3. Damage linked to exposure to environmental pollutants

3.1 Mechanisms of action of pollutants

Depending on the condition of the skin (its integrity) and the nature of the pollutants, the modes of penetration differ. Each type of pollutant disrupts cutaneous physiology and, ultimately, generates functional and structural damage that is specific to that type of pollutant. However, the main phenomena responsible for skin damage are listed below (figure 10 ):

• oxidative damage linked to exposure to pro-oxidants, leading to the formation of ROS and bioactive molecules that induce cell damage