An invisible enemy, air pollution impacts our health and skin. Wiping your face with a white cotton pad in the evening gives a glimpse of the amount of particles and impurities that settle on your skin during the day. With our lives largely urban, discover the right steps to protect your skin from the damage caused by pollution.
Why does pollution harm your skin?
The skin is a vital surface for exchange between our body and our environment. Throughout the day, pollution particles accumulate there. Poorly ventilated indoor environments, pollen, dust, cigarette smoke, and inadequate ventilation are all stressful for the skin. They create free radicals, unbalanced molecules missing an electron. To stabilize themselves, these truncated molecules seek to attach themselves to other whole molecules and, in turn, transform these molecules into free radicals.
As long as free radicals are in small numbers, they remain harmless. In excess, however, they destroy all healthy cells in their path and create what is called oxidative stress. The skin's barrier function is weakened and can no longer properly fulfill its role of protection against external attacks. The mitochondria necessary for proper oxygenation of the skin deteriorate, the skin no longer breathes properly and suffocates. Skin lipids deteriorate and sebum production increases. The level of antioxidants, antidotes to free radicals, drops. The result: sensitivity, dilated pores, dehydration, loss of radiance, and premature aging disrupt the skin.
How to protect skin from pollution?
Remove makeup, cleanse and detoxify
The first step to protecting your skin from pollution is gentle, effective cleansing and makeup removal. We're turning to depolluting active ingredients capable of removing particles accumulated on the face throughout the day, such as watercress and micelles. Watercress cleanses and protects skin cells from pollutants while strengthening their resistance to environmental stress. Micelles eliminate impurities and dirt by gently trapping them. Dead skin, cream and makeup residue, sweat, and oil are then washed away by the water during rinsing.
These two ingredients are at the heart of the formulas in the Nue range, Payot's expert two-step makeup removal ritual: detoxify and oxygenate. Vegan*, with more than 90% ingredients of natural origin and unique textures encouraging finger application to limit the use of cotton pads, Nue skincare embodies Payot apothecary expertise. Micellar milk, water and cream, two-phase makeup remover and cleansing foam reveal naturally beautiful skin. Their plus? The subtle notes of organic orange blossom floral water from medicinal plants grown in Morocco, which elegantly perfume the skin.
Tone and oxygenate
The second step is to give the skin a breath of fresh air to invigorate it and stimulate cellular respiration. We then opt for oxygenating active ingredients such as nasturtium flower extract. Rich in arabinogalactans, it boosts the adaptability of skin cells subjected to low oxygen levels and facilitates its transport to the heart of the skin. Based on nasturtium flower extract, the Nude Radiance Toning Lotion oxygenates, revives radiance and refines the texture of all skin types, while the Nude Gentle Toning Mist delights sensitive skin with its fragrance-free formula. The quality and radiance of the skin are significantly improved. Protected from pollution, the face is ready to receive its daily care.
Adopt appropriate gestures
Using the right products to protect your skin from pollution is essential, and so is the right approach. When removing your makeup, it's best to be gentle to rest your skin after the stress of the day. To do this, take the time to apply your makeup remover by massaging your face with your fingertips. The muscular stimulation of the massage boosts skin microcirculation and thus improves the skin's supply of water, oxygen, and nutrients essential for its radiance and breathing. It also makes your skin more receptive for better absorption and effectiveness of the skincare products used after removing your makeup.
Would you like guidance with your makeup removal technique? The Detox Cleansing Technique is for you. Co-created with renowned French facialist Sylvie Lefranc, this combination of detoxifying and relaxing techniques helps relax features, promotes drainage, and revives facial radiance. Skin is detoxified, clearer, and radiant with health. A great way to perfect your detox routine!
*no ingredients of animal origin