In all cities today, air pollution is one of the major health issues. Pollutions becoming a global concern for everybody. The impact of pollutants on our health body system is known, but most people are not aware to the damage these pollution can do to our skin, our first barrier against external attacks.
A little excursion to better understand the harmful effects of pollution
80% of world’s population are living in urban environments. The monitored air pollution exceeds levels higher then recommended by WHO.
All day, the skin is in constant contact with air pollution, specifically ozone and PM2.5 which are microscopic fine particles. These pollutants can affect the skin, and the smallest particles may even penetrate down to the epidermal cells. They accelerate extrinsic skin aging and damage the integrity of the cutaneous barrier and prevent it from functioning properly.
The impact of pollutants on the skin is even more enhanced by UV rays by the sun and IR heat rays and mostly unknown blue light e.g. screens and energy saving bulbs. UV rays and pollution also cause higher oxidation, dehydration, premature aging.