Helena Joyce
Air pollution can have a detrimental effect on the skin, causing skin pigmentation problems, an uneven skin tone, dullness, and the formation of wrinkles. It can also lead to inflammatory skin diseases such as eczema, acne, psoriasis, and even skin cancer. The effects of air pollution on the skin are due to the impact of air pollutants on the structure and function of the skin, causing oxidative stress, skin barrier damage, microbiome dysbiosis, and skin inflammation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Skin pigmentation problems | Uneven skin tone and dullness |
| Skin ageing | Formation of wrinkles |
| Skin diseases | Eczema, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, alopecia, cutaneous lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous-cell carcinoma |
| Skin moisture | Reduced |
| Sebum excretion | Increased |
| Oxidative stress | Skin barrier damage, microbiome dysbiosis, and skin inflammation |
Skin ageing
People with sensitive skin or inflammatory skin diseases such as eczema are more vulnerable to the effects of pollution. This is because their skin barrier is already compromised, making it essential to take extra precautions to protect their skin.
Airborne pollutants, such as particulate matter, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and volatile organic compounds, can affect the structure and function of the skin. This can lead to the development of inflammatory skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Additionally, pollutants can reduce skin moisture, increase sebum excretion, and exacerbate the symptoms of chronic inflammatory skin conditions.
To combat the effects of pollution on the skin, it is crucial to use skincare products that can protect against pollution and help prevent premature skin ageing. While it may be challenging to avoid pollution entirely, especially in urban areas, taking proactive measures to protect the skin can help mitigate its impact.
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Skin diseases
Air pollution can have a detrimental effect on the skin, causing inflammatory skin diseases, skin accessory diseases, auto-immune skin diseases, and even skin tumours.
Inflammatory skin diseases include atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, and urticaria. People with sensitive skin or those who already suffer from inflammatory skin diseases are more susceptible to the effects of air pollution as they have a compromised skin barrier to start with. Air pollution can also exacerbate the symptoms of chronic inflammatory skin diseases in both children and adults.
Skin accessory diseases caused by air pollution include acne and alopecia.
Auto-immune skin diseases caused by air pollution include cutaneous lupus erythematosus and scleroderma.
Air pollution can also cause skin tumours, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous-cell carcinoma.
In addition to these skin diseases, air pollution can also cause skin pigmentation problems, an uneven skin tone, and dullness, as well as the formation of wrinkles, all signs of premature skin ageing.
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Skin pigmentation
People with sensitive skin or inflammatory skin diseases such as eczema are more susceptible to the effects of air pollution as their skin barrier is already compromised. Air pollution can also exacerbate the symptoms of chronic inflammatory skin diseases in both children and adults.
To protect your skin from the harmful effects of air pollution, it is important to use skincare products that can help shield your skin from the impact of pollutants. This is especially important for individuals living in urban areas, as they are constantly exposed to air pollution.
Additionally, air pollution has been linked to the development of inflammatory skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis, as well as skin accessory diseases like acne and alopecia. Therefore, taking measures to protect your skin from air pollution can help prevent the onset of these skin conditions and maintain overall skin health.
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Skin moisture
Particulate matter (PM), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other air pollutants can affect the structure and function of the skin. They can trigger or exacerbate inflammatory skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis (AD), psoriasis, acne, and alopecia.
Oxidative stress, caused by air pollution, can activate the inflammatory responses in the skin. This can lead to skin barrier damage, microbiome dysbiosis, and skin inflammation. People with sensitive skin or pre-existing inflammatory skin diseases, such as eczema, are more susceptible to the effects of air pollution as their skin barrier is already compromised.
To protect the skin from the harmful effects of pollution, it is important to use skincare products that can help shield the skin from these external aggressors. This is especially crucial for individuals living in urban areas, where exposure to air pollution is inevitable. By incorporating protective skincare into their routine, individuals can help prevent premature skin ageing and maintain healthy skin moisture levels.
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Skin inflammation
The impact of air pollution on skin inflammation is particularly concerning for those living in urban areas, as they are constantly exposed to high levels of pollutants. The skin's natural barrier function can be compromised by these pollutants, leading to increased skin sensitivity and a higher risk of developing inflammatory skin conditions.
Additionally, air pollution can reduce skin moisture and increase the rate of sebum excretion, further exacerbating the symptoms of inflammatory skin diseases. This can result in a vicious cycle where the skin becomes increasingly inflamed and irritated, making it challenging to manage these conditions effectively.
To combat the effects of air pollution on skin inflammation, it is crucial to prioritise skincare routines that focus on protecting and strengthening the skin's barrier. This includes using skincare products that provide a protective barrier against pollutants, such as antioxidant-rich serums and creams. Additionally, regular exfoliation can help remove accumulated pollutants and promote skin renewal, reducing the risk of inflammation.
While it may be challenging to avoid air pollution entirely, especially in urban settings, taking proactive measures to protect and care for your skin can help minimise the impact of pollutants on skin inflammation. This includes wearing protective clothing, using air purifiers indoors, and incorporating anti-pollution skincare products into your daily routine. By being mindful of the potential risks and taking preventative actions, you can help maintain skin health and reduce the chances of developing or exacerbating inflammatory skin conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
Air pollution can affect the structure and function of your skin, causing inflammatory skin diseases such as eczema, acne, psoriasis, alopecia, and even skin tumours. It can also cause skin pigmentation problems, an uneven skin tone, and dullness, as well as the formation of wrinkles – all signs of premature skin ageing.
Major air pollutants that can have a detrimental effect on the skin include solar ultraviolet radiation, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, ozone, and cigarette smoke.
Unfortunately, if you live in a city or urban area, it is impossible to avoid air pollution altogether. However, you can use skincare products that help protect your skin from its impact and lead to premature skin ageing.
If you have sensitive skin or suffer from inflammatory skin diseases, you may be more susceptible to the effects of air pollution. Look out for changes in your skin pigmentation, an uneven skin tone, and the formation of wrinkles, as these can be signs that pollution is affecting your skin.
