In-Vivo Study in Journal of Investigative Dermatology Demonstrates Protective Effect of SkinCeuticals’ Vitamin C Formulations on Ozone-Induced Damage in Human Skin

Results from SkinCeuticals’ latest in-vivo clinical research reveal for the first time the noxious effects of tropospheric ozone pollution (O3) on human skin ageing, alongside the potential for antioxidant skin protection. The study will be published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology and demonstrates that exposure to ozone pollution (O3) damages skin by triggering oxidative and inflammatory responses, whilst decreasing collagen levels. Results confirmed that a daily antioxidant regime of C E Ferulic or Phloretin CF provides a significant protective function against the signs of atmospheric skin ageing, such as fine lines, wrinkles and discolouration.1

The Growing Problem of Atmospheric Skin Ageing

Atmospheric Skin Ageing is a collective term for the visible signs of skin ageing caused by exposure to environmental aggressors such as UVA/UVB, Infrared-A and ozone pollution. With more than 90% of the world’s urban population estimated to be living with pollutant levels in excess of WHO standard limits, environmental pollution is a real and present challenge to modern society. Over-exposure to ozone pollution (O3) is known to contribute to key signs of skin ageing, such as fine lines, wrinkles and discolouration. Now for the first time, ground-breaking SkinCeuticals research conducted in living tissue has shown that topical antioxidants C E Ferulic and Phloretin CF can provide a protective effect against the negative impact of O3 exposure.1

This eight-day randomised study was a collaboration between L’Oreal Research & Innovation and Dr Guiseppe Valacchi, and aimed to investigate the impact of O3 exposure in human skin, whilst exploring the preventative properties of topical vitamin C formulations. Results showed that a pre-treatment regime using C E Ferulic or Phloretin CF was highly effective in significantly reducing the oxidative damage caused by O3 exposure, specifically:

  • Reducing lipid peroxidation: Shown by a reduction in HNE proteins, which are generated by free radical attack on fatty acids in skin exposed to ozone pollution
  • Preventing inflammation: Shown by a reduction in the NFkB pathway
  • Impact on collagen: Shown by decreased Type I and Type III collagen

 

This research is further proof of the substantial benefits for skin health of applying a topical antioxidant, such as C E Ferulic or Phloretin CF, to prevent the damaging and long-lasting ageing impact of atmospheric pollution. The powerful effects of these antioxidants give the skin elasticity, support collagen production and resist inflammation – critical factors in eliminating the harsh effects of O3 exposure on skin.

SkinCeuticals’ antioxidants strengthen skin’s internal defences against environmental aggressors, (including UV, Infrared-A and ozone pollution) allowing skin to self-repair for visible anti-ageing correction. Our broad-spectrum sunscreens reflect and absorb UVA/UVB rays from the skin’s surface to help protect against photoaging and environmental damage. When used in combination, this ‘Double Defence’ approach gives a proven effect for skin, shielding against premature signs of ageing induced by environmental aggressors.