Pollution's Harmful Impact: Skin Damage And Health Risks

Air pollution has a significant impact on the skin, which is the body's largest organ and the first line of defence against environmental stressors. The skin is exposed to a variety of air pollutants, including ultraviolet radiation, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds, oxides, particulate matter, ozone, and cigarette smoke. These pollutants can be absorbed through the skin or via hair follicles and sweat/sebaceous glands.

Air pollutants can induce oxidative stress, which counters the skin's antioxidant defences, leading to the generation of free radicals and reactive oxygen species. This, in turn, can result in lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and DNA damage. The skin's barrier function may be disrupted, leading to various skin diseases such as contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, and skin cancer.

Ultraviolet radiation, a physical pollutant, is a major contributor to premature skin aging and skin cancers. Cigarette smoke is also associated with premature aging, an increased risk of skin cancers, and inflammatory skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and eczema. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are often adsorbed on particulate matter, can lead to skin cancers, extrinsic skin aging, pigmentation issues, and acneiform eruptions. Volatile organic compounds have been linked to atopic dermatitis, while oxides contribute to the formation of free radicals and lipid peroxidation.

Strategies to reduce air pollution and protect the skin from its harmful effects are essential. This includes reducing the use of personal vehicles, improving indoor air quality, and using physical photoprotection, antioxidants, and sunscreens.

Air pollution can induce oxidative stress in the skin, which can lead to premature skin ageing.

Air pollution is one of several environmental stressors that combined, may have additive/synergistic effects on the skin. Epidemiological evidence links exposure to poor air quality to lentigines and wrinkles. Experimental studies provide mechanistic explanations involving oxidative stress. Polluted air may hasten skin ageing through indirect systemic effects via the lung and/or direct effects on cutaneous tissue. Prevention measures would need to combine strategies that target both ‘routes’.

Cigarette smoke is a highly complex aerosol composed of thousands of chemical substances, which can cause premature skin ageing and an increase in the incidence of psoriasis, acne and skin cancers

Cigarette smoke is a highly complex aerosol composed of thousands of chemical substances. These chemicals can have a detrimental impact on the skin, causing premature ageing and an increased risk of several skin conditions.

Cigarette smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, N-heterocyclic amines, and trace metals such as arsenic. When these chemicals are inhaled, they can be distributed throughout the body via the systemic circulation, affecting both the surface and deeper layers of the skin.

One of the primary ways in which cigarette smoke contributes to premature skin ageing is by inducing oxidative stress. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body's ability to neutralise them. Cigarette smoke exposure has been shown to increase the production of ROS in human skin cells, leading to cellular damage. Specifically, cigarette smoke has been found to deplete the skin's natural antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, and to increase lipid peroxidation, which can damage skin cells and accelerate ageing.

In addition, cigarette smoke has been linked to an increased risk of several skin conditions, including psoriasis, acne, and skin cancers.

Psoriasis

Smoking is a well-established risk factor for psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition. Several studies have found a positive association between smoking and the onset, severity, and clinical course of psoriasis. One meta-analysis of 25 case-control studies found that smokers had a 1.78 times higher odds of developing psoriasis compared to non-smokers. Furthermore, the risk of psoriasis increased with the number of cigarettes smoked per day and the duration of smoking.

Acne

There is growing evidence of a link between cigarette smoking and acne, particularly in adult women. One study found a strong correlation between smoking and post-pubertal acne, with a higher prevalence of acne among smokers compared to non-smokers. Cigarette smoke has also been shown to affect sebum composition, leading to increased sebum peroxidation and lower levels of vitamin E, which may contribute to the development of acne.

Skin Cancer

The association between cigarette smoking and skin cancer is more complex and varies by type of skin cancer. Several studies have found an inverse association between smoking and melanoma, particularly in men. However, cigarette smoking has been linked to an increased risk of other types of skin cancer, such as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC).

