With 54% of the world population living in urban areas, the number of people exposed to pollutants is still increasing. Moreover, pollution has become perceptible in many cities. Almost 80% of urban areas have a level of pollutants greater than the recommended levels of the World Health Organization. Directly in contact with its external environment, the skin is extremely exposed to pollution and doesn’t have necessary means to neutralize it.

ROS production : does my active protect HaCaT keratinocytes against pollution ?

Repeated exposure induces an inflammatory stress and a premature ageing of epidermal keratinocytes, which are in first line against external assaults. Polluting particles are potent oxidants able to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). Increased production of those free radicals without proper effective action of endogenous and exogenous antioxidant systems generates a condition of oxidative stress. ROS production could be assessed using fluorogenic probes.