Pollution, the greatest environmental risk to health according to the World Health Organization, also attacks the skin. Not only does pollution, especially atmospheric pollution, cause it to age prematurely, but it exposes it to numerous skin disorders.

Human exposure to air pollution both outdoors, especially in cities, and inside buildings leads to the premature death of 6.5 million people worldwide. At the European level, the WHO estimates the toll at 600,000 deaths annually. And in France, Santé Publique France announces 48,000. Today 92% of the world's population lives in cities whose air quality does not meet WHO standards. But what is pollution made of to be so aggressive?

The different pollutants

Pollutants are grouped into three categories

• Gas

Ozone, the most dangerous, which is located between the ground and 10 kilometers in altitude, mixes with UV and vapors to form fog. Sulfur dioxide, invisible but recognizable by its very acrid odor, comes from industries, particularly coal combustion. Nitrogen oxide and dioxide emitted by the combustion of fuels and mainly diesel, two gases which form a sheet of fog filled with fine particles and ozone. Finally, carbon monoxide which transforms into carbon dioxide, colorless and odorless, produced by the combustion of organic materials (gas, coal, fuels, wood).

• Radiation

UV emitted by the sun, Infra-Red light from natural light and especially blue light from the screens of tablets, smartphones and computers.

• Others

Fine particles, of very small size, resulting from soot emanating from the combustion of coal, wood, fuels as well as all other dust released by the wear of car tires, building activities, etc. …Volatile compounds that escape from different sources such as formaldehyde, harmful carbocyclic hydrocarbons generated by engines, candles, cigarette smoke.

External pollution and internal pollution

Air pollution is absolutely everywhere and attacks humans 24 hours a day.

• External pollution

This pollution is significant in cities, on major roads but also in less urbanized regions close to factories or even in rural and agricultural regions. It is estimated that urban dust is made up of more than 200 toxic chemicals such as heavy metals, pesticides, hydrocarbons and fine particles.

• Internal pollution

Housing, offices, schools, means of transport, we spend more than 85% of the day in these enclosed spaces loaded with internal pollution. The air is loaded with harmful particles brought in by the outside air with, in addition, fumes from paints, varnishes, tobacco, cleaning products, mites, combustion appliances, heating, construction materials. Indoor air is 8 times more polluted than outdoor air. OQAL (Observatory for Indoor Air Quality in France) estimates that indoor air quality is poor in 80% of homes and 34% of tertiary premises.

The consequences of pollution on health

The impact of pollution on the body is indisputable. It would be the third cause of death in France after tobacco and alcohol. Residents of cities where the air is very polluted are particularly exposed to heart disease, respiratory diseases and lung cancer. Asthmatics, particularly children, are more exposed to attacks when the air is very polluted.

The consequences of pollution on the skin

The skin is on the front line against pollution. It bears the brunt of the attack from the pollutants which adhere to its surface. Some can penetrate the cells of the epidermis. They damage the barrier function of the skin and its hydrolipidic film. This pollution, to which is added the effect of UV and blue light, leads to dehydration, oxidation, accelerated aging and the appearance of spots and imperfections. Indeed, this attack on the skin's environment damages the proper functioning of cells, in particular the metabolism of keratinocytes in the epidermis.

This imbalance triggers an inflammatory process which mobilizes the immune system in the skin which becomes more sensitive and more irritable. She ages significantly more quickly. Beyond redness and dryness, the attack of pollutants leads to wrinkles, fine lines, dull complexion, spots and loss of firmness. Added to this is “clogging” of pores and oxidation of sebum causing blackheads, blemishes, pimples and acne breakouts.

This exacerbated biological process, which causes redness, itching and tingling, can also trigger or increase certain dermatological diseases such as atopic dermatitis, eczema, acne and psoriasis.

How to protect skin from pollution

Faced with this daily aggression day and night, certain actions are necessary:

• Cleaning

Morning and evening for the skin with gentle formulas that perfectly eliminate particles on the surface of the epidermis while preserving the balance, pH and skin microbiota. In the NACRE ECLAT range from BLUE SKINCARE, we recommend the Métamorphose Balm and Milky Micellar Water: they gently cleanse and remove make-up from the skin thanks to the presence of non-foaming but nevertheless effective cleansing agents. Ultra-soft and respectful of the skin barrier, they are both enriched with active mother-of-pearl powder promoting skin regeneration and strengthening of the stratum corneum and also with pre- and postbiotics to maintain a balanced skin microbiota.

• Cosmetic treatments

capable of hydrating the skin while forming a protective shield on the surface. Their vitamins compensate for the oxidation of skin structures and their regenerating active ingredients repair damage. Certain active ingredients, such as brown algae, protect the skin from the exposome. In the NACRE ECLAT range from BLUE SKINCARE, we recommend the Regenerating Moisturizing Cream, a true ultra-hydrating shield treatment which regenerates and protects the skin from external aggressions. Enriched with active mother-of-pearl powder which promotes skin regeneration and strengthens the skin barrier and also with anti-free radical and antioxidant brown algae, the skin is better equipped to defend itself against external aggressions.

• An anti-pollution diet

rich in fresh fruits and vegetables to provide anti-oxidants. Without forgetting fatty fish and green tea for omega3 as well as vegetable oils (flax, grapeseed, olive, walnut) for omega 3 but also omega 6 to ensure the fluidity of cell membranes. In the NACRE ECLAT range from BLUE SKINCARE, we recommend the Skin Perfecting Food Supplement to complete your beauty routine and thus obtain radiant and more resilient skin. Ultra concentrated in active mother-of-pearl, it also contains a pre- and probiotic complex to rebalance the intestinal microbiota, and hyaluronic acid to maintain the hydration and elasticity of the skin. Rich in vitamin C and zinc, it is an anti-oxidant and contributes to the normal formation of collagen for plumper skin.

Anti-pollution reflexes

• Ventilate regularly to renew the air, preferably in the morning and thus avoid ozone peaks.
• Favor depolluting indoor plants such as chlorophytum and ficus.
•Avoid candles, room air fresheners and incense sticks