Have you ever wondered why an increasing number of people are grappling with skin allergies today? Why do skin conditions worsen during November and December? These questions lead us to a concerning reality: The intimate connection between rising pollution levels and deteriorating skin health.
Air pollution poses a serious threat to both the environment and our health. The deadly combination of particles, soot, smoke, mould, pollen, methane, and carbon monoxide infiltrates our respiratory and cardiovascular systems, leading to various health problems.
How does it affect the skin?
Pollution particles penetrate deep into the skin, cause oxidative stress, and trigger a cascade of reactions that lead to premature ageing, pigmentation, melasma, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, and even skin cancer. Pollutants like particulate matter (PM), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) play a pivotal role in skin damage.
Air pollutants, particularly PM2.5 and PM10, breach the skin’s defences, generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals. These harmful molecules interact with the skin’s membranes, leading to lipid peroxidation and tissue injury. Furthermore, pollution activates the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), a key player in the skin’s response to pollutants. AHR activation exacerbates skin conditions and contributes to the formation of pigmentation spots and other skin disorders.
There are multiple pathways for pollutants to enter the skin — direct contact, absorption through hair follicles and sweat ducts, inhalation, ingestion, and circulation in plasma. Substances such as pesticides, solvents, mercury, and PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) pose significant health risks through percutaneous absorption, rendering our skin susceptible to their toxic effects.
Besides worsening existing skin conditions, air pollution can even trigger new ones. Some skin cancers, too, can be traced to the harmful effects of inhaling toxic air.
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Shields against pollution
As the battle against pollution rages on, adopting preventive strategies becomes crucial. A diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins B3, C, and E, omega-3, beta carotene, and selenium offers protection against free radicals. Increase your intake of vegetables like broccoli, spinach, carrots, and beetroot to meet the requirement of essential nutrients, while nuts, fruits, and pulses can provide you with omega fatty acids and essential vitamins. The antioxidant-rich Mediterranean diet, which is full of whole grains, fruits, and beans, has shown promising results in countering pollution’s effects.
An anti-pollution skincare regimen serves as a shield against airborne pollutants. Regular cleansing, toning, and moisturising, coupled with sun protection and the use of topical antioxidants, can help create a skin barrier. Try products with repairing ingredients like retinoids, resveratrol, or hyaluronic/chondroitin sulfate, all of which help aid skin recovery and ensure a healthy complexion.
High-quality air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters are crucial in safeguarding our skin from the detrimental effects of air pollution. These purifiers efficiently trap airborne particles, including PM2.5, preventing them from entering your respiratory system. Advanced air purifiers designed with activated carbon filters can also neutralise volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ensuring that harmful chemical compounds do not permeate the air in our homes. By reducing the presence of allergens such as dust mites and pollen, air purifiers create a sanctuary within indoor environments. These measures contribute significantly to maintaining healthy and radiant skin despite the challenges posed by pollutants.
In our fight against the invisible enemy, knowledge, awareness, and proactive measures are our greatest allies. By understanding the impact of air pollution on our skin and implementing preventive strategies, we can fortify our skin’s defences and reclaim healthy, radiant skin.
The author holds an MD in dermatology, venereology, and leprosy. She is currently working as a specialist dermatologist in ESIC, Okhla, New Delhi. Views are personal.
(Edited by Humra Laeeq)