Recent findings show that pollution is really damaging to the skin. To counter these deleterious effects, new treatments provide effective solutions.
For the first time in 2015, pollution was placed at the heart of the program of the World Congress of Dermatology in Vancouver (Canada). More and more scientific studies show that it is an important cause of skin damage. And this will again be a major theme of the next World Congress of Dermatology, which will be held in Milan (Italy) in 2019. Due to automobile traffic and industrial activities, air pollution consists of ozone, dust ( microparticles) and gases (nitrogen oxides) which are deposited day after day on the epidermis. How can you protect your skin in practice? Thanks to “shield” cosmetics and an adapted beauty routine.
What are the effects of pollution on the skin?
By triggering inflammatory reaction processes, it increases the sensitivity of the epidermis. It therefore exacerbates most skin problems.
Sensitive skins, already weakened, see the integrity of their skin barrier altered by the oxidation of lipids due to ozone. The problems of drought,eczema and D’allergy are aggravated.
On oily skin, pollution also modifies the composition of sebum. By oxidizing, it contributes to the formation of blackheads and pimples.
Does it cause premature aging?
Alas, yes: 90% of the visible signs of aging of the skin are caused by environmental aggressions. Pollution leads to the formation of free radicals which damage skin structures. This promotes the degradation of collagen (essential for maintaining toned skin). Result: wrinkles, spots and loss of firmness may appear earlier.
Can the epidermis defend itself on its own?
The body has antioxidants which neutralize free radicals. Some are synthesized by the skin, others are provided by food. But this defense system loses in efficiency over time, especially when free radicals are present in too large a quantity.
How do “shield” cosmetics work?
They are intended to strengthen and protect the epidermal barrier, the main defense vis-Ã -vis the outside world. Thanks to targeted antioxidants (vitamin E, carnosine, ferulic acid, selenium …), they oppose radical attacks and neutralize the oxidation caused by pollution and other external factors.
What do they contain?
These are new “anti-adhesion” formulas that deposit a film on the epidermis to prevent microparticles from attaching to the skin. These are non-aggressive treatments (without alcohol or irritating active ingredients), so as not to alter the integrity of the skin film, and very moisturizing, based on essential fatty acids or ceramides, to reconstitute the intercellular cement.
Does UV enhance the effects of pollution?
UV rays, especially UVA rays, are estimated to increase the oxidative effects of pollution by a factor of 3.5. This leads to a vicious circle, known as “oxidative stress”: increased damage caused by free radicals and depletion of the body’s anti-free radical defenses, which then becomes more vulnerable.
Is it easy to get rid of the particles?
The skin should be cleansed using a gentle product containing washing agents effective enough to capture pollution particles. Then, the application of a moisturizer, adapted to your skin type, will limit the insensitive loss of water, while restoring the skin barrier. It may contain antioxidants, active ingredients that are also found in serums or spray mists. Finally, between March and October, it is recommended to apply daily sun protection combining anti-UV filters and antioxidants, because the sun accentuates the harmful effects of pollution.
Our selection of anti-pollution products
1. Purifying make-up remover: associated with a brown algae eliminating impurities, including those resulting from pollution, its balm-oil formula (shea and olive) deeply removes make-up while respecting the skin.
Total Renew Balm, Biotherm, 30 € les 125 ml.
2. Moisturizing shield: with thermal water and anti-irritant Neurosensine, it hydrates the epidermis, while its anti-adhesion dosage minimizes the deposition of particles on the surface.
Ultra-fluid day Tolériane, La Roche-Posay, € 17.50 for 40 ml.
3. Protective mist: anti-redness and soothing, this spray protects and nourishes the skin, thanks to the antioxidant Kalpariane, which boosts the natural barriers of cells and to aloe vera, concentrated.
Urban antioxidant shield, Noxidoxi, € 19.90 for 55 ml.
