New Study Shows Most Americans Fail to Protect Skin against Pollution, Despite Knowledge of Harmful Effects

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite understanding the damaging effects of airborne pollution on skin health, most Americans do not seek protection for their skin, according to a new study by H2O+ Beauty. Only 33 percent of people purchase skincare products to protect their skin against pollution and other environmental stressors – such as traffic and car exhaust, factories and power plants, and secondhand smoke – even though a majority understand the risk of exposure to such chemicals.

"The data indicates a serious rift between general awareness of the damage that pollution can cause to your skin, and the understanding that you can shield your skin from harm with certain products," said Joy Chen, CEO of H2O+ Beauty.

Nearly half of the people in the United States live in counties with unhealthy levels of either ozone or particle pollution, according to the American Lung Association, and this takes a toll on skin health. Particles of air pollution are 20 times smaller than skin pores, easily penetrating the skin barrier and adversely affecting skin health. According to the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, exposure to airborne particles such as traffic exhaust compromises skin integrity and directly contributes to visible signs of aging.   

Consumers are generally aware of the skin damage that comes from sun exposure, and they are more likely to take steps to protect their skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays. In fact, 68 percent of people indicated that they were more likely to purchase a product that protected their skin against the sun. But awareness of skin damage from airborne chemicals did not line up with purchasing habits. This is especially true for men: data revealed that men are consistently less informed than women about how pollution affects skin, and they also consider skin protection less of a priority. 55 percent of men would be more likely to purchase products if they protected their skin against environmental pollutants, compared to 62 percent of women. Such a divide indicates a need for more education about how certain products can defend against the pollution that consumers are already aware they face every day.

"There's a real opportunity for the beauty industry to take more action to help protect our skin against harmful airborne toxins," added Joy Chen, who just unveiled H2O+ Beauty's new Aquadefense line, which consists of products that have been formulated specifically to combat pollution's harmful effects on skin. "These products are effective shields that keep skin healthy and youthful." Aquadefense products are now available at ULTA stores and at http://www.h2oplus.com.

This national survey, conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of H2O+ Beauty, polled just over 2,000 Americans in January 2017.

About H2O+ Beauty
H2O+ Beauty creates skincare formulas that harness the hydrating power of pure water. The company was founded in 1989 with the goal of putting beauty back in the hands of all women by creating skin care products that encourage women to define beauty on their own terms. Continuing that legacy today, H2O+ Beauty combines the simplest, yet most powerful compound on the planet with advanced skincare technology to help women feel confident in their own skin. Our collections of water-based products are formulated with advanced ingredients, enabling them to nourish, smooth, brighten, and hydrate skin. H2O+ Beauty is headquartered in San Francisco, CA. For more information, please visit http://www.h2oplus.com/.

Contact:
Lana Gersten | 312.846.1655 | [email protected]

SOURCE H2O+ Beauty