We can all see the increase in pollution in our environment while travelling for work, education, or shopping. This pollution not only damages the water and food, but it also directly damages and dehydrates our skin. The situation becomes worse for the people who have pre-existing skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis, or psoriasis.
Air pollution is known for causing several skin-related issues. There are certain air pollutants, like ozone and harmful chemicals, that can cause premature skin ageing in adults. Hence, you must protect your skin from the harmful effects of pollution in your city. This is why in this blog, we will make you aware of the 10 skin issues caused by pollution in cities and also share instructions on how to combat them.
Key Takeaways
- Pollution can result in several skin-related issues like acne, whiteheads, blackheads, and hyperpigmentation.
- Those who are suffering from serious skin problems like eczema and dermatitis can see a severity in their condition after getting exposed to pollution for long hours.
- By taking proper care of the skin on a regular basis, you can reduce the damage caused by pollution and UV rays.
Common Skin Issues Caused By Pollution
We often don’t realize how much damage the environment is causing until the condition becomes severe. Thus, you must check the top 10 skin issues caused by pollution to learn whether you are suffering from one of these concerns. Here are the top 10 skin-related issues that are caused by pollution in cities:
1. Acne and Breakouts
Acne is the most common skin issue among people around the world. It can be caused by some internal and external factors.
Although acne is generally caused by diet, genetics, and hormonal imbalances, expert dermatologists in Laval believe that air pollution is one of the major players in skin health.
2. Premature Aging
Traditionally, people assumed that pollution could only result in minor respiratory issues and make us suffer from cough, runny eyes, or shortness of breath. However, the main effect of pollution goes much deeper as it can accelerate the ageing process and lead to long-term illness.
Generally, it is thought that patients with asthma suffer more while breathing in polluted air. In reality, a normal person without asthma can also deal with chronic coughs due to dirty air quality. If the person stays in a highly polluted city for a long time, they can start seeing early signs of ageing.
3. Hyperpigmentation and Dark Spots
Hyperpigmentation is an issue faced by many people, especially adults. It is a skin condition in which some parts of our skin become darker due to overproduction of melanin (pigment responsible for providing colour to the skin). You might have this skin condition if you observe visible dark spots, patches, post-acne-marks, melasma, or uneven skin tone.
Although hyperpigmentation is commonly seen due to hormones and genetics, the chances of getting this condition increase due to external factors like exposure to pollution and UV rays. A recent study has confirmed that air pollution can trigger hyperpigmentation conditions like melasma, diffuse facial pigmentation, and senile lentigines.
4. Dryness and Dehydration
Since pollution and UV rays can directly strip away the natural oils from skin, we can see dryness and dehydration as the first effects of the damage. The pollution can weaken our skin’s barrier and increase the chances of more damage after prolonged exposure.
You might be suffering from dry skin issues if your skin feels flaky and rough on touch. If your skin feels tight, shows fine lines, and looks dull, then you probably have dehydrated skin. So, when to visit a dermatologist in Laval? This is a potential scenario.
5. Eczema and Dermatitis Flare-ups
Several people suffer from eczema and dermatitis. However, atopic eczema or dermatitis is even more serious because in this condition, there is a deficiency in the layer of lipids that protects the skin barrier. People with this type of skin condition can deal with allergic eczema or dermatitis flare-ups due to pollution.
Since people who have eczema or dermatitis have a weak skin barrier, their condition can be worsened due to pollutants like ozone or fine particles. Air pollution in the cities can trigger eczema flare-ups by raising the sensitivity and discomfort level of the skin. You might consider visiting a dermatology clinic (clinique dermatologie) in such a situation.
6. Blackheads and Whiteheads
Pollution deposits small dirt and dust particles onto our oily skin, which increases the chances of blackheads and whiteheads. These pollutants can increase skin inflammation, oxidative stress, and pore blockage by triggering free radicals and increasing the production of oil. To completely avoid getting blackheads or whiteheads, you must clean the skin daily and remove accumulated debris.
7. Skin Allergies
You might face skin allergies after getting long-term exposure to air pollutants and UV rays. The air pollutants deposit toxins that trigger inflammation and oxidative stress, which eventually damage our skin barriers.
Hence, it can directly cause a skin allergy. You might be suffering skin allergy due to pollution if you notice rashes or itchiness. Common air pollutants that cause skin allergy are nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.
8. Skin Cancer Risk
Pollutants like nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons can cause DNA damage, chronic inflammation, and oxidative stress, which increases the chances of getting skin cancer.
When you are exposed to both air pollution and UV rays, the skin barrier gets damaged, and you start seeing the signs of ageing and become prone to developing skin cancer. If you see any serious skin-related issue, you should visit a dermatology clinic (clinique dermatologie) to get a complete checkup.
9. Dull and Lacklustre Complexion
You might be suffering from dull and lacklustre skin if you notice your skin looks rough, tired, or greyish. This skin condition is caused by pollution, dehydration, dead skin cell build-up, and ageing.
10. Sensitive Skin and Irritation
There are several people who suffer from sensitive skin, and their skin can tolerate various cosmetic products, pollution, UV rays, and wind. They might notice severe itchiness, burning, and stinging effects. If you have sensitive skin, you might see that your skin has turned reddish or dry, and there are visible rashes. You should visit a dermatologist in Laval, and consider their recommendation to use gentle and hypoallergenic products to treat the skin and reduce irritation.
Key Strategies To Combat Pollution Damage
Once you have found out your skin’s condition, you should take the correct steps to combat the pollution damage. Here are the main strategies you should use to combat the damage and restore the skin’s health and glow.
1. Cleanse Thoroughly
You should use a gentle cleanser to remove dirt particles from your skin without becoming too harsh and stripping away natural oils. If you are overexposed to pollution and UV rays, then you should use a double cleansing routine after returning home. This process will ensure all pollutants are removed.
2. Antioxidant Protection
You should buy skincare products that include antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, green tea extract, or ferulic acid to fight pollutants and oxidative stress.
3. Strengthen the Skin Barrier
You can repair and strengthen the skin barrier by using skincare products that include niacinamide, glycerine, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides. These ingredients will act as a protective shield and restore the skin barrier.
4. Daily Sunscreen
Since UV rays can increase the damage caused by pollution, you must protect your skin from sun damage. You should apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day.
5. Regular Exfoliation
You can use gentle exfoliants like glycolic acid to unclog the pores and remove dirt and pollutants. Do the exfoliation process at least 2-3 times every week to make sure the skin does not look dull, dehydrated, and damaged.
Find Out The Right Solution For Your Skin!
Our skin is the first thing that gets damaged due to pollution and UV rays. Moreover, it is the first thing people notice when they meet us. It doesn’t matter if you have sensitive skin or pre-existing skin issues; almost everyone gets affected by the pollution at a certain level.
So, if you want to restore the skin barrier and the glow of your face, then you must get your skin checked by dermatologists and use skincare products that are customised as per your skin’s needs.