Written by: Hailey Rudman
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Lohi Pratti
Image Source: Gist
As the human body’s first layer of protection, the skin comes into contact with several factors from the outside world. Receptors in the skin provide the body with feelings of pain and pleasure and regulate many of the metabolic processes that take place within. This environmental barrier protects us from many harmful and toxic aspects of the outside world and it is our responsibility to make sure that we are doing everything we can to take care of it the way it takes care of us. So what is polluting your skin? Can skin be polluted? Absolutely. The environment harnesses many toxins that can directly affect the skin. Simply to name, ultraviolet radiation, cigarette smoke, and even air pollution can take a negative toll on the skin’s health.
We all love a good beach day. The sun is shining and you’re getting that summer bronze glow. However, too much of that sunlight may actually be doing more harm than good. Light that shines down from the sun carries ultraviolet radiation. “The UV is 10, let's go tanning!” is a popular phrase I tend to hear quite often living in Miami. The higher the measure of ultraviolet radiation there is outside, the higher the chance of skin damage, thus leading to skin cancer. The three most common types of skin cancer include basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and melanoma, all of which may result from prolonged exposure to UV radiation. Additionally, frequent sun exposure on the skin may lead to the creation of genetic effects or mutations such as those in NER-related genes. Mutations in those genes are related to autosomal recessive disorders that include xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), trichothiodystrophy (TTD), and even Cockayne syndrome. UV radiation has the ability to alter DNA repair and structure which ultimately leads to the development of these genetic disorders.
Another environmental factor that can pollute the skin is cigarette smoke. To further explain, the nicotine that resides in a cigarette causes blood vessels to narrow, directly reducing oxygen flow and nutrients being carried throughout the blood. Additionally, the toxins in cigarette smoke contribute to damage of collagen and elastin, essentially causing premature aging. Another symptom that shows how cigarette smoke directly affects dermatological health is the yellowing of fingernails. Cigarette smoke can even increase the chances that one will develop acne vulgaris. In fact, a 2009 study conducted by Dr. San Gallicano in Italy presented the evident correlation between smoking and acne. The study found a high prevalence of atypical post-adolescent ace (APAA) among women with a habit of smoking cigarettes. There was also an evident increase in sebum peroxidation and a decrease in vitamin E levels within those exposed to cigarette smoke.
Furthermore, atmospheric air pollution induces oxidative stress on the human skin, causing conditions associated with aging and inflammation. When the skin comes into contact with air pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx gases), chemicals attached to those particles have the ability to penetrate through the skin’s lipid barrier layer (stratum cornea) and weaken it. This is the so-called oxidative stress that pollutants place on the skin, leading to inflammation. Various conditions may result from the inflammation of the skin’s lipid matrix which includes eczema, psoriasis, and undoubtedly, skin cancer. Existing skin conditions can be aggrevated by air pollution as well, like acne, pigmentation, and atopic dermatitis. There is focus on new concept called ‘polludermatoses’ for skin diseases caused or aggravated by air pollution. Moreover, oxidative stress may induce severe interference with normal lipid and DNA function. Numerous pollutants are irritants that cause rashes, wrinkles, and allergic reactions.
Basic Protective Measures:
1. Using gentle cleansers. Example routine:
-Morning regime:
Cleanser. Anti-pollution face cleansers, physical or chemical exfoliators, serums, and barrier creams are available for acne-prone skin. These products often include zinc, vitamin C antioxidants, and plant extracts. The effectiveness of these products is unknown.
Toner/ Serum
Primer/ Moisturizer
Broad spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30+ and PA+++
-Evening regime
Cleanser
Evening moisturizer (could include repair products like hyaluronic acid, retinoids – depending on the skin type and product, rotation is necessary.)
2. Using skincare products with topical antioxidants (vitamins A, B3 (niacinamide), C, and E;
green tea; coenzyme Q10; and resveratrol) to preserve or restore the natural skin barrier.
3. Avoiding over-cleansing the skin to prevent damaging the the skin barrier.
4. Drinking water to possibly dilute the toxin load within the bloodstream. The recommended daily water intake for an adult is 2 L (0.5 gallon) per day.
5. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants like vitamins B3, C, and E; omega-3; β-carotene;
selenium; coenzyme Q10; polypodium leucotomos; green tea; and lipoic acid,
which may neutralize toxins from pollutants. The Mediterranean diet, for example involves the consumption of foods high in antioxidants, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, olive oil, fish, and poultry. Research shows that death from all causes reduces by 5%
with intake of such diet and a 12% difference in cardiac deaths.
References:
Damevska, Katerina, et al. “How to prevent skin damage from air pollution part 2: Current treatment options.” PubMed, 23 September 2021, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34528361/. Accessed 19 February 2023.
Puri, Poonam, et al. “Effects of air pollution on the skin: A review.” PubMed, July 2017, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28195077/. Accessed 19 February 2023.
Roberts, Wendy. “Air pollution and skin disorders.” PubMed, 25 November 2020, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33537398/. Accessed 19 February 2023.
Rud, Melanie. “Ask a Dermatologist: What Does Air Pollution Do to Your Skin?” Byrdie, 22 November 2021, https://www.byrdie.com/is-pollution-bad-for-your-skin-5200326. Accessed 19 February 2023.
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