Air pollution causes skin diseases, impairs the condition of the skin and causes premature ageing. Healthy skin is more likely to be able to protect itself against air pollution, unlike damaged skin because the skin barrier is weakened by a skin condition such as atopic eczema. Skin care products can be used to help to protect the skin. In particular, antioxidants, ectoine, madecassoside and algica (algae-derived silica) are useful ingredients against air pollution. We put together a ready-to-use skincare routine with our products containing anti-pollution ingredients.
Air pollution linked to known skin diseases and premature ageing of the skin
Some research indicates that long-term exposure to air pollution increases inflammation and causes oxidative stress in the skin, which reduces the skin's own antioxidant reserves and disturbs the skin's own permeability, which in turn impairs the skin's defence mechanisms against allergens, pathogens and UV radiation, for example. In the skin, these can be shown as inflammation, skin damage, loss of skin appearance, premature ageing of the skin such as wrinkles and pigmentation, and skin diseases.
Exposure to air pollution can cause or aggravate some skin conditions, such as atopic eczema, psoriasis and acne. Air pollution is a major risk factor, particularly for the development of atopic eczema and the exacerbation of its chronic and inflammatory state. Pollutant particles also clog skin pores and provide an ideal growth environment for Propionibacterium acnes. This bacterium is considered to be one of the main causes of acne. Pollution also increases sebum production, reduces the amount of vitamin E in the skin and promotes inflammation, which impairs the condition of the skin.
Antioxidants: Light Face Cream
The skin naturally contains antioxidants which protects the skin from damage caused by oxidative stress. However, UV-rays and air pollution reduce the levels of antioxidants in the skin. Externally applied antioxidants to the skin replenish the skin's own antioxidant reserves. Many natural antioxidants also have anti-inflammatory properties. We have used antioxidants, such as honokiol and magnolia, in our moisturising and nourishing Light Face Cream.
Madecassoside: Calming Serum
Madecassoside, an antioxidant, is an effective ingredient due it’s ability to heal wounds and hydrate the skin. It promotes collagen synthesis and it has also anti-inflammatory properties. We have used madecassoside in our soothing and moisturising Calming Serum. Read more about madecassoside here.
Ectoin: Balancing Essence and Calming/Purifying Serum
Ectoine protects and hydrates the skin, promotes skin permeability and reduces skin damage such as pigmentation and photoageing. Due to its strong water-binding properties, ectoine is a great ingredient especially for the dry and atopic skin. We have used ectoine in our Balancing Essence, Calming Serum and Purifying Serum – it’s one of our all-time favourite ingredient! You can read more about ectoine here.
Algica: Purifying Serum
Algica, a algae-derived silica, is a moisturizing and purifying ingredient, but it also protect the skin from pollution. It has an excellent ability to both bind water and prevent it from evaporating, making it a great humectant. Some studies have shown that a gel-base containing algica can reduce the penetration of air pollutants into the skin, thereby reducing their harmful effects on the skin. We have used algica in our hydrating, purifying and gel-like Purifying Serum. Read more about algica here.
A routine to protect skin from air pollutants: cleanse, hydrate and protect
- Gentle but effective cleansing of the skin removes make-up, excess dirt and pollution. Try our Mild Milk Cleanser or Nourishing Oil Cleanser.
- Then hydrate your skin with humectants. Try our Balancing Essence and our Calming Serum or Purifying Serum. Hydrating strengthens the skin's barrier and reduces TEWL (water evaporation through the skin).
- Next, apply a product rich in antioxidants, like our Light Face Cream. It hydrates the skin with humectants but also locks in moisture with oils.
- Finally, protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays with our Sun Cream SPF 50+.
This article is based on a thesis produced for Laponie by Vilma Merikanto, a Bachelor of Beauty and Cosmetics an Laurea University of Applied Sciences.
