Résumé : |
The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines air pollution as the contamination of indoor or outdoor environments by any chemical, physical or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere.
Alarmingly, recent data indicated that around 92% of the world’s population lives in places where air quality levels exceed WHO limits.1 This can be explained by urbanisation and associated pollution, as well as highyield agriculture, both of which are constantly growing.
The skin is the first barrier that protects the body against pollutants but even if it is very efficient, this protective barrier can be overwhelmed by repeated exposure to pollution. Aggressors such as particulates, heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can penetrate the skin and induce the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS).2,3
ROS lead to the oxidation of proteins, lipids and nucleic acids, and also mediates cellular responses to various stressors, thus damaging the skin and its barrier function. As a consequence, extreme skin dryness and irritation can appear, accelerating signs of ageing such as the formation of wrinkles and the modification of skin texture.
To stimulate the skin’s defences against pollution particles, Clariant Active Ingredients and its partner Biospectrum were inspired by a flower that presents an amazing capacity to resist severe environmental conditions: Camellia japonica. From this flower, we created RedSnow (hereafter Camellia japonica flower extract), an active ingredient that helps the skin resist pollution. |