UNDERSTANDING THE HARMFUL
EFFECTS OF POLLUTION

2 min read | 13 July 2026

Pollution can affect sensitive skin requires special attention. Throughout the day, the skin is in contact with atmospheric pollution and more specifically ozone and PM2.5, microscopic fine particles. These pollutants can stick to the skin, and the smallest particles may even penetrate down to the epidermal cells. That is why it is essential to take action with the right skincare products to cleanse, soothe and protect your skin.

Throughout the day, the skin is in contact with atmospheric pollution and more specifically ozone and PM2.5, microscopic fine particles. These pollutants can stick to the skin, and the smallest particles may even penetrate down to the epidermal cells. They alter the integrity of the cutaneous barrier and prevent it from functioning properly. The result: people with sensitive skin suffering from inflammatory skin conditions are faced with further inflammation.

Moreover, the impact of pollutants on the skin is enhanced by UV rays, the sun and even heat. Under their combined effect, the epidermis becomes more sensitive and particles can stick to the skin more easily. As well as exacerbating inflammatory skin conditions, UV rays and pollution also cause dehydration, oxidation, premature aging and the development of pigmentation disorders.

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THE STEPS TO TAKE
TO PROTECT YOUR SKIN
FROM POLLUTION

Every day, it is necessary to cleanse, repair and preserve the cutaneous barrier and protect the skin to allow it to defend itself against these daily attacks:

La Roche-Posay sun protection products with SPF 50 protect the skin from UV rays, and more specifically from UVA rays which are the most dangerous, while preventing fine particles - including PM2.5, the smallest fine particles – from sticking to the skin. Like the face, the neck and the lower neckline are some of the areas most exposed to the harmful effects of atmospheric pollution: use, and any La Roche-Posay sun protection product with SPF 50 to protect them from pollutants.