Protecting your skin from harmful pollution

Air pollution is the mostly invisible threat that tends to reach its peak in cities during summer. It refers to all the particles or gases that are released into the air by human activity.

Can air pollution affect skin?  

Polluted air can get into your lungs, causing damage and triggering asthma. Your external appearance can also be affected. Although less serious than the health effects of inhaling toxic particles, your skin can become damaged and aged.  

Dr Sophie Momen, Consultant Dermatologist, explains that some particles in pollution can pass through your skin and induce the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Your body has various antioxidant mechanisms, which essentially mop up these ROS.   

"However, if there is too much ROS and not enough antioxidants, then something called oxidative stress occurs," she says. "Oxidative stress affects the functioning of cells, and, in the skin, it leads to a damaged skin barrier, inflammation, and ageing - fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation."

Studies have shown that long-term exposure to air pollutants, such as ozone, also depletes the skin of the health-giving antioxidants, vitamins C and E. These support things such as collagen production, wound healing, and recovery from UV (ultraviolet) damage after sun exposure. 

This kind of damage may also cause skin conditions, including acne, eczema, and psoriasis. These issues come with their own set of symptoms that can affect your quality of life, causing soreness, pain, and low self-esteem in many cases.  

Momen says: "If your SPF sunscreen contains antioxidants  - such as green tea, vitamin E, or vitamin C - then it may help mop up ROS to reduce harmful oxidative stress."

However, there's a need for more studies in this area. The skin specialist also adds that the filters in general SPF sunscreens that protect against UV radiation in sunlight will not protect against ROS produced from pollution.  

The same rule applies to your make up. Only products containing antioxidants that promote healthy skin could be considered potentially helpful and protective. No matter how much you pay, or how thickly you spread it on your face, air pollutant particles that are small enough can pass through your makeup and into your skin.