POLLUTION IS A LITTLE-KNOWN TRIGGER
FOR ATOPIC ECZEMA

Article Read Duration 3 min read

You may not know that your atopic eczema condition can be triggered by atmospheric pollution . When pollution levels are high, flare-ups of eczema, or atopic dermatitis, are more frequent and more severe. Combining a simple skincare routine with the right products can help to reduce the impact of pollution on your skin.

WHAT IS ATOPIC ECZEMA?

And what causes flare-ups?

Atopic dermatitis, or atopic eczema, is an inflammatory skin condition that presents as dryness of the epidermis and a deficiency in the layer of lipids (oils) that protect skin’s surface which is also called the skin barrier. A weakened skin barrier allows for increased penetration of environmental triggers and allergens that can cause eczema flare-ups. Atopic dermatitis has a genetic component and runs in families and tends to occur in newborns and children under 5, although it can persist into adulthood. 

ATOPIC DERMATITIS - 
THE POLLUTION RISK FACTOR

How does atmospheric pollution trigger eczema flare-ups?

Atopic-prone skin has a constitutionally weakened barrier making it vulnerable to atopic eczema triggers, but it is made all the more sensitive by pollutants such as ozone or fine particles. The smallest fine particles, PM2.5s (basically microscopic soot) can even penetrate down to the deeper epidermal layers.

Pollution triggers atopic eczema flare-ups by considerably increasing the skin’s sensitivity and discomfort level. It becomes even dryer and outbreaks of itchiness are more frequent.

HOW TO AVOID
ATOPIC ECZEMA TRIGGERS

Every day, two simple steps can break the vicious circle of itching that is exacerbated by atmospheric pollution:

1. Break the itch-scratch cycle

Your skin is the first barrier against atmospheric pollution. Whilst scratching can temporarily relieve the itch, it increases the damage to skin’s protective barrier, so that it can no longer prevent allergens or pollutants from penetrating... and so begins a vicious circle.

2. Enhance your daily care routine during pollution peaks

High pollution levels can exacerbate very dry skin condition, so atopic prone skin types require special care. For more than 25 years, La Roche-Posay has been committed to improving the quality of life of people with atopic eczema-prone skin types. We have developed the LIPIKAR range specially formulated to strengthen the skin's cutaneous barrier to protect it against the triggers that can cause flare-ups.

• Cleanse your skin with a non-foaming soap-free cleanser, LIPIKAR Syndet, both morning and evening.
• Keep your LA ROCHE POSAY THERMAL SPRING WATER at hand to soothe and calm your skin. It is a life-saver during atopic-eczema flare-ups on the face or body!
• Apply LIPIKAR Baume AP+ 2 to 3 times a day to strengthen your skin’s protective layer of lipids and shield your skin from the attacks of atopic eczema triggers and dermatitis risk factors such as pollution.
• Be sure to carry the pocket-sized LIPIKAR Stick AP+ with you at all times for on-the-go soothing of itchy patches. It replaces the itch-scratch reflex and instantly relieves itching.

Extra tip:

To ensure optimal tolerance of the active ingredients found in LIPIKAR Baume AP+, apply it to the skin when it is still damp.

i Source : Kim J, Kim EH, Oh I, Jung K, Han Y, Cheong HK, et al. Les symptômes de la dermatite atopique sont influencés par la pollution extérieure. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2013;132:495–7.

TRUE
OR FALSE

Placeholder

TO PUT AN END TO DRY SKIN, IT'S IMPORTANT
TO KEEP HYDRATED.

TRUE Placeholder

Eczema is caused by a deficiency in skin’s natural protective layer of lipids (its barrier function). That’s why it’s important to keep dry eczema-prone skin hydrated using a targeted moisturiser regularly and consistently, with appropriate skincare products such as Lipikar Baume AP+ or Lipikar Fluide.
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SCRATCHING ECZEMA
STOPS IT FROM ITCHING.

FALSE

Scratching triggersthe vicious circle of atopy: fingernails damage the already fragile skin,allowing more allergens and irritant agents to penetrate, leading to even more scratching and more damaged skin. LIPIKAR Baume AP+ replenishes skins’ surface lipids, helping to space out flare-ups and reducing night-time scratching byhalf.
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DRYING YOUR SKIN WITH
A HAIRDRYER CAN HELP YOUR ECZEMA.

FALSE

This is highly NOT recommended.Drying with a hair dryer is a potential eczema trigger that can cause flare-upsby “attacking” the skin and destroying the lipid film that protects it, furtheraggravating dry skin eczema. Worse still, it could burn your delicate skin.
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ATOPIC DERMATITIS
CAN BE CONTAGIOUS.

FALSE

Atopic dermatitis or eczema is a genetic disease and is in no way contagious. The treatment for atopic dermatitis symptoms is based on soap substitutes, emollients and topical corticosteroids.
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DISCOVER THE OTHER 
PRODUCT OF THE RANGE

LIPIKAR is Europe’s #1 bodycare and hygiene range for sensitive, very dry and eczema-prone skin with products suitable for the whole family, from newborns to seniors. 

OUR SAFETY
COMMITMENTS

Safety standards beyond international cosmetics regulations.

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100% PRODUCTS
ALLERGY TESTED

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One Prerequisite = Zero Allergic reactions
If we detect a single case, we go back to the labs and reformulate
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JUST THE ESSENTIAL,
AT THE RIGHT ACTIVE DOSE

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Developed in collaboration with dermatologist and toxicologist, our products contain only the necessary ingredients, at the right active dose.
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TESTED
ON VERY SENSITIVE
 SKIN

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Our products' tolerance is verified on the most sensitive skin: reactive, allergic, acne-prone, atopic, damaged or weakened by cancer treatments.
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FORMULA PROTECTION
OVER TIME

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We select the most protective packaging associated with only the necessary preservatives, to guarantee intact tolerance and efficacy over time.

LEARN MORE ABOUT
WHAT IS ECZEMA

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ABOUT ECZEMA SKIN

placeholder DRY, ATOPIC ECZEMA-PRONE SKIN?
DON’T SCRATCH!
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