We take daily measures to protect ourselves from the sun, but we often don’t think to protect ourselves from our own home environment. If you are suffering from skin issues that won’t go away, the cause could be closer to home. Indoor pollutants can cause a number of skin problems including dryness, premature aging, skin rashes, eczema and acne.

The correlation between skin and air pollution was investigated in a 2009 study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, where researchers confirmed that certain skin problems “could be induced or exacerbated by air pollution.” Pollution also creates free radicals, which cause inflammation and decreases the skin’s ability to produce collagen. This can result in wrinkles, dullness and sagging.

Since we spend a lot of time in our homes, it’s important to keep the air free from toxins, especially if you suffer from allergies, asthma or eczema.

Air pollution, dirt and dust can wreak havoc on your skin and general health. Aside from regularly cleaning your home, avoiding harmful chemicals and opening windows to allow for fresh air, there are a few easy ways to reduce your exposure and make your home a safe haven.

Here are the best ways to detox your home and protect your skin.

Surround Yourself with Plants

In 1989 NASA conducted a Clean Air Study to research ways to clean air in space stations. In the findings they discovered that certain indoor plants had the ability to significantly remove toxins in the air, specifically benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene. As plants release oxygen, you can literally grow your own fresh air and protect yourself from harmful compounds in your home, which have been linked to asthma, nausea and other chronic diseases such as cancer.

The best plants to have at home based on NASA’s study are: aloe vera, spider plant, gerbera daisy, snake plant, golden pothos, chrysanthemum, red-edged dracaena, weeping fig, azalea and english ivy.