Anti‐pollution skincare: Research on effective ways to protect skin from particulate matter

Abstract

While there is increasing interest in anti-pollution care to particulate matter (PM), there has been no research evaluating the efficacy of skin care products in a realworld setting. Our objective was to find effective ways to protect skin from PM. In total, 64 volunteers whose skin was classified as reactive to PM concentration in the previous study were enrolled. Through split-face study, different combinations of skin care products (barrier cream, barrier cream/micellar water, antioxidant, and antioxidant/micellar water) were applied for 4 weeks during the high-PM period. The biophysical properties were measured, and a facial analysis system was used to evaluate skin condition at days 0, 14, and 28. The concentrations of PM and daily events that may affect skin conditions were also recorded. The mean concentration levels of PM 10 and PM 2.5 from days 0 to 14 were higher in the barrier cream group than in the antioxidant group. For each group, aside from skin tone in the antioxidant/micellar water group, there were no statistically significant differences in skin measurements before and after the application, which reflects no aggravation in skin condition during high-PM periods. Intergroup analysis showed no differences in skin measurements among the four groups from day 0 to day 14, from day 14 to day 28, and from day 0 to 28. For anti-pollution care, maintaining skin barrier function using barrier cream seems to be sufficient in individuals sensitive to PM.

How to prevent skin damage from air pollution part 2: Current treatment options

“…Several expert groups recommend the following basic protective measures against pollution-induced skin damage: (1) use of rinsing products to wash away the pollution on the skin, (2) regular use of sunscreen, to prevent the photo-reactive compounds responding to UV exposure, (3) use of emollients, to preserve or restore the natural skin barrier, and (4) avoidance of over washing, to prevent possible damage to the natural protective property of the skin. 46,47 Cosmetics have evolved conceptually and scientifically to achieve effectiveness against pollution damaging, involving the development of innovative active ingredients. Ultimately, we can establish that most of the existing anti-pollution products are designed to neutralize pollution-induced skin aging.…”

“…46 The ingredients used as active substances in anti-pollution products are already well known and established in cosmetology. 10,27,33,[46][47][48][49] They are used for decades to treat various dermatologic conditions, such as skin aging, melasma, and other pigmentary lesions.…”

“…46 Anti-pollution labeled products are based mainly on function as film formers or antioxidants to physically shield the skin by improving the skin barrier or scavenging oxidative pollutants. 46 The ingredients used as active substances in anti-pollution products are already well known and established in cosmetology. 10,27,33,[46][47][48][49] They are used for decades to treat various dermatologic conditions, such as skin aging, melasma, and other pigmentary lesions.…”

“…For example, fucosterol, a sterol that can be isolated from algae, seaweed and diatoms, increases the expression of antioxidant enzymes and successfully down‐regulate the NF‐B and MAPK signaling pathways, lowering the levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. In cosmetics, phytosterols can be utilized in their natural state or as esters 10,46 …”

Anti-Inflammatory Artificial Extracellular Vesicles with Notable Inhibition of Particulate Matter-Induced Skin Inflammation and Barrier Function Impairment

“…A series of physicochemical attempts to shield the skin from PM adsorption or reduce PM-induced ROS generation has been conducted. − Considering the recent deterioration of the natural environment, advances in technology that enable suppression of PM-induced skin inflammation are urgently needed. One of the effective approaches involves the use of extracellular vesicles (EVs) that have anti-inflammatory actions.…”