HomeAnswersDermatologydry skinKindly elaborate on how air pollution influences skin health.

How does air pollution affect skin, and what skincare practices reduce its impact?

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Published At February 16, 2024
Reviewed AtFebruary 16, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 35-year-old woman living in an area characterized by elevated levels of air pollution. Recently, I have observed alterations in my skin, including heightened dryness, dullness, and occasional breakouts. I am troubled by the potential impact of air pollution on my skin's health. Could you kindly elaborate on how air pollution influences skin health and contributes to these changes? Moreover, I would appreciate recommendations for specific skincare practices or products to reduce the effects of air pollution on the skin. Also, are there any preventive measures or lifestyle adjustments I can adopt to uphold healthy skin in such an environment?

Thank you for your guidance.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I appreciate your query, and I understand your concern.

Exposure to pollution can indeed lead to various skin conditions, such as skin tanning, dryness, eczema, melasma, premature aging, acne, acne scars, and even skin cancers.

To address and mitigate these effects, I suggest you follow the following remedies:

  1. Sun protection - Use sunscreen with protection against UVA (ultraviolet A), UVB, and UVC (present in LEDs, laptops, computers, and mobile lights). Apply sunscreen every two hours from 9 am to 5 pm, at least 20 minutes before going outdoors.
  2. Vitamin C - Use vitamin C in the form of serums, creams, or tablets. Apply serums in the morning after face wash to protect the skin from free radicals.
  3. Vitamin E - Use vitamin E in the form of serum, capsules, or creams to provide hydration and skin health.
  4. Face wash or cleanser - Double cleanse with a face wash, especially for acne-prone or oily skin. Use face washes containing salicylic acid for acne-prone skin and mild cleansers for relatively dry skin.
  5. AHA alpha-hydroxy acids) and BHA (beta hydroxy acids) Toner - Use toners like Cosrx AHA BHA toner once a week to unclog pores.
  6. Moisturization - Use a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid to retain moisture and keep the skin hydrated.
  7. Niacinamide and zinc - Apply serums with niacinamide and zinc at night to reduce pore size and prevent breakouts.
  8. Blotting sheets - Use blotting sheets to remove excess moisture, sweat, and dirt from the face, especially when going outdoors.
  9. Omega-3 capsules - Consume omega-3 capsules daily for three months to protect the skin and enhance overall skin health.
  10. Exfoliation - Exfoliate the dirt with a physical exfoliant once every two weeks to unclog pores. Consider steam therapy at home before exfoliation to open pores and release dirt.
  11. Physical protectant - Use a physical protectant while going outdoors to prevent direct exposure to dust and pollutants.
  12. I hope these recommendations help. Take care of your skin, and feel free to follow up if you have any further concerns.

    Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Sandhya Narayanan Kutty
Dr. Sandhya Narayanan Kutty

Venereology

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