Is anti-pollution cosmetics the next big thing in skin care?

The air pollution impact on human skin is one of the rising topics in skin care. Recent skincare trends have seen a rise of launches addressing the impact of harsh environmental factors, such as UV exposure, but this is now expanding to embrace special formulas that can offset the impact of air pollution. While anti-pollution cosmetics originates in the Asian market, the trend is rapidly spreading to all worldwide regions with strongly advanced urbanization. Could fighting the effects of air pollution on skin be the next big thing in beauty? Is this only marketing, or is there any scientific evidence to back up the claims?

Unfortunately, studies have shown that there is a strong connection between air pollution and skin care problems, so these concerns seem to be more than just skin deep. According to a clinical study conducted by the famous skin care brand Olay, pollution negatively affects skin health even despite good skin care routines, adequate nutrition, and proper water intake. Over the course of one year, Olay tracked skin health and appearance of 200 women living in the extremely polluted city of Beijing (China). What they found is that the skin of women living in the most highly polluted areas was much more dehydrated than that of women from less urban districts. Their skin also had a more compromised barrier function. The detailed analysis showed that air pollution is directly related to uneven skin tone, pigmentation problems, premature aging, loss of elasticity, and dehydration, which is quite worrisome.

So, who is affected? According to the World Health Organization, more than a half of the world's population is in demand of anti-pollution cosmetics! The urban population in 2014 accounted for 54% of the total global population, and it is expected to grow approximately 1.84% per year between 2015 and 2020. With this in mind, providing beauty solutions that can combat the environmental stress exposure of urban customers seems to be a promising new market for beauty brands. The industry is taking a two-pronged approach: to cleanse properly, and repair damage and fortify the skin’s protective barrier.

Based on its research, Olay  has formulated its Total Effects skin care line, comprising daily moisturizers formulated with 40% more vitamins E and B3, is designed to address both skin barrier function and hydration concerns. 

But, Olay isn't the only skin care company paying attention to pollution. A couple of days ago, REN Cosmetics announced the launch of its Flash Defence Anti-Pollution Mist, which promises to provide instant protection against major pollutants, neutralize urban grey, and fight against signs of fatigue on the skin.

Last year, Clarins launched its UV PLUS Anti-Pollution Sunscreen Multi-Protection SPF 50, a lightweight sunscreen that protects the skin from all kinds of environmental stressors, including pollution and free radical damage. In addition, the brand offers Extra Comfort Anti-Pollution Cleansing Cream, an antioxidant cleanser for skin challenged by a polluted urban environment.

The organic skincare brand Orico London creates products specifically designed for those of us who live in urban places. Their most popular anti-pollution product is Streetwise Gentle Antioxidant Face Wash, a cleanser infused with anti-inflammatory antioxidants such as tangerine and orange oils. Origins follows up with its Smarty Plants CC SPF 20, which unifies the skin tone and responds to environmental hazards by releasing active ingredients only when the skin actually needs them. Lancôme’s City Miracle CC Cream is another color and care product that protects the skin from environmental hazards, while instantly reducing the appearance of imperfections. Elemis goes one step further, by fighting pollution from the inside out! The brand’s award winning Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules are formulated with anti-oxidants to repair all visible signs of aging, and offset the damaging effects of everyday pollution.

The upscale brand Dior offers the One Essential City Defense, which is designed to fight toxins and restore the skin's luminosity. It also boosts up by four times the effectiveness of other skin care products. Estée Lauder, on the other hand, focuses on the effects of pollution, specifically on the eye area. The brand’s Advanced Night Repair Eye Complex line includes a facial serum, and the Night Repair Eye Serum, which is designed to protect the under-eye area where our skin is five times more porous, and 40% thinner than elsewhere.

Globally, consumers are showing an increasing awareness of skin protection. But, even if you don’t believe the claims made in ads for cosmetic products, an antioxidant serum or cream is not a bad thing to add to your skin care regimen. It can help in many different ways, so as any of these multi-tasking formulas. The benefits of doing so are fewer age spots, fewer lines and wrinkles, and less sagging skin. Sounds good, doesn’t it?