Air pollution in Delhi is reaching alarming highs every day, with most stations recording the severe category. With AQI levels on the rise, it is important to understand the dire consequences this can have on the health of the people who breathe the air. In an interview with HT lifestyle, Dr. Gunjan Verma, Consultant Dermatology, Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, New Delhi, highlighted its effects on the skin.
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Effects of polluted air on the skin:
“Pollutants can enter the skin through direct accumulation at the surface, absorption through hair follicles, inhalation, ingestion, and circulation of pollutants in plasma, which then diffuse into deeper skin tissues. These pollutants penetrate the skin through nanoparticles and create quinones, which are redox chemicals that produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). Air pollution can also cause oxidative stress,” said Dr. Gunjan Verma. It can provoke such diseases as acne, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis. There is also a trend toward an increase in problems such as lentigo, melasma, and photoaging.
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Skin care tips to stay safe:
Healthy food: To combat the effects of pollution, it is recommended to eat foods high in antioxidants, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals that are formed as a result of toxic air pollutants entering the body. Therefore, a diet rich in antioxidants can help protect against damage caused by air pollution.
Clean your skin regularly: Cleansing your skin is a critical part of your anti-pollution regimen because airborne pollutants can bind to your skin and weaken the skin barrier, making it more susceptible to UV damage, dryness, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.
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Put on the mask: It is recommended to wear a mask and cover your mouth when going outside and limit going out unnecessarily. In terms of skin cancer, the pollutants that are most reactive to the skin are UV radiation, VOCs, heavy metals, and O3. Ultraviolet radiation – a physical pollutant – is believed to be the main factor responsible for most skin cancers in humans.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any health concerns.
