Pollution defence ingredients

Pollution is everywhere and comes from human activites and natural sources. World air quality index is monitored since it is a public health issue (www.waqi.info).

This atmospheric pollution is composed of particulate matter, biological molecules or other harmful materials:

- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo[a]pyrene

- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

- Nitrogen oxides (NOx)

- Sulfur oxides (SOx)

- Carbon monoxide

- Ozone

The skin, being one of the first organs in contact with the air, is exposed to these pollutants that contribute damage skin cells; their action being intensified by ultraviolet radiation. Moreover, blue light irradiation, emitted by screens, is a new form of indoor pollution, that must also be considered.

All these types of pollution create an oxidative stress that contribute to free radical production. The human skin is not adapted to this polluted environment. Indeed, human cells have difficulties to remove free radicals, which slows down repair mechanisms. Skin appears tired, dehydrated and sensitive. Pollution induces premature ageing such as wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity, excessive production of sebum and dark circles. It also exists a correlation between premature acne and pollution exposure. (https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-021-11738-0)