Les effets de la pollution sur ma peau

The effects of pollution on my skin

June 2025 | by Muriel Fenelon

As soon as I go into the city centre, my skin becomes dull and full of pimples... To understand the problem, you have to understand how the skin works.

It is made up of three layers, the most superficial of which is the epidermis. It is made up of different cells, the majority of which are keratinocytes and melanocytes. It is divided into two layers: one deep down and the other on the surface, which form an impermeable, protective barrier. The skin, and in particular the epidermis, plays a protective role, but it is also the first 'target' of pollutants. This is because, Between 20 and 50 different pollutants are found on the skin of a person living in the city.

What is a pollutant?

As a result of industrial activity, the air is subject to pollution.

Air pollutants can be in the form of liquid such as droplets of chemical compounds, solid such as microplastics or steam like pesticides in the air, releasing gases such as NO2 which, as well as irritating the skin, can lead to respiratory illnesses.

Air pollution is made up of various factors chemical compoundsof heavy metals (such as arsenic or lead), ofUV and gas such as CO, which is found in poorly ventilated areas such as underground car parks. Or NO2 and SO2, which are emitted by fossil fuels such as coal and oil. The chemical compounds come from the metallurgical and industrial industries, car exhausts, plastic production, pesticides and dyes. These are the most abundant and dangerous pollutants.

Pollutants enter our bodies through skin contactinhalation or ingestion.

How can they affect our skin?

Premature ageing of the skin

Premature ageing of the skin is caused by increased oxidative stress i.e. an increase of one imbalance in the cells due to the encounter between our body and pollutants. This oxidative stress will degrade the collagen in the skin, which will reduce its elasticity and increase the formation of wrinkles.

You may have wondered who was responsible for this premature ageing ?

Well, it's largely the UVthe cigarette smoke but also microplastics found in cosmetics and some of their compounds such as endocrine disruptors. They particularly affect the face, head, hair, neck and back of the hands.

Skin cancer

UV is the the main factors responsible for the development of cancer non-melanoma skin cancer. This is a cancer that develops in the keratinocytes (present in the epidermis) and is one of the most important frequent in humans.

The other skin cancer, more serious but less common is the melanoma type of cancer. The tumour develops from melanocytes and is caused by certain air pollutants such as chemicals.

When pollutants enter our bodies, they trigger several simultaneous reactions. One of these reactions triggers the expression of a gene that participates in cell death and promotes the development of cancer.

Atopic dermatitis

This disease, also known aseczemais characterised by a inflammation of the skin due to factors genetic and environmental such as NO2, chemical compounds in the air, but also aggressive cosmetics such as those containing endocrine disruptors. It affects 20% of children and 10% of adults worldwide.. Air pollution such as industrial activity and forest fires are factors that increase the risk of symptoms appearing. That's why putting cigarette butts in the bin helps to prevent this disease, as well as avoiding the pollution of 15,000 litres of water.

This disease is caused by a degradation of the epidermal barrier which may come from a repeated exposure to the chemicals or gases present in the air.

Psoriasis

This is a chronic and inflammatory skin disease which can lead to other pathologies such as sleep disorders or asthma. Its severity can increase because of the chemical compounds present in cigarette smoke.

Hyperpigmentation

Skin pigmentation is a protective response against DNA damage in the cells of the epidermis. Certain environmental factors, such as UV rays, damage DNA and cause it to mutate. Too much exposure to these factors will lead to hyperpigmentation and the appearance of spots on the skin.

Acne

Acne is a common skin inflammation involving the pilosebaceous unit. It is caused by a overproduction of sebum due to a hormonal stimulation and genetic or environmental factors including air pollution. The fact is, gases in the air such as NO2 and SO2 contribute to the overproduction of sebum and are therefore responsible for an increase in acne in adults and young adults.

In a nutshell

Atmospheric pollution causes skin damage leading to pathologies that leave it vulnerable. It is therefore essential to protect our skin of the latter. Using natural cosmetics like those offered by Masaison help protect our skin.

Do you like natural cosmetics?

At Masaison we make cosmetics using French ingredients, natural, bio and above all seasonal. Our aim is to keep processing and waste to a minimum, so as to let the planet breathe, but also our skin. All the while guaranteeing effective, healthy moisturising.