The quality of the air we breathe rests on a fragile balance . It depends on the intensity of pollutant emissions as well as the phenomena of transformation and dispersion of these same pollutants by the environment.
THE EFFECTS OF POLLUTION ON HEALTH AND ON OUR SKIN BECOME A REAL CONCERN
Thus, an increase in emissions, or certain particular weather conditions, can upset the balance. Air pollution is not only harmful to health, it also has a direct action on our skin . It becomes more sensitive and irritable. It becomes dehydrated, pores are clogged and the complexion becomes dull. Finally, because of the numerous free radicals generated by atmospheric pollutants, the skin ages prematurely. |
DID YOU KNOW ? Today 54% of the world's population is urban. 2/3 of the planet's inhabitants will live in cities by 2050 (source: UN 2014) 77.5% of the French population is urban (source: INSEE 2010) |
The chemical pollutants found in the air and which have a direct effect on our health and our skin are diverse. They are mainly emitted by automobiles, industries and electricity production.
ZOOM : THE MAIN ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTANTS
The particles
They are emitted mainly by industry and road traffic . It is matter suspended in the air, it comes in different sizes and types (acids, chemical compounds, etc.). Any particle smaller than 10 µm (called PM10) is dangerous.
However, cities like Shanghai, Mexico City or Los Angeles regularly experience pollution peaks. to PM2.5 particles… This pollution that we cannot see, 20 times smaller than the diameter of our pores (50 µm), sensitizes and irritates the skin .
O3 (Low altitude or tropospheric ozone)
At very high altitudes, ozone protects us from UV rays.
However, when they are at low altitudes, i.e. where we live and breathe, it is a pollutant irritating to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system . It is also a super-oxidant, releasing numerous free radicals and is very carcinogenic.
This pollutant is not directly emitted into the atmosphere. It is formed by chemical reaction in the presence of precursor pollutants (such as VOCs, NOx, etc.), and under the effect of solar radiation and UV rays. We then speak of Photochemical Smog.
Ozone formation conditions are generally observed when vehicle traffic is high, the weather is sunny, and there is little atmospheric circulation.
PRECURSOR ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTANTS
NOx (Nitrogen Oxides)
“NOx” are all oxidized forms of nitrogen (monoxide, dioxide, trioxide, etc.).
Nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are pollutants characteristic of urban and industrial areas. They are in particular emitted by road traffic, individual and collective heating as well as tobacco smoke . Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in particular is a suffocating gas that irritates the bronchi.
Nitrogen oxides are the cause of acid rain, and contribute to the destruction of the ozone layer and the greenhouse effect.
VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds)
Volatile organic compounds are solvents resulting from the domestic use of solvents, the use of paint in the manufacturing industry, or road transport following the evaporation of fuels which can take place when refueling vehicles, or by exhaust gases.
They cause irritation of the eyes, throat and also the skin . They also reduce respiratory capacity, and certain compounds are considered carcinogenic (e.g. benzene, benzo(a)pyrene).
SO2 (Sulfur Dioxide)
This gas, mainly coming from industrial activities, alters the skin barrier, thus causing irritation and skin sensitivity .
It also irritates the mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract (nose, mouth and throat) .
CO (Carbon monoxide)
Carbon monoxide mainly comes from vehicle exhaust gases. It is known to cause tissue hypoxia.
It is a deficiency of oxygen in the tissues resulting in a dull complexion, premature aging, dry skin ...
In summary… |
POLLUTION is the number 1 enemy of health and skin (source: WHO)
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THE DERMINA SOLUTION Stock up on antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, which will stop free radicals responsible for oxidative stress. You can use them in all dosage forms: in lotion, in serum, in cream and can even eat them! You will find it in grapefruit, kiwis, nuts, fatty fish… Strengthen the skin barrier! It protects you from external aggressions and limits skin sensitivity by forming a waterproof barrier. To maintain its integrity, hydrate your skin well daily, and nourish it according to its level of dryness. Soothe your skin sensitized by pollution with specific anti-inflammatory active ingredients which will allow you to regain your skin comfort. Protect your skin from the sun, with at least SPF30 sunscreen. Prefer mineral screens to chemical filters because they are better tolerated by sensitive skin and above all apply them regularly! Cultivate a healthy lifestyle: healthy diet, use of water filters, not smoking, avoiding being outside during pollution peaks, etc. |
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