The harmful effects of pollution on the skin
Every day we hear about the harmful effect on the ozone layer of the vast amounts of hydrocarbons we burn, uncontrolled CO2 emissions or how global warming is increasing. But does pollution really affect our skin? And if so, how do these toxic substances impact on the skin’s natural composition?
It seems natural to think that particles of partly combusted fuels and toxic gas emissions that remain in suspension affect our respiratory system, because we inhale them. But it is somewhat less obvious when it comes to comprehending how those same particles contaminate and over-expose our skin to incremental damage over the long term.
The skin acts as a barrier against aggressive agents in our environment. Looking after it every day protects us against the poor quality of the air we breathe and with which we come into contact/ we come into contact with, especially outdoors, but also indoors, at home etc. and against the thousands of chemical substances to which we are exposed / we are exposed to. For example, these substances cause a reduction in the levels of Vitamin E (a natural anti-oxidant) in the stratum corneum – the skin’s outermost layer, which weakens its effectiveness as a barrier and can trigger inflammatory reactions in deeper layers.
What effects does this have on our skin?
Ageing: the oxidising stress caused by air pollution and contamination leads to an increase in free radicals, as the skin has to defend itself against their physical attack. They oxidize the lipids (fatty acids) that make up the epidermis and, as a result, unstable molecules appear that interfere with the skin’s natural physiology. The result is that cellular stress increases and this diminishes collagen production, which accelerates the skin ageing process.
Sun damage: the shrinking of the natural ozone layer means that ultra-violet radiation has a more harmful effect on our skin all year round, not just in summer. Unless we take steps to protect ourselves, this will result in the appearance of blemishes on the skin in areas that have been exposed to sunlight (on the face, hands, cleavage). We recommend that one should keep an eye on these marks on an ongoing basis and seek advice from a dermatologist if they change size or colour or become mottled or their edges start to blur.
Skin complications: exposure to exhaust fumes, pesticides or smoke can in the long term cause other complications, such as allergies, asthma, or eccema (dermatitis). This is due to the disruption of the nutritional balance in the cells caused by the external oxidizing effect, and it is possible that the skin will become irritated, flaky or even inflamed for no apparent reason.
Is there a solution?
Comprehensive preventive treatment is the individual solution to the problem, as it is hard to avoid overall exposure to these substances that we cannot see but that directly affect our skin.
- Hygiene: a deep daily facial cleansing with mild and gentle products is fundamental. However, we must avoid intense friction or a high-frequency approach and we must combine this with a weekly facial cleansing that is deeper, using exfoliating products.
- Moisturizing: the use of emollient and moisturizing products locally strengthens the protective role of the skin’s outermost layer. It is important that these contain anti-oxidants to block the effect of free radicals on the dermis.
- Humidifying air: is very useful in dry and under-ventilated environments and prevents the harmful effects of dehydration. One must avoid direct draughts on our skin, as they can cause it to become scaly and flake.
- Photoprotection: using products with sun blocking can contribute to preventing the appearance of lesions and more serious illnesses such as melanoma.
- Lifestyle: living away from contaminated areas reduces contact with toxic substances. In addition, following a balanced diet which includes ingesting the right amount of water will help to keep our immune system up to the task of protecting itself from contamination.
