Multidimensional skin protection

In order to meet the evolving demand for cosmetic products that offer effective protection against harmful environmental influences, an approach was developed in which individual cosmetic ingredients were tested for their anti-pollution efficacy. The systematic analysis targeted four key mechanisms of action: anti-adhesion, removability, anti-penetration, and cleansing. New skin care formulations based on these findings were used to develop a holistic approach which comprehensively helps shield the skin against particulate matter.

Scientific research has taught us a lot about how air pollution negatively affects our respiratory and cardiovascular health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), only one in ten people lives in a city that complies with the WHO safety limits for air quality, 1 and this concern is becoming increasingly prevalent across the globe.

But what exactly do we understand by “air pollution”? While the majority of people might first think of motor vehicle exhaust, this is by no means the only source of pollutants we encounter in our everyday life. In principle, pollution can be defined as contaminants introduced into to the environment and which have an adverse effect either on the environment or living beings. Pollutants are very diverse in nature ranging from particulate matter, radiation, heat and light, to noise and noxious gases. Pollutants can originate from both natural and anthropogenic sources. In terms of particulate matter, the first category includes dust and sandstorms, pollen, or ash from volcanic activity. Not only motor vehicle emissions are important anthropogenic sources, but also discharge from industrial facilities, waste incineration, construction sites, and domestic cooking and heating, whether based on fossil fuels or other energy sources. Particulate matter (PM) is categorised according to size into ultrafine (< 2.5 μm), fine (2.5–10 μm) and coarse (10 μm) particles. These particles travel freely through the air and, depending on their size, can get trapped in the nose and throat or even enter the lungs.