Facing skin conditions like acne, eczema, etc. are significantly common. It is affecting millions of people worldwide and affecting their normal life. Skin problems not only irritate but also leave marks that can deprive the confidence and image of a person. But do you know, air pollution affects skin health? According to data from the Global Burden of Disease Study, skin conditions account for around 1.79% of the GBD.
- Acne affected 9.4% population
- Eczema concerns 15-20% of the global population
- Psoriasis affects 2-3% of the world’s population.
Air pollutants have different forms, such as solids, gases, or liquids. Our skin can directly absorb these through tissues, sweat glands, or hair follicles. Moreover, the emissions from extensive energy consumption and rapid urbanization are increasing worldwide. It is resulting in many concerning problems.
Skin is the organ that protects our inner organs in the body. Moreover, it is the composition of several cell layers and that involves numerous parts. Because of high pollution exposure, skin conditions are common. Because the skin absorbs more pollutants than any other organ of the human body. Long-term exposure to air pollution can cause various skin diseases that start from acne to skin cancer. According to recent studies, 1 in 4 people with skin conditions like acne and eczema have experienced worsening symptoms due to pollution.
Let’s dive into how air pollution affects skin health. You can check a personal experience of how air pollution affects a person. Because it can lead to severe and rare skin conditions. Thus, taking the right steps by checking the reason for your skin conditions is crucial.
Which air pollutants affect skin health?
Do you know many pollutants affect skin health? Major pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5), NO2, O3, VOCs, etc. can affect skin health. Let us know how these pollutants can cause skin conditions:
1. Particulate Matter (PM2.5):
These are tiny particles that are invisible and easily penetrate deep into the skin. Major cities and urban areas hold a high level of PM2.5. Many studies and research have shown a clear link between PM2.5 and skin conditions. Because it affects the skin barrier and increases the inflammation and skin irritation.
Another report has revealed that PM2.5 exposure can affect the skin fibers that help in elasticity and make you young. Hence, many people are facing premature aging.
2. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2):
The common gas air pollutant emits from heavy traffic or vehicle emissions. Similarly, like PM2.5, it is also responsible for increased skin inflammation and sensitivity. It results in skin redness, dryness, and itchiness by affecting the skin barrier function.
3.Ozone (O3):
Ground-level ozone exposure is extremely harmful to the human health. It can also cause several skin-related conditions. Oxidative stress occurs because of ozone exposure. And it results in a cellular imbalance that damages the skin. A study revealed that ozone levels increase the 30% of oxidative stress in the body.
4. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs):
Various sources in indoor and outdoor settings release VOCs. It includes paints, cleaning products, and industrial processes. These chemicals can have a direct impact on skin health. This exposure can lead to skin irritation. As a result, you can face redness, dryness, and itching. With it, VOC exposure also triggers allergic reactions.
How does air pollution affects skin health?
Nowadays, skin problems are much more common as one out of 4 people are facing some issues. Because skin conditions can cause by water, food pollution, and other toxicity. A study published in NCBI (National Library of Medicine) highlights how air pollution affects skin health. Because, air pollution causes oxidative stress that results in various skin problems, including skin cancer. Let us know what conditions you can face because of short or long-term air pollution exposure:
1. Acne
Fine air particles clog the skin pores. It leads to triggering acne flare-ups and inflammation in the skin. Long-term exposure to air pollution significantly triggers acne. A study shows that 85% of the global population faces acne. However, the reasons are several, but people living in urban areas are highly prone.
2. Aging
Well, aging is common, but not at a young age. Pollutant exposure can lead to aging disturbance. It can result in premature aging. Because air pollution interferes with the production of collagen and elastin. It results in wrinkles and fine lines at a young age. For emphasis, a recent study found that soot concentration (carbon particles) in the air increases the 20% of age spots on women’s cheeks.
3. Skin Disorders:
Skin disorders are also becoming much more common globally. A single redness or bump can be a sign of a skin disorder. Many air pollutants trigger conditions like eczema and psoriasis. As a study published in PubMed Central revealed that a 10 µg/m³ increase in PM2.5 also increased atopic dermatitis patients by 7.7%.
4. Hyperpigmentation
Uneven skin tone or dark spots can make you unconfident, which can be the result of air pollution exposure. High levels of ozone and other air pollutants result in developing hyperpigmentation. A study has found that increase in traffic-related particles is linked to a 20% rise in pigment spots on the forehead and cheeks.
5. Skin cancer:
Various pollutants in the air can chemically react with ultraviolet radiation (UV) rays and become more harmful. Long-term exposure to the pollutant can result in skin cancer. Research published in Science Direct has found that every year skin cancer cases are increasing. With it, PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) damage the skin cells and DNA repair processes. Moreover, another study revealed that around 126,000 deaths occurred in 2018 because of skin cancer. It includes various reasons. Annually, these incidences increasing 4% to 5%.
How You Can Protect Your Skin from Air Pollution-Related Conditions?
Air pollution affects skin health and has an extreme impact on every person’s life. Since it can result in life-threatening diseases. Thus, maintaining clean air and saving yourself from high exposure can help. Here are the steps to consider maintaining your skin’s well-being and clean air:
1. Minimizing outdoor exposure:
Firstly, maintain better indoor air quality and avoid outdoor exposure. For it, you can check outdoor air quality through online resources. Additionally, only plan outdoor activities after ensuring better air quality and covering your skin.
2. Monitor air quality around you:
Secondly, you can monitor air quality with affordable and advanced monitors. There are several monitors available that offer detailed data for each pollutant. Besides, indoor monitors can help you ensure the indoor air quality as well.
3. Use air purifiers:
Next, you can use a HEPA filter or advanced air purifier. It not only provides clean air but also helps in giving a fresh life to your skin.
4. Skincare strategies:
Keep your skin healthy and hydrated. Pollutants mostly attract to sensitivity-prone skin. Thus, invest in good skin care products and strategies. These also help in reappearing your skin barriers. Also maintain a healthy lifestyle to immune yourself.
Conclusion
Air pollution’s health effects are not only limited to respiratory problems. Air pollution affects skin health as well, including acne or skin cancer-like problems. Thus, maintaining better air quality is necessary. For it, you can consider many points including air purifiers and staying indoors. Safeguard your skin from life-threatening air pollutants. Take proactive steps to save yourself from air pollution’s adverse health effects.
