Viral! Anti-Pollution Skincare in Skincare Products
- How Do Pollutants Penetrate and Damage the Skin?
- Weaknesses of Physical Protection and the Need for Topical Solutions
- Function of PolluStop® in Skincare Products
- An Effective Additional Layer of Protection
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines pollution as the contamination of indoor and outdoor environments by chemical, physical, or biological agents that alter the natural characteristics of the atmosphere. Air pollution caused by industries, vehicle emissions, cigarette smoke, and other sources, combined with solar radiation, especially ultraviolet (UV) radiation, is known to have adverse effects on human skin and overall health, potentially leading to various serious diseases.
How Do Pollutants Penetrate and Damage the Skin?
Topical exposure to pollution can induce stress on the skin as pollutants react with skin tissues, alter skin barrier functions, penetrate the skin barrier, and cause damage through oxidative stress and inflammation. These pollutants react with proteins, lipids, and DNA molecules in the skin. Generally, pollution can be avoided by using protective gear such as clothes, jackets, masks, hats, and gloves, but these measures can only block macro-scale pollution.
Micro-scale pollutants can adhere to the skin and pose risks of irritation or accumulation on the skin. Thus, chemical compounds have emerged with potential to protect the skin from pollution hazards. Their ability to penetrate the skin is considered more effective in safeguarding against pollution than fabric coverings.
Weaknesses of Physical Protection and the Need for Topical Solutions
PolluStop® (PS), also known as Biosaccharide gum-4, is a patented commercial cosmetic active ingredient consisting of a high molecular weight anionic polysaccharide. This polysaccharide is obtained through a controlled biotechnological process. When formulated into cosmetic preparations and applied topically, it protects human skin from pollution-induced damage.
The anionic polysaccharide protects the skin by forming a matrix and acts as a physical barrier against three types of pollution stress: atmospheric pollution (carbon particles, PM, and heavy metals), domestic pollution (chemicals), and UV radiation. Consequently, PS limits extracellular and intracellular damage caused by these pollution stresses, such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial toxicity.
Function of PolluStop® in Skincare Products
Cream products containing PolluStop® help create a film layer that captures airborne pollution particles, preventing direct contact with the skin and hair. When washed off, these products have been found to reduce the accumulation of pollution particles on the skin and hair. Facial and hair cleansing products containing PolluStop® help minimize the absorption and adhesion of pollution particles. Products with PolluStop® have been shown to inhibit the formation of free radicals, thereby reducing their levels.
Additionally, these products protect mitochondrial organelles, which serve as the cell's energy source. They also prevent lipid oxidation, an essential component for protecting the skin from damage, maintaining moisture, and reducing water loss. Thus, these products help preserve the functional structure of the skin and hair. Creams containing PolluStop® also form a film layer that reduces the adhesion of heavy metals (anti-adhesion) from the air.
An Effective Additional Layer of Protection
The surface of skin not coated with PolluStop® appears “dirtier” due to pollution, while skin coated with products containing PolluStop® looks “cleaner.” This ingredient has been proven to reduce microparticle penetration into the skin by up to 46%. This ingredient effectively forms a “second skin” layer, blocking pollution.
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It is suitable for use in daily skin and hair care products and is resistant to water. Currently, it is widely applied in facial, body, and hair care products. To date, there are no regulations governing the maximum usage levels of this ingredient, but product formulators still prioritize user safety to avoid harmful side effects. Formulations containing active pollution protection ingredients need to be scientifically tested.
Conduct laboratory tests to prove that your product is effective in protecting the skin from exposure to pollutants and remains safe to use. Consumers are increasingly careful in choosing, make sure your product is ready to answer their trust.
Author: Delfia
Editor: Sabilla Reza
