Among the various causes of skin disease, the most worrying and inescapable is air pollution. While most people know that air pollution results from burning fossil fuels and aerosols, the prolonged ill effects are less understood. There are various air pollutants like allergens, dust, particulate matter, and UV radiation. Prolonged exposure to toxic air pollutants causes various diseases, but the following are some pollutants that trigger skin diseases.

1. Allergens
Allergens are elements that cause the immune system to overreact. While symptoms are primarily respiratory, you cannot forget the skin. Pollen, fungal spores, house dust, insect allergen, food, and medicine allergens are all common in cities, especially polluted ones. Airborne allergens in contaminated air can cause several diseases like allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis, and bronchial asthma. Allergies also exacerbate existing skin conditions like eczema and hives.

2. Particulate matter
Most air pollution happens due to particulate matter. Increased particulate matter content due to neighboring industries is common in urban centers, and this causes a lot of skin conditions. Epidemiological studies indicate that higher particulate matter content induces oxidative stress. Oxidation causes the release of pro-inflammatory chemicals that exacerbate aging and inflammation-related skin diseases like eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. Ultra-fine particulate matter also enhances skin cancer risk.

3. Dust
Dust is another pollutant that can cause skin conditions to aggravate. Dust and dirt particles collect on the skin and trigger changes in the microbiome on the skin. This leads to irritation and inflammation as well as acne-like breakouts. The microbiome works to keep your skin healthy, and disturbance to this flora decreases the skin’s ability to combat dryness, humidity, UV radiation, and other pathogens.

4. UV radiation
While not directly a pollutant, an increase in pollution, as seen in many cities, can cause increased exposure to UV rays due to ozone depletion. UV rays are a form of non-ionized radiation that has several implications, particularly concerning the skin. Over 90% of skin cancer cases are because of exposure to such radiation from the sun. UV rays increase all three types of skin cancer, proving that environmental pollutants act as carcinogenic agents. Coupled with cigarette smoke and particulate matter, UV rays also accelerate the skin’s aging process, even in young children.

How to protect the skin from city pollutants?
While it is not possible to outrun pollutants, it is possible to take steps to protect the skin from avoidable damage. Remember always to remove your makeup and clean your face as often as possible to remove dirt and pollutants from your face. Exfoliate the skin removing impurities, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Apply sun protection every day to protect yourself from UV radiation and oxidative damage related to ozone. Moisturization also plays a role in maintaining skin flora. Remember to eat antioxidants and healthy fats to restore the skin’s hydrolipidic film and promote healthy tissues.