PART 3 OF THE MICROPLASTICS SERIES - WHAT MICROPLASTICS DO TO THE SKIN AND HUMAN BODY

Posted by Markéta Vanešová on April 02, 2026
3. DÍL SERIÁLU MIKROPLASTY - CO MIKROPLASTY DĚLAJÍ S POKOŽKOU A LIDSKÝM TĚLEM

What do microplastics do to the skin?

In the previous part, we looked at how microplastics can come not only from cosmetic ingredients but also from their packaging.

Logically, this raises another question:
what happens when these particles come into contact with the skin?

Research into microplastics is still relatively new. Nevertheless, there are already a number of studies suggesting the potential biological impacts of these microscopic particles on human cells and the overall functioning of the body.

These are not definitive conclusions yet, but a clear direction that deserves attention.

Oxidative stress

Laboratory studies show that microplastic particles can increase the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

These are associated with:

  • cell damage

  • inflammation

  • premature skin aging

Oxidative stress is one of the main factors affecting skin quality and health.

Inflammatory reaction

Experiments on skin cells show increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines after contact with microplastic particles.

This means that microplastics can activate the body's immune response – even without the presence of infection.
In the long term, they can contribute to chronic, low-level inflammation.

Disruption of the skin barrier

Some studies suggest that microplastic particles can:

  • mechanically disrupt the stratum corneum

  • weaken its natural protective function

  • increase skin sensitivity

  • promote irritation

The skin barrier is crucial for maintaining hydration and protection against external influences.

Microplastics as toxin carriers

Microplastics have a large surface area to which other substances from the surrounding environment can bind.

They can therefore act as "carriers" of potentially harmful substances, such as:

  • pesticides

  • heavy metals

  • organic pollutants

Their impact may therefore not only be mechanical but also chemical.

 

Microplastics have already been found in the human body

Modern studies have confirmed the presence of microplastics in various parts of the human body, for example:

  • in blood

  • in lungs

  • in the placenta

  • in breast milk

These discoveries have significantly increased interest in this topic in recent years.

What does this mean for daily care?

Perhaps more important than the conclusions themselves is the realization:
what our skin comes into contact with every day.

And this is where the space for more conscious choices begins.

At Bohemian Cosmetics, we believe that skincare should be as clean as possible – not only in its composition but also in the entire product context.

Therefore:

It's not about perfection.
It's about making conscious choices to do things better – step by step.

Is there a solution?

The cosmetics industry is currently seeking new approaches – from natural formulations to innovative packaging.

In the next part of the series, we will focus on: 

The future of cosmetics: is it possible to completely avoid plastics?

With love and respect
Markéta V.

 

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