How do pollution and climate affect skin health?

The effects of pollution and climate change on skin health are as follows:

Increased UV radiation: Climate change leads to ozone layer depletion, which increases ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This increased exposure increases the risk of melanoma and keratinocyte cancer. UV radiation is a major determinant of skin cancer risk, and factors associated with climate change, including ozone depletion, global warming, and ambient air pollution, may contribute to the increased incidence of skin malignancies worldwide.

Air pollution-related diseases: Air pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3) have been linked to various skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, melasma, and photoaging. These pollutants cause oxidative stress, damage skin cells and tissues, accelerate skin aging, and lead to wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.

Disruption of the skin microbiome: Climate change leads to global warming, which disrupts the skin microbiome, affecting diseases such as atopic dermatitis, acne, and psoriasis.

Extreme weather events: Extreme weather events associated with climate change, such as floods and wildfires, are associated with acute exacerbations of skin damage, skin infections, and inflammatory skin diseases.

Skin barrier function and skin color changes: Climate change and air pollution not only affect the skin's barrier function, but also cause skin color changes. For example, elevated PM2.5 and NO2 levels are associated with changes in skin moisture and sebum secretion, leading to damaged skin barriers and darker skin colors.

Increased risk of skin cancer: Many carcinogens in air pollution, such as dioxins and heavy metals, enter the body through the skin and, over time, increase the risk of skin cancer, including malignant melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer.

Decreased immunity: A polluted environment suppresses the human immune system, weakens the body's defenses against skin pathogens, and makes people more susceptible to bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.

Pollution and climate change negatively affect skin health through various mechanisms, including increasing the risk of skin cancer, causing skin aging, damaging the skin barrier, and inducing inflammation and infection. Therefore, taking appropriate protective measures and strengthening skin care are essential to maintaining skin health. For more skin care knowledge, please consult us!