Under the thick cloud of fine particles that regularly overhang large metropolises, city dwellers suffocate. However, pollution does not only attack our respiratory or cardiovascular system: it also has deleterious effects on our skin, as proven by several recent studies.

One of them was carried out on 5000 women, followed during 15 years, in Germany. The other about 1800 women in China. The results are without appeal, they proved that pollution led to:

  • black spots in 41% of cases,
  • allergies and hyper-sensitization of the skin in 39% of cases,
  • dull skin in 28% of subjects
  • acne in 23% of cases, and
  • hyper - dryness of the epidermis in 16% of cases.
  • All these effects being increased by a strong sunshine.

However, France is not spared: the latest air surveys in Paris show a dangerous concentration of fine particles (more than 50 micrograms per M3 of air ...) while the WHO has calculated that it would be sufficient that our air contains only 20 micrograms to reduce mortality by 15%!

Fine particles, lead, carbon monoxide: multiple pollutants

"There are multiple sources of pollutants," says Gabrielle Sores Scientific Director of L'Oréal Research.

"Lead, from metals and factories, nitrous oxide, escaped cars, sulfur oxides, dropped by industries, toxic particles (exhausts, industries, soot), carbon monoxide (cigarettes) but also the secondary pollutants that are formed in the lower atmosphere under the action of solar rays and heat ... "

Air pollution: disastrous effects on the skin

Pollution is not just about "dirtying" our face, as we thought it was a few years ago.

"Pollutants (particles, ozone, oxide and nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide) have proven harmful effects on the skin," says Dr. Dominique Moyal, Deputy Scientific Director of La Roche Posay. Among the most disabling:

  • Exacerbated reactivity :

    The weaker the skin is, the more these effects are important. A skin barrier in poor condition allows interaction with all pollutants which leads inexorably to phenomena of intolerance, inflammation, eczema and skin allergies. ". Another bad news: all these misdeeds are potentiated by UV. "Pollution is primarily targeting our stratum corneum," says Gabrielle Sore. However, this one is rich in lipids. " Consequences :
  • Inflammation, dullness, loss of tone, hyperpigmentation ...

    caused by oxidation of sebum by pollution and UV and a decrease in antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E).
  • Premature aging of the skin,

    linked mainly to Ozone with an accelerated increase in wrinkles.
  • Dehydration of the epidermis:

    The barrier function of the skin is disturbed, resulting in water leakage causing its hyper drought.

What care to protect your skin from pollution?

To protect our skin from this pollution, scientists have developed routines that get rid of these aggressors. Good actions in three steps:

  • Eliminate harmful but invisible particles

It is obvious, it is essential to clean his skin. But it is imperative to act smoothly because these epidermis, in the face of pollutants, are fragile. Ultra-soft electric brushes can be used, but not more than once or twice a week.

The new make-up removers have taken into account the pollution phenomenon and propose formulas that contain active ingredients that perfectly neutralize the fine particles fixed on our skin. Moringa seeds, or extracts of Tulipier, real magnets pollutants, vegetable oils (passion, apricot, but, sound, rice ..) which sweep the impurities.

  • Strengthen and restore

With shielded care in powerful antioxidants since those of the skin are "devoured" by pollutants. Indeed, it is essential to prevent free radicals from attacking the skin: vitamin C, E, resveratrol, phloretin, extracts of white tea, melon ... do the job, at the same time as they repair the cutaneous barrier with moisturizing, soothing agents (allantoin ...) to prevent inflammation.

  • Protect

UV filters are essential (rest assured they have been worked to be invisible to the application ...) since the rays increase the harmful effects of pollution. They are integrated in smart formulas because the textures are anti adhesion. The fine particles slide on the face, way toboggan, without being able to penetrate the skin.

We find these anti-pollution shields in fluids, creams, transparent screens, tinted creams, foundations, and even more new, in mists and sprays to spray on the face, even with make-up, from the very beginning. appearance of a ray of sunshine on the terrace of the café or on a walk.

The anti-pollution plate of Dr. Alexandra Dalu

To restore a hydrolipidic film of good quality, so very protective, it is essential to drink enough and consume good fats, rich in Omega 6 and 3: evening primrose seeds, oily fish, walnut oil ...

And fill up on antioxidants: Vitamins C (fruits and vegetables), vitamin B (whole grains), vitamin E (avocado).

Note a magic food, to consume several times a week, especially during pollution: The egg. Yellow contains lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoid family therefore excellent antioxidants, white is a condensed protein. It is rich in selenium, which with vitamin E is one of the best antioxidants, and its vitamin A contributes to the good health of tissues.

* author of The 100 received ideas that prevent you from going well , Leduc.s Editions.