High levels of air pollutants in cities are associated with poor skin health and inflammatory skin conditions.  Protecting the skin from these harmful effects is now a growing concern for consumers worldwide.  Cosmetic approaches for protecting the skin include surface protective layers, antioxidants, and cleansers.

Scientists at TRI Princeton have discovered that exposure of skin to common pollutants, such as ozone, nitric oxides, UV exposure, and particulate matter alters stratum corneum (SC) lipid organization and skin barrier function. This discovery has created a new type of ex vivo/in vivo skin test for anti-pollution skincare technologies and new claims possibilities for clients.

TRI has new custom-built exposure chambers suitable for use both in vivo and ex vivo to test effects of ozone and nitric oxides on skin. A portable IR spectrometer probe can assess changes in vivo directly and evaluate the efficacy of topical products.