Air pollution can not only take a toll on your health but can have a rather terrible impact on your hair and skin. The more your skin is exposed to air pollution, the more it will deteriorate. A fact that should be remembered is the fact that pollution does not affect your skin within a day or two but actually ruins your skin quality over a period of time and thus it is imperative that one takes measures as early as possible.
Dr. Ajita Bagai Kakkar, Associate Director – Dermatology, Lasers and Aesthetic Medicines, Max Multi Speciality Centre, Panchsheel Park, says, “Smog, smoke, and pollution all can cause damage to the skin just like sun exposure does(photo-damage). It’s a part of extrinsic ageing. This is the time for dry skin, allergic reactions, dermatitis, and sudden eczema flaring up. Patients complain of stinging, parched dry skin, esp on the face and neck. They feel like no moisturizer works for them during this time.”
She further added, “As a result, they end up with itching and uneven skin tone and sometimes pigmentation. Patients who have atopic dermatitis get flare-ups of their disease Chelitis. Dry scaly lips are another issue associated with dry skin and pollution.”
It is also very important to understand the kind of harm that skin pollution can cause to one’s skin quality.
Dr. D M Mahajan, Senior Consultant, Dermatology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, noted, “Air pollution has emerged as a significant environmental factor contributing to skin pigmentation issues, including hyperpigmentation and melasma. Prolonged exposure to pollutants such as particulate matter, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and volatile organic compounds can trigger the overproduction of melanin, leading to the development or exacerbation of skin discolouration.”
“In individuals with existing hyperpigmentation or melasma, air pollutants can intensify the condition, making the skin more susceptible to dark spots and uneven pigmentation. Moreover, the inflammatory properties of certain pollutants can stimulate the activation of melanocytes, further contributing to the manifestation of pigmentation disorders. It increases oxidative stress, exacerbating the detrimental impact of air pollution on skin health,” he added.
To fully comprehend the impact of air pollution on skin pigmentation, it is crucial to adopt a comprehensive skincare routine that involves using sunscreen, products rich in antioxidants, and gentle cleansing techniques to mitigate the adverse effects of environmental pollutants on skin health. Additionally, advocating for sustainable environmental practices and limiting personal exposure to polluted areas can help prevent and manage skin pigmentation disorders caused by air pollution.
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