The link between air pollution and skin health

Air pollution has an effect on nearly all aspects of human health: respiratory, cardiovascular, mental, immune, and more. It contributes to the onset of diseases such as asthma, COPD, multiple types of cancer, diabetes mellitus, and even obesity. It is no wonder that air pollution impacts cutaneous organs as well, playing an important role in skin health. How does air pollution affect the skin? Can an air purifier help? Read on to learn more.

The effects of air pollution on skin

With the skin serving as the body’s first line of defence against exterior environmental threats, the human body’s ‘protective envelope’ is a target of structure and function alteration by airborne toxins and environmental exposure¹. In general, air pollutants have the following impacts on skin:

• Free radical generation
• Skin barrier impairment due to inflammatory cascade induction
• Activation of AhR (aryl hydrocarbon receptor)
• Alterations to the skin microflora²

Certain professions are at higher risk of dermal exposure to outdoor air pollution including asphalt (paving and roofing) workers and chimney sweeps. Studies on these populations have found that dermal exposure is the main route of uptake of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a common air pollutant^3,4,5. But all jobs that involve regular contact with chemical or cleaning products are exposed.

Main pollutants affecting skin health

The main environmental pollutants that have an impact on skin health include PAHs, particulate matter (PM), ozone (O3), and soot. Uptake of these pollutants occurs both directly and indirectly.

In direct uptake, air pollutants are accumulated on the stratum corneum layer of the skin and are then absorbed through hair follicles and sweat ducts. This allows them to break through the skin’s protective superficial barrier and penetrate into deeper layers of the skin. This is the shortest route of absorption of air pollutants into the skin⁶.

In indirect uptake, exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays photoactivate airborne pollutants present on the skin barrier. Both forms of environmental pollutant uptake lead to decreased antioxidants and cell proliferation, increased production of ROS, and increased lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation, all of which contribute to cell death².

Studies have uncovered the most significant links between exposure to the following air pollutants and the effects on skin:

• Pesticides
• Heavy metals (mercury)
• PAHs
• Carbon monoxide (CO)
• Ozone
• Particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5, PM1.0)
• Ammonium phosphates
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

What effects does air quality have on the skin?

Damage to the skin barrier and deeper layers of the skin caused by air pollution varies depending upon the air pollutant in question. All air pollutants lead to the formation of free radicals and oxidative stress. Studies have shown that carbon monoxide, PM2.5, and ammonium phosphates trigger skin inflammation and atopic dermatitis (eczema)⁷.

PM generated by soot and traffic particle emissions lead to a 20% increase in skin pigmentation, skin disease, and premature ageing. Direct and indirect skin exposure to air pollution lead to premature lentigines production (brown macules on the hands, chest, and face, also known as ‘liver spots’), melasma production (light- to dark-brown hyperpigmentation mostly on the face but also the neck, chest, and shoulders), and atomic dermatitis (eczema). Eczema exacerbation has been directly linked to exposure to PM, toluene, and other VOCs⁶.

Links to other skin diseases like rosacea and acne due to air pollution exposure have been reported. A 2017 study found that NO2 exposure causes pigment spot formation and an increase of 25.6% of self-reported greasy, acne-prone skin in areas with higher levels of pollution. The increased prevalence of acne in areas with elevated pollution is associated with reduced vitamin E and squalene levels in the skin, signs of sebum oxidation⁸.

Sources of air pollution for skin issues

Air pollution is a complex mixture of gases and particles that contaminate our indoor and outdoor environments. It is generated from a variety of sources, most of which are anthropogenic. Indoor and outdoor air pollutants both cause oxidative stress, especially when photoactivated by the sun’s UV rays.

Indoors, household products that emit VOCs like cleaning products, DIY products, new furniture, air fresheners, pesticides, wood stoves and gas appliances, and fragrances are all sources of air pollution.

Outdoors, smoke of all kinds, vehicle emissions, industrial facilities, allergens, and pesticides are responsible for releasing air pollution.

Cigarette and cannabis smoke are sources of both VOCs and fine particles indoors and outdoors.

How to keep your skin safe from air pollution

At-risk populations

When it comes to air pollution’s effect on skin, certain populations are more at risk to its negative impacts than others. Children, elderly individuals, pregnant women, and those who have pre-existing skin conditions are at the greatest risk of developing skin diseases as a result of air pollution exposure. Extra precaution should be taken for individuals in these population groups using some of the suggestions below.

Outdoors

The topic of protecting ourselves from air pollution is a fairly new one, especially when it comes to preventative skin care. Some recommendations for protecting the skin from air pollution include using emollients and SPF sun cream to protect against the sun’s UV rays, especially for those suffering from pollution-aggravated acne. Using appropriate cleansers and moisturisers that do not disrupt the skin’s natural barrier function also helps protect the skin. Follow a good, consistent skincare routine that is rich in antioxidants.

At home or in the workplace

Using no- or low-VOC products is always recommended indoors. This helps protect your skin and other vital organs of the body from the dangers of indoor air pollution. Another excellent way to improve air quality and keep your body safe from indoor air pollutants is to keep them out of the air entirely by investing in a HEPA-certified air purifier.

Benefits of Eoleaf’s air purifiers for skin health

Installing a high-quality air purifier in your home and/or office is a great solution to protecting all aspects of your health from toxic indoor air pollution. It is worth noting that it is estimated that 70% of outdoor air pollution makes its way back inside, and indoor spaces are 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor spaces.

Boost air quality

An air purifier with advanced filtration technologies will help properly combat poor indoor air quality. It is always recommended to seek out an air purifier with more than one filtration technology because different technologies filter out different types of pollutants. Two of the most essential filtration technologies include a HEPA-certified filter and an activated carbon filter.

HEPA-certified filters

High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA)-certified filters are tested by third parties to guarantee a certain level of filtration. For example, all of Eoleaf devices contain HEPA H13-certified filters, guaranteeing a filtration rate of 99.97% of all air pollutants down to 0.01 microns in size. This includes particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5, and PM0.1), fine particles emitted by tobacco smoke, dust, dust mites, pollen, mould and spores, pet hair and dander, and more. Keep in mind that certain companies may claim that their filters are ‘HEPA’ or ‘HEPA-type’, but if it is not stated that they are certified, their filtration rate cannot be guaranteed.

HEPA-certified filters, though highly effective against fine particle pollution, are unable to remove gaseous pollutants like VOCs.

Activated carbon filters

Activated carbon filters serve as an important complementary technology to HEPA-certified filters. Activated carbon targets harmful gaseous pollutants like VOCs, ozone, carbon monoxide, and more. It also removes airborne odours. Carbon filtration has been used for centuries for its water- and air-filtration properties.

Other filtration technologies

Eoleaf devices are unique in that they contain the two above air pollution technologies, but that’s not all. They contain 6 other technologies that help ensure the cleanest indoor air available. A pre-filter, a bamboo filter with an antibacterial coating, photocatalysis depollution technologies, ionisation, and UVC sterilisation are also found in Eoleaf filters, making them some of the most comprehensive air purifiers on the market. UVC sterilisation is especially important in fighting germs, but it also sterilises your filter once it’s captured pollutants, keeping you safe during filter changes.

Get rid of unpleasant smells

As mentioned above, activated carbon filtration is useful in removing gaseous pollutants but also for removing unpleasant smells and odours. Odours from gas appliances, cigarette smoke, and other unpleasant odours found in your indoor environment are all quickly and efficiently removed from the air. Activated carbon filters found in Eoleaf devices are heavy, and the heavier the activated carbon filter, the more pollutants it is capable of removing. The activated carbon filter in our AEROPRO 150, our model designed for larger spaces, weighs an impressive 1.28 kg!

Compatible with all room sizes

Eoleaf devices come in four different sizes:

• AEROPRO 40: designed for smaller rooms up to 40 m2
• AEROPRO 100: designed for medium-sized rooms up to 80 m2
• AEROPRO 150: designed for large rooms up to 120 m2

This means that regardless of the size of the space, we’ve got you covered. When determining whether an air purifier is properly sized, be sure to consider two factors: Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) and Air Changes per Hour (ACH).

CADR refers to the volume of filtered air an air purifier is capable of producing. The higher the CADR, the more efficiently it cleans the air in your space (our AEROPRO 150 delivers a CADR of 670 m3/h!). ACH refers to the amount of times the air in a space is replaced in one hour. For rooms with high levels of pollution, it is recommended to purchase a device that will deliver an ACH of 4 or 5 for the air to be completely filtered. ACH can be calculated based on your needs and your room’s exact square footage by Eoleaf’s air purification experts.

Both CADR and ACH are essential industry-wide standards that help consumers differentiate the air purifiers on the market and choose the most efficient device for their needs.

Protect your skin and your health with an Eoleaf air purifier

Our devices are designed with all aspects of your health at the forefront. If your goal is to ward off air pollution-aggravated skin conditions, invest in clean air at home. Eoleaf brings air purifiers that keep you, your loved ones, and your coworkers protected from the dangers of air pollution. Reach out to the Eoleaf team anytime to discuss your air purification needs.

Frequently asked questions

What pollutants are most harmful to skin health in urban areas?

The air pollutants that have been associated with adverse effects on skin health include particulate matter (PM2.5), VOCs, heavy metals, PAHs, carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone.

What ingredients should I look for in skincare products to combat pollution?

Natural, antioxidant-rich skincare products are ideal in protecting your skin from pollution. Use an SPF sun cream daily and appropriate cleansers and moisturisers that do not disrupt the skin’s natural barrier function as part of your skincare regimen.

Does indoor air pollution have the same impact on the skin as outdoor air pollution?

Yes, indoor air pollution has the same, often worse, impact on the skin as outdoor air pollution. Indoor air pollution consists of the same air pollutants found outdoors. It is estimated that 70% of indoor air pollutants make their way into indoor spaces, and indoor air is 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air.

Can face masks or coverings protect skin from pollutants in the air?

Properly adapted face masks or coverings may be helpful in protecting your skin from air pollution’s irritating effects. However, do keep in mind that indoor spaces are 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor spaces. It is important to treat your indoor air, especially in urban areas, if you aim to protect your skin from air pollution.

Resources

¹ Koohgoli R, Hudson L, Naidoo K, Wilkinson S, Chavan B, Birch-Machin MA. Bad air gets under your skin. Exp Dermatol. 2017 May;26(5):384-387. doi: 10.1111/exd.13257. Epub 2017 Feb 20. PMID: 27892609.

² Mancebo SE, Wang SQ. Recognizing the impact of ambient air pollution on skin health. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2015 Dec;29(12):2326-32. doi: 10.1111/jdv.13250. Epub 2015 Aug 20. PMID: 26289769; PMCID: PMC5916788.

³ VanRooij JG, Bodelier-Bade MM, Jongeneelen FJ. Estimation of individual dermal and respiratory uptake of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in 12 coke oven workers. Br J Ind Med. 1993 Jul;50(7):623-32. doi: 10.1136/oem.50.7.623. PMID: 8343423; PMCID: PMC1035498.

⁴ Fustinoni S, Campo L, Cirla PE, Martinotti I, Buratti M, Longhi O, Foà V, Bertazzi P. Dermal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in asphalt workers. Occup Environ Med. 2010 Jul;67(7):456-63. doi: 10.1136/oem.2009.050344. Epub 2009 Nov 12. PMID: 19914913.

⁵ McClean MD, Rinehart RD, Sapkota A, Cavallari JM, Herrick RF. Dermal exposure and urinary 1-hydroxypyrene among asphalt roofing workers. J Occup Environ Hyg. 2007;4 Suppl 1:118-26. doi: 10.1080/15459620701334756. PMID: 17503278.

⁶ Roberts W. Air pollution and skin disorders. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2020 Nov 25;7(1):91-97. doi: 10.1016/j.ijwd.2020.11.001. PMID: 33537398; PMCID: PMC7838324.

⁷ Santiago Mangual KP, Ferree S, Murase JE, Kourosh AS. The Burden of Air Pollution on Skin Health: a Brief Report and Call to Action. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2024 Jan;14(1):251-259. doi: 10.1007/s13555-023-01080-1. Epub 2023 Dec 16. PMID: 38103119; PMCID: PMC10828340.

⁸ Krutmann J, Moyal D, Liu W, Kandahari S, Lee GS, Nopadon N, Xiang LF, Seité S. Pollution and acne: is there a link? Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017 May 19;10:199-204. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S131323. PMID: 28579815; PMCID: PMC5446966.