Urban pollution is one of the main problems encountered worldwide, with a major impact on public health as well as the environment. The health impact of urban pollution is not limited to respiratory conditions but also encompasses major skin problems, including irritation, skin ageing, and skin cancer. The aforementioned pollutants are small particles that attach to the skin or penetrate it, enhancing free radicals’ production inside the inner skin layers. This urges the need to propose cosmetic products that help prevent and/or minimise pollutants’ effects on the skin, whether irritation, ageing, and cancer. Furthermore, intrinsic and extrinsic factors contribute to skin irritation and ageing. Intrinsic factors are within skin factors and include genetic and physiological characteristics of individuals. The increase in air pollution over the years has had major effects on the human skin. Various air pollutants such as ultraviolet radiation, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds, oxides, particulate matter, ozone and cigarette smoke affect the skin as it is the outermost barrier. Air pollutants damage the skin by inducing oxidative stress. Although human skin acts as a biological shield against pro-oxidative chemicals and physical air pollutants, prolonged or repetitive exposure to high levels of these pollutants may have profound negative effects on the skin. Cigarette smoke contributes to premature aging and an increase in the incidence of psoriasis, acne and skin cancers. Subsequently, active ingredients with anti pollutant properties addressed the intrinsic and extrinsic factors by four mechanisms: free radical neutralisation, film-forming ability, skin barrier enhancement, and fortification. Curr Pharm Des . Read about Plant Extracts shared on the Website to know about the protective properties and benefits of these actives on skin.
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