Atmospheric skin aging—Contributors and inhibitors

Abstract

Cutaneous aging is a complex biological process consisting of 2 elements: intrinsic aging, which is primarily determined by genetics, and extrinsic aging, which is largely caused by atmospheric factors, such as exposure to sunlight and air pollution, and lifestyle choices, such as diet and smoking. The role of the solar spectrum, comprised of ultraviolet light, specifically UVB (290-320 nm) and UVA (320-400) in causing skin damage, including skin cancers, has been well documented. In recent years, the contribution of visible light (400-700 nm) and infrared radiation (above 800 nm) in causing skin damage, similar to the photodamage caused by UV light, is also being elucidated. In addition, other atmospheric factors such as air pollution (smog, ozone, particulate matter, etc.) have been implicated in premature skin aging. The skin damage caused by environmental exposure is largely attributable to a complex cascade of reactions inside the skin initiated by the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which causes oxidative damage to cellular components such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. These damaged skin cells initiate inflammatory responses leading to the eventual damage manifested in chronically exposed skin. Novel therapeutic strategies to combat ROS species generation are being developed to prevent the skin damage caused by atmospheric factors. In addition to protecting skin from solar radiation using sunscreens, other approaches using topically applied ingredients, particularly antioxidants that penetrate the skin and protect the skin from within, have also been well documented. This review summarizes current knowledge of atmospheric aggressors, including UVA, UVB, visible light, infrared radiation (IR), and ozone on skin damage, and proposes new avenues for future research in the prevention and treatment of premature skin aging caused by such atmospheric factors. New therapeutic modalities currently being developed are also discussed.

A review of protection against exposome factors impacting facial skin barrier function with 89% mineralizing thermal water

“…Contamination may occur when the skin is in contact with chemical, physical, or biological agents. Traffic‐related air pollution induced by the use of fossil fuel has been shown to lead to rhytide formation . Diesel cars exhaust soot which contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.…”

Individual and combined effects of the infrared, visible, and ultraviolet light components of solar radiation on damage biomarkers in human skin cells

“…The damaging effects of excessive ultraviolet radiation (UV) on skin following overexposure to sunlight are well characterized by skin reddening, blistering and burning, leading to accelerated aging, and increased susceptibility to skin cancer . Until recently, this has been thought to be caused by only UV light, which accounts for approximately 6.8% of the solar radiation reaching the Earth's surface.…”

“…The damaging effects of excessive ultraviolet radiation (UV) on skin following overexposure to sunlight are well characterized by skin reddening, blistering and burning, leading to accelerated aging, and increased susceptibility to skin cancer. 1,2 Until recently, this has been thought to be caused by only UV light, which accounts for approximately 6.8% of the solar radiation reaching the Earth's surface. Although UV is the higher energy wavelength, the remaining 93.2% consists of the longer wavelength infrared radiation (IR) and visible light (Vis) bands, both of which until recently have been less well studied.…”

Schisandra chinensis Protects the Skin from Global Pollution by Inflammatory and Redox Balance Pathway Modulations: An In Vitro Study

“…Besides endogenous antioxidants that are present in the skin, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E, enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione biosynthesizing enzymes protect the tissues from free radicals [9]. Other endogenous defense mechanisms, including a fundamental biochemical pathway (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)), are activated in order to fight the deleterious effects of all pollutants on the skin.…”

“…Thus, plant-derived compounds, such as carotenoids and polyphenols, are molecules with antioxidant properties [9]. Catechins, including epicatechