From oxygenation facials to vitamin C and mesoporation treatments: Salons witness surge in anti-pollution services amid NCR’s poor air quality

Salon owners say they have witnessed a surge in anti-pollution services of late due to NCR’s deteriorating quality. In turn, they are offering a series of services to counter the damaging effects of the poor air quality, which they say includes acne, premature ageing, dry skin and hair fall. ‘Increased demand for oxygenation facials, Vitamin C and peptide treatments’“There has recently been a surge in customer inquiries for anti-pollution services and products. Our customers come to us with specific concerns, without knowing the source of the problem, which is poor quality air. In fact, pollution has been linked to a number of skin conditions such as acne, premature skin ageing, and inflammatory skin,” says Shabana Sheikh, National Creative Director, Skin and Nails, Lakme Salon.At the same time, Seema Nanda, Founder of Estètico The Facial Bar and The Nomadic Spalon, shares, “We have seen an increased demand for oxygenation, vitamin C and mesoporation facials. Many of our clients have also started using vitamin C and peptides to protect their skin from pollution damage.” ‘Important to take care of hair and skin in this weather’Taking care of your hair and skin is important as air quality remains poor in the city, share experts from salons. When stepping out for work or any other purpose during this time, one should take extra care of their skin and hair. Your skin can be drier than usual because of the onset of winter and poor air quality. Your hair can also feel frizzier and experience more breakage. “Customers opt for services like facials, clean-ups, and de-tanning, which help protect the skin in winters and also fight the damage caused by pollution. For hair, we have treatments like keratin, hot oil and spas, which are helpful in preventing dryness, breakage and frizzy hair,” points out Zakir Khan, owner, Crème Salon.Shabana Sheikh adds, “Pollution in the air can stick to your skin and be absorbed by your pores throughout the day, which means that over time, these particles can irritate and weaken the skin’s defence barrier, resulting in sensitive skin. Treatments available incorporate exfoliating hydra dermabrasion to improve skin texture, and LED light therapy to brighten and boost collagen production. Premature skin ageing is another concern caused by poor air quality, for which there are treatments that aid in hydration, and anti-premature ageing.”Services available for men, tooWhile there are many products that have anti-pollution ingredients, service providers are also making sure that they have services for both men and women to treat their skin and hair. A spokesperson from home services platform, Urban Company, says they have introduced an anti-pollution facial treatment for men to cater to the growing need among the demographic. “The four-step clean up regime includes cleansing, scrubbing, steam and blackhead removal. In this specially designed facial, activated bamboo charcoal and lemon face pack are used to rid the skin of toxins and excess oil gathered through the day, making the skin look young, rejuvenated and fresh round the clock,” the spokesperson added.