Pollutants and skin health

It is a well-known fact that apart from lifestyle factors such as diet, sleep and stress levels, there are quite a few external factors that can impact our skin health as well. Continued exposure to changes in the weather, UV radiation, pollution, and smoking are all external aggressors that can aggravate skin health, especially for those of us with sensitive and acne-prone skin.

Although it may be frustrating that uncontrollable factors like the weather and pollution can trigger skin sensitivity and flare-ups, there are ways to mitigate their impact by adopting protective measures.

The effects of pollutants on skin health

When asked, ‘What causes acne?’, only a small percentage of people consider smog, exhaust fumes, or other pollutants as valid causes. But, in truth, air pollution is a significant urban stressor for one’s skin. In almost every city across the world, our skin is constantly exposed to harmful compounds and chemicals. Tiny dust particles known as PM 2.5 (particles 2.5 micrometers or smaller), along with ozone and other pollutants can easily penetrate the skin's protective barrier. These harmful pollutants cause the skin’s natural oil, sebum, to oxidise - think of how an apple browns when exposed to air. This oxidised sebum becomes thicker and stickier, making it more likely to clog pores, which in turn leads to blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. Also, oxidised sebum is more irritating to the skin, which can lead to inflammation.

Simultaneously, pollutants may also deplete the skin's natural antioxidants, vitamins C and E, leaving it more vulnerable to damage. Also, when pollutants are inhaled, they can make their way into the bloodstream, causing inflammation and oxidative stress throughout the body.

What science says

Over the years, scientific studies have often linked air pollution to worsened acne symptoms, suggesting that airborne pollutants significantly impact breakouts. A recent study conducted with about 60,000 acne patients over two years, revealed that increased levels of NO2, PM10, and PM2.5 were correlated to more acne-related doctor visits. Another study found the same pollutants linked to increased sebum production and more acne lesions. These studies provide strong evidence that specific pollutants worsen acne, highlighting the need to consider air pollution as a factor with regards to acne treatment.

Protecting our skin from air pollution

Our skin is fighting a battle against the numerous pollutants it encounters on a daily basis. The least we can do is to equip it with the right tools so it can do its job well.

The effects of UV exposure on skin health

Sun exposure is another key factor to consider when it comes to skin health. While essential for vitamin D synthesis, over-exposure to the damaging rays of the sun can have a profound impact on overall skin health. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is among the leading environmental factors responsible for premature skin aging, causing wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and uneven pigmentation. Well-known studies, such as those comparing identical twins with different sun exposure habits, and the compelling case of the truck driver whose face aged unevenly due to sun exposure on one side alone, vividly illustrate the long-term damage UV rays can inflict.

Those with acne-prone skin are much too familiar with a common misconception; that sun exposure will ‘dry out’ breakouts. The truth is that while initial exposure might temporarily reduce sebum on the surface of the skin, this effect is short-lived and ultimately counterproductive. In reality, exposure to UV radiation can trigger a cascade of negative effects.

Therefore, when your skin is expected to be exposed to a UV index of 3 or higher (check your weather app to know this), it is crucial to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen on a daily basis, especially for acne-prone skin. For those worried about skin sensitivity and clogged pores, these concerns can be minimised by choosing the right products for your skin.

Choose the right sunscreen.

With hundreds of sunscreens available in the market, with various filters and benefits, it can be overwhelming to choose the sunscreen that is best-suited to your skin and your requirements. Knowing how different kinds of sunscreens work, can help you pick the best products for your skin.

Those with acne-prone skin are much too familiar with a common misconception; that sun exposure will ‘dry out’ breakouts. The truth is that while initial exposure might temporarily reduce sebum on the surface of the skin, this effect is short-lived and ultimately counterproductive. In reality, exposure to UV radiation can trigger a cascade of negative effects.

Remember

Those with acne-prone skin are much too familiar with a common misconception; that sun exposure will ‘dry out’ breakouts. The truth is that while initial exposure might temporarily reduce sebum on the surface of the skin, this effect is short-lived and ultimately counterproductive. In reality, exposure to UV radiation can trigger a cascade of negative effects.

The effects of the weather on skin health

Alongside pollution and UV radiation, various weather conditions can also influence skin health. Hot and humid weather can exacerbate breakouts, while dry and cold weather can lead to dry skin and flakiness.

The impact of seasonal changes on skin health and acne has long been a prominent area of research. A study conducted in Delhi, India, specifically examined the link between seasonal variations and acne severity. Researchers found that nearly half the participants reported seasonal acne fluctuations, with a majority experiencing bad breakouts during hot and humid months. The heat and moisture create an ideal environment for sebum production and clogged pores. Furthermore, a direct correlation was observed between elevated temperatures and humidity levels, and increased acne severity, confirming that both factors play a significant role in triggering acne flare-ups.

However, keeping in mind a few practical tips can help manage acne even in extremely hot and humid weather.

By understanding how seasonal changes and environmental factors impact the health of our skin, we can better equip ourselves to prevent heat related breakouts and keep our complexion clear and healthy all year round.

The effects of smoking on skin health

Most external factors that negatively impact our skin health are often unavoidable. However, smoking is an external aggressor and toxin that we can definitely control. Quitting this habit not only benefits your own skin health, but also the skin health of those around you exposed to secondhand smoke.

A study on smoking explored how it may influence both the development and severity of acne. Unsurprisingly, researchers found that active smokers are more likely to experience acne than those who don’t. In fact, nearly 41% of smokers in the study had acne, compared to just 25% of non-smokers. And the more one smokes every day, the worse their acne tends to get. This means that smoking not only increases the chances of getting acne but can also make it more severe.

Summary

External factors like pollution, UV radiation, seasonal changes and smoking have been proven to negatively impact skin health, particularly for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Taking protective measures, including targeted skincare routines with cleansing, hydration, and broad-spectrum sunscreen, are essential for maintaining healthy and glowing skin.

References

• Shashikumar, B. M., & Sapthagiri, B. (2019): Seasonal aggravation of acne in summers and the effect of temperature and humidity in a study in a tropical setting. Year Book of Dermatology (pp. 741-744). JaypeeDigital
• Krutmann, J., Moyal, D., Liu, W., Kandahari, S., Lee, G.-S., Nopadon, N., Xiang, L. F., & Seité, S. (2017): Pollution and acne: Is there a link? Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 10, 199–204.
• Cosmetics & Toiletries. (2024, August 9): Sunburning to heal acne is the latest terrifying TikTok trend. Cosmetics & Toiletries.

• Vieira, M. A., Nicoletti, C. R., Thomazini, S. R., França, P. M., Oliveira, D. M., & Sato, M. Y. (2018): Skin Barrier and acne in winter: Seasonal changes in epidermal ceramides and their link to impaired barrier function in acne. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 17(3), 545-551
• La Roche-Posay. (n.d.): Three surprising causes of acne. La Roche-Posay Africa. Retrieved August 19, 2024

• Nast, A., Sarkar, R., & Behera, D. (2021): Sun exposure as a relevant exposome factor in acne patients and how photoprotection can improve outcomes. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 84(2), 332-338.
• Schäfer, T., Nienhaus, A., Vieluf, D., Berger, J., & Ring, J. (2001): Epidemiology of acne in the general population: The risk of smoking. British Journal of Dermatology

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02.04.2024