In summary, cigarette smoke contains thousands of chemicals that can have detrimental effects on the skin. These chemicals can be distributed throughout the body, including the skin, via the systemic circulation. Cigarette smoke contributes to premature skin ageing by inducing oxidative stress and depleting the skin's natural antioxidants. Additionally, cigarette smoking is associated with an increased risk of certain skin conditions, including psoriasis, acne, and specific types of skin cancer.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are among the most widespread and dangerous organic pollutants. PAHs are associated with extrinsic skin ageing, pigmentation, cancers and acneiform eruptions

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of chemicals that occur naturally in coal, crude oil, and gasoline. They are also present in products made from fossil fuels, such as coal-tar pitch, creosote, and asphalt. PAHs are released into the air during the burning of fossil fuels, garbage, or other organic substances.

PAHs are among the most widespread and dangerous organic pollutants. They are associated with extrinsic skin ageing, pigmentation, cancers, and acneiform eruptions.

PAHs can be detected in the air, water, and soil, and can persist in the environment for months or years. They can enter the human body and bloodstream via inhalation, ingestion, and dermal absorption.

Short-term exposure to PAHs may cause eye irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and confusion. Long-term exposure may include cataracts, kidney and liver damage, and jaundice. Repeated skin contact with the PAH naphthalene can result in redness and inflammation of the skin.

Studies have shown that exposure to PAHs is associated with skin ageing, including increased wrinkles and pigmentation spots on the forehead and cheeks. PAHs have also been linked to a higher risk of skin cancer, acne, and skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and eczema.

The exact mechanisms by which PAH pollution harms the skin are not yet fully understood, but it is believed that PAHs can induce oxidative stress and inflammation in the skin, leading to cellular damage and accelerated ageing.

Reducing exposure to PAHs is important for maintaining skin health. This can be achieved by avoiding smoking, reducing the use of wood-burning stoves and fireplaces, and limiting exposure to polluted air and contaminated soil.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been associated with atopic dermatitis

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are major indoor air pollutants. VOCs are emitted from paints, cleaning agents, and furnishings and adversely affect human health. Previous studies have linked VOC exposure to allergic diseases, although some findings are inconsistent. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic relapsing dermatitis related to atopic diathesis.

A study on the possible association between VOC exposure and AD found that urine levels of some VOC metabolites, such as 1,3-butadiene and toluene, were elevated in adult AD patients compared with healthy controls. VOC exposure might contribute to the pathogenesis of AD in adults.

1,3-Butadiene and toluene could stimulate mast cells to degranulate. This suggested a potential impact of VOC exposure on adult AD pathogenesis. Avoidance of VOC exposure should be considered in AD patients.

Ozone is a ubiquitous pollutant in the urban environment. It is a gaseous oxidant that exists in the stratosphere and troposphere. Ozone, after interaction with sunlight, hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides, forms a major active component of the photochemical smog

Ozone is a colourless gas that is present in the stratosphere and troposphere. It is formed by the interaction of sunlight, volatile organic compounds, and nitrogen oxides, which are emitted by human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels and vehicle emissions. Ozone is a major component of photochemical smog, which is a type of air pollution that occurs when ozone mixes with other pollutants in the atmosphere.

Ozone is a harmful air pollutant that can have negative effects on both human health and the environment. When inhaled, ozone can damage lung tissues and cause respiratory illnesses. It can also trigger health problems in vulnerable individuals, such as children, the elderly, and people with lung diseases such as asthma. In addition to its impact on respiratory health, ozone can also affect the skin. Studies have shown that ozone, along with other air pollutants, can penetrate the skin and cause oxidative stress, leading to inflammation and damage to skin cells. This can result in premature skin ageing, including wrinkles and age spots. Additionally, ozone and other pollutants may interact with the skin's microbiome, further contributing to skin conditions such as acne, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis.

To protect the skin from the harmful effects of ozone and other air pollutants, it is important to minimise exposure to air pollution. This can be done by reducing outdoor activities on days with high pollution levels, wearing protective clothing, and using skincare products that contain antioxidants or form a protective barrier on the skin.

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