Ever heard of free radical damage?

Chances are, if you're interested in anti-aging skincare, you have. 

Free radicals are essentially damaged cells that destroy other healthy cells (which is known as oxidative stress). They are linked to several different life-threatening health complications, but in terms of skincare, they accelerate your skin's aging process. 

Consuming alcohol and smoking are a couple of causes for free radicals forming in your body, but these are largely controllable behaviors. Exposure to toxic chemicals (e.g. pesticides, air pollution) is another way free radicals form, but in today's environment it is near to impossible to avoid. 

From urbanites living in metropolitan areas to families living in suburban homes, no one is completely immune to/safe from air pollution. Both inhaling polluted air and using common household cleaning products expose us to toxic chemicals. 

Beyond a "Green Revolution" across all industries in our current economy, there are few things that we can do to completely eliminate these risks. You can be incredibly conscious of the products you use, but it would be difficult to prevent environmental exposure. 

An easy, affordable, and (depending on your aesthetic) chic way to keep your house smelling fresh and your pores clean is to purchase naturally air-purifying plants. Here are 5 of our favorites:

1. Fern

A species that has survived since prehistoric times, ferns get rid of toluene and xylene. These are harmful chemicals found in glues, inks, dyes, lacquers, paints, paint removers, and degreasers.

Just repainted the walls in your home? Best to keep a pot of ferns in each room. 

2. Areca Palm

Areca Palms are indoor palms and arguably the fussiest of the bunch. They're honestly a maximalist interior designer's love child, but require bright light and are sensitive to over-watering. However, they filter formaldehyde, toluene, xylene, and carbon monoxide. 

3. Snake Plant

Directly opposite from Areca Palms in terms of needed attention and care is the Snake Plant. Are you the type to even burn soup over the stove? Well, then, this is the guy for you. It doesn't require a lot of light or frequent watering. And the pièce de résistance? It filters benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene—making it one of the most effective air purifying plants. 

4. Spider Plant

While we're discussing plants with animal names, let's talk about the spider plant. Another popular indoor plant, this bad boy filters formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. C'est très élégant, non? Looks great in a hanging pot. 

5. Chinese Evergreen

And finally, the Chinese Evergreen. Another indoor plant easy to care for, it comes in more than 100 different varieties, so you're not stuck with the same one as your average joe schmoe. The Chinese Evergreen filters benzene and formaldehyde, which are commonly found in laundry/dish detergents, bath soaps, furniture, and pet products.