PM stands for particulate matter, which is the term for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. Some particles, such as dust, dirt, soot, or smoke, are large or dark enough to be seen with the naked eye. Others are so small they can only be detected using an electron microscope. PM10 : inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 10 micrometers and smaller; and PM2.5 : fine inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller. These particles come in many sizes and shapes and can be made up of hundreds of different chemicals. Most particles form in the atmosphere as a result of complex reactions of chemicals such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which are pollutants emitted from power plants, industries and automobiles. The size of particles is directly linked to their potential for causing health problems. Small particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter pose the greatest problems, because they can get deep into your lungs, and some may even get into your bloodstream. According to the National Institute of Environmental Research, the average composition of PM (PM10) in Seoul was 22% of organic carbon, 8% of elemental carbon, 22% of nitrate, 15% of sulfate, 15% of soil crust and 18% of others. PM2.5 showed relatively high composition ratio of sulfate and organic carbon compounds and low soil crust component compared to PM10. The purpose of this study was to develop test method which can prove reduction of pollutant attachment to the skin.
To evaluate the PM anti-adhesion effect for cosmetic product, the subjects were selected on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria with healthy skin on forearm. The subjects who were males and females, ranging from 20 to 59 years were recruited in this study. The entire study was performed under the environmental conditions of specific relative temperature and humidity, controlled and maintained identically for each volunteer. The ambient temperature was maintained at 22±2℃ and the relative humidity was maintained in the range of 50±5%. PMs were spread into the chamber of which a forearm was on top of a rectangular open window. To quantify PMs on the test sites, PM adhesion area of forearm was taken by Folliscope®(LeadM, Korea) and was analyzed using image-pro software(Media Cybernetics, USA). Or color parameters were taken by Color Reader CR-10® (KONICA MINOLTA, INC., Japan). As a result of anti-adhesion test of PMs for cosmetic products, testing products significantly decreased quantity of the adhesive PMs on the skin compared with those of control.
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