to DNA damage and the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin, causing wrinkles.

2. Pick a Tinted Sunscreen for a Product That Does Double Duty

“Blue light lies on the visible light spectrum. It is high-energy wavelength light that comes from our computer screens and phones,” says Marisa Garshick, MD, a dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City. To better block blue light, look for a tinted moisturizer with SPF, Garshick recommends.

Iron oxides, which are formulated into tinted sunscreens, are the ingredient that shields skin from this type of light spectrum. (It’s what provides the tint.) She likes EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 and SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50.

While research is still emerging and studies are small, some suggest that keeping your face stuck to a screen all day could lead to premature aging.

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3. Pick a Functional Powder for On-the-Go Sun Protection

Visible light can aggravate existing pigmentation problems, says Garshick, and you should have a product you can reapply indoors. Powders with built-in SPF are great because you can dust these on over existing makeup. They’re particularly useful if you work in an office and need a midday touch-up. Try Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50.

UV rays also “stimulate the melanin production that leads to skin discolorations,” Garshick says. Beyond aesthetics is the increased risk of skin cancer. The cumulative effect of sun exposure over time can lead to the formation of nonmelanoma skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

4. Ramp Up on Red Algae to Guard Against Blue Light

If you don’t like tinted primers, another option is to look for a product with red algae, which is designed to protect against blue light, says Garshick. She likes Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen.

5. Go for Vitamins C and E in the Morning

“Antioxidants neutralize the free radicals that are prematurely breaking down collagen and elastin,” says Garshick. Vitamin C often works better with the addition of vitamin E, according to research, so you’ll find them together in certain formulations, she says.

One product frequently recommended by dermatologists: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic. Use this serum in the morning to prep skin with the defenses it needs during the day.

6. Opt for Antioxidants Like Glutathione and Resveratrol

Antioxidants have their place at night, too, as they can help repair damage done during the day, says Garshick. Look for resveratrol (which research has shown is a powerful antioxidant found in red grapes that neutralizes free radicals)

 in SkinCeuticals Resveratrol B E. Garshick also recommends Good Science Beauty Skin Brightening Cream, as it’s packed with glutathione, another potent antioxidant that addresses dark spots to even tone, according to one study.

You can also get antioxidants through supplements like Heliocare, which derives its sun-damage-fighting effects from the research-backed Polypodium leucotomos extract.

 However, it’s important to note that oral supplements are never a replacement for wearing sunscreen.

7. Wash Up Carefully Before Bed

“Exposure to air pollution, which includes particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, hydrocarbons, and ozone, creates oxidative damage in the skin that increases inflammation,” says Chwalek.

“It’s important to wash off the daily buildup of dirt and grime. That’s why a part of every good anti-aging routine is a gentle cleanser,” says Garshick. A mild wash like Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash cleans skin while keeping the skin barrier intact, lessening the chance of irritation.

8. Protect in the P.M.

Use products that help clear out the dust and debris that build up on the skin’s surface, says Garshick. She likes Good Science Beauty Purifying Face Cream, which targets toxins with oligopeptide-10, a plant-based antimicrobial peptide, per the product website. Another recommendation is Elizabeth Arden Prevage Hydrating Fluid, which contains idebenone, an antioxidant that clears up environmental damage.

The Takeaway

  • UV rays, blue light, and air pollution can all cause oxidative damage to the skin, compromising the skin barrier and aging it faster.
  • Take care to protect your skin while you’re both indoors and outdoors using a mineral-based sunscreen (including one on the go) and nourishing your skin with antioxidant-rich ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin E, glutathione, and resveratrol.
  • Cleanse your skin thoroughly before bed with a gentle cleanser to wash away buildup while keeping the skin barrier intact.

Additional reporting by Andria Park Huynh.

EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Chandimali N et al. Free Radicals and Their Impact on Health and Antioxidant Defenses: A Review. Cell Death Discovery. January 24, 2025.
  2. Radiation: The Ultraviolet (UV) Index. World Health Organization. June 20, 2022.
  3. Kumari J et al. The Impact of Blue Light and Digital Screens on the Skin. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. January 3, 2023.
  4. UV Radiation & Your Skin. Skin Cancer Foundation.
  5. Moabedi M et al. The Effect of Co-administration of Vitamin E and C Supplements on Plasma Oxidative Stress Biomarkers and Antioxidant Capacity: A Grade-assessed Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials with Meta-regression. Frontiers in Immunology. July 16, 2025.
  6. Constantinescu T et al. Resveratrol as a Privileged Molecule with Antioxidant Activity. Food Chemistry Advances. December 2023.
  7. Rodríguez-Luna A et al. Clinical Applications of Polypodium leucotomos (Fernblock®): An Update. Life. July 05, 2023.
  8. Haykal D et al. The Impact of Pollution and Climate Change on Skin Health: Mechanisms, Protective Strategies, and Future Directions. JAAD Reviews. December 2025.
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Amy Spizuoco, DO

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Amy Spizuoco, DO, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist. Dr. Spizuoco has been practicing medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology, as well as dermatopathology in New York City for 12 years.

She did her undergraduate training at Binghamton University, majoring in Italian and biology. She went to medical school at the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine. After medical school, she completed her dermatology residency at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine–Alta Dermatology in Arizona. During that time she studied skin cancer surgery and pediatric dermatology at Phoenix Children’s Hospital and attended dermatology grand rounds at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale. After her residency, Spizuoco completed a dermatopathology fellowship at the Ackerman Academy of Dermatopathology.

She was previously an associate clinical instructor in the department of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. She is on the editorial boards of Practical Dermatology and Dermatology Times.

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Jessica Migala is a freelance writer with over 15 years of experience, specializing in health, nutrition, fitness, and beauty. She has written extensively about vision care, diabetes, dermatology, gastrointestinal health, cardiovascular health, cancer, pregnancy, and gynecology. She was previously an assistant editor at Prevention where she wrote monthly science-based beauty news items and feature stories.

She has contributed to more than 40 print and digital publications, including Cosmopolitan, O:The Oprah Magazine, Real Simple, Woman’s Day, Women’s Health, Fitness, Family Circle, Health, Prevention, Self, VICE, and more. Migala lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, two young boys, rescue beagle, and 15 fish. When not reporting, she likes running, bike rides, and a glass of wine (in moderation, of course).

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