The demand for cosmetics and toiletries brands that can counteract the effects of pollution on the skin was once again pushed to the fore at this year’s World Congress of Dermatology (WCD).
At the event, L’Oréal brand La Roche-Posay released new studies that confirm how pollution can lead to accelerated visible signs of ageing, especially in those with sensitive skin.
Some of the key findings presented included the fact that in two separate studies – one in Germany, the other in China – there was a reported increase in pigment spots on the cheeks due to particulate matter from soot and traffic exhausts. In addition, ozone, the inorganic molecule that makes up 0.6ppm of the earth’s atmosphere, was found to be strongly linked to the formation of wrinkles due to the effects it has on antioxidants and collagen in the skin.
Meanwhile, only 12% of 1,600 reporting cities in 91 countries were found to meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines on air pollution; WHO released a statement last year that confirmed that air pollution is the world’s largest single environmental health risk at present.
La Roche-Posay also used the opportunity to test the impact of its products on skin exposed to pollutants. The brand carried out a study on 53 women living in highly-polluted areas of Shanghai that have sensitive skin. After using La Roche-Posay’s three-step regimen – which includes Micellar Water Cleansing Solution, Toleriane Ultra and any Anthelios sun protection product – for four weeks, 100% of users felt their skin was protected; 96% said they felt it was effective immediately after use.
