Though you might not think of it on a daily basis, your skin is being barraged by pollutants every time you step out the door. This takes a toll on your body's overall health— and your skin gets the first wind of it.
Pollution can cause premature aging, hyperpigmentation, dryness, and irritation, and exacerbate skin conditions like eczema, and acne. But don’t worry—adding anti-pollution skincare products to your arsenal and your daily routine is easier than you may think. Below we discuss one powerful ingredient for fighting the effects of pollution: EXO-P™.
What Is Pollution?
Air Pollution is made up of small chemicals called particulate matter that can be both organic and man-made. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), particulate matter, also referred to as “PM”, is a mixture of small particles and liquid made up of nitrates and sulfates, organic chemical, metals, soil, and dust particles. Particles come in a wide range of sizes.
Learn More: Particulate Matter: What It Is & How It Affects Your Skin
How Do Anti-Pollution Products Work?
The idea behind anti-pollution skincare products is to use ingredients that neutralize free radicals. In a nutshell, free radicals are unstable molecules that can disrupt the regular functioning of our body’s systems.
In the skin, this can mean damage to the skin barrier and deeper layers, resulting in all kinds of structural damage. These are just a few of the ways free radical activity can impact our skin:
| How The Skin Is Damaged | What We See |
| Increased Transepidermal Water Loss | Dryness |
| Irregular Melanin Distribution | Hyperpigmentation |
| Thinner Epidermis | Increased Skin Fragility |
| Breakdown of Collagen & Elastin | Wrinkles, Fine Lines, Crepey Skin |
| Impaired Skin Barrier Function | Skin Irritation, Increased Sensitivity |
Typically, anti-pollution care uses antioxidants to reduce the damage of free radical activity. Our Rejûvaskin Facial Cleanser also includes another type of ingredient that elevates its ability to fight off free radicals.
It’s called EXO-P™.
Learn More: What Are Antioxidants? (And Why Do They Matter?)
Anti-Pollution Ingredients: What Is EXO-P?
Nicknamed “EXO-P”, this exopolysaccharide is more scientifically known as Alteromonas Ferment Extract. Originally hailing from the waters of French Polynesia, the EXO-P™ in our Rejuvaskin Facial Cleanser provides a natural barrier against urban pollution and smog.
By creating a biomimetic shield (or “mesh”) at the surface of your skin, the Alteromonas Ferment Extract decreases the adhesion of particulate matter (a byproduct of air pollution), therefore entrapping & removing these particulate, and protecting against further damage.
Its multi-protective action reduces free radical activity and defends skin from harm by decreasing damage caused by heavy metals and hydrocarbon. In short, it’s a pretty powerful ingredient that packs a major punch against particulate matter.
What Are The Benefits Of EXO-P™?
EXO-P™ makes a great ingredient in anti-pollution skincare products because it’s fast-acting, natural, and safe. It helps purify dull skin and reveal a fresher, more youthful glow. EXO-P™ also works to fight future damage when used regularly.
It’s important to be aware of the negative effects of pollution on your skin, especially if you live in a city where pollution and smog is prevalent. Knowledge is the foundation for preventing long-term damage to your skin from pollution by allowing you to begin fighting particulate matter today.
Adding a cleanser with pollution protection into your regular skincare routine is one easy way that you can fight free radicals and protect your skin from the damaging effects of pollution.
>> Check out our Rejuvaskin Facial Cleanser!