Environmental pollution is becoming a global problem all over the world and, at the same time, a popular topic in the beauty industry. Carbon footprints, ozone, carbon dioxide, smog, nanoparticles and other pollutants found in urban air have a detrimental effect on our skin. But much more dangerous, according to scientists, are particles of PM (Particulate Matters) - a mix of dust, ash, nitrates and sulfates, microparticles of tires. Distinguish particles PM 2.5 with a diameter of up to 2.5 microns and PM 10 with a diameter of up to 10 microns. And particles with a diameter of about 1.5 microns are able to penetrate the skin. In the fast rhythm of the metropolis, one must not forget about the proper cleansing of the skin, as well as its protection. Anti-pollution cosmetics literally help to establish a barrier between the epidermis and the environment.
Anti-pollution - what is it?
Literally, anti-pollution is translated as anti-pollution. These are products that include antioxidants, vitamins, moisturizing and nourishing ingredients, SPF factor. Such cosmetics are used both to protect against the pollution itself, and to combat the consequences of their effects on the body. Anti-pollution cosmetics are products for cleansing the skin from pollutants and for protecting against industrial pollution, free radicals and the sun.
How does urban air pollution affect the skin?
First of all, the integrity of the hydrolipidic mantle of the skin is violated. The skin microbiome also suffers - bacteria, viruses, fungi in the amount of about 10 million individuals per square centimeter that live on your skin. The microbiome monitors the immunity of the skin, prevents dehydration, inflammation, regulates the level of fat content.
When exposed to negative environmental factors in owners of oily skin, the work of the sebaceous glands is disrupted. As a result of the manifestation of the melanin pigment (under the influence of UV radiation), black dots appear - a mix of sebum, dead cells and microparticles of pollution. Also, the T-zone begins to produce more sebum.
For girls with dry skin, urban polluted air threatens with dehydration and sensitivity. Salts of heavy metals settle on the surface of the skin, as a result, moisture is lost more intensively, protective mechanisms work in a stressful mode. The skin tries to protect itself from pollution by building up a dead stratum corneum. Visually, the skin looks more tired, dryness and roughness appear.
Free radicals are the main cause of accelerated skin aging. The main damaging effect of free radicals is oxidative stress. As a result - the appearance of wrinkles, loss of skin tone and its lethargy.
What should be present in Anti-Pollution cosmetics?
One of the ways to combat pollutants is the action of antioxidants and antiglycators. The first fight against oxidative processes in skin cells, the second - with the aging process of collagen and elastin. The main ingredients that effectively fight pollutants are vitamin B3 (or niacinamide), vitamins C and E. Also, pay attention to ingredients that can restore tissue respiration and saturate skin cells with oxygen, which is so lacking in urban air (14-15 % against 21% of the norm). Usually lipoproteins and other protein derivatives play this role.
In order for the skin to retain youth for as long as possible in the conditions of the fast rhythm of big cities, it needs sufficient moisture. Anti-pollution products have learned to maintain a smart balance: they normalize the level of moisture in cells, tone, mattify, tighten pores, prevent premature skin aging and, at the same time, remove impurities.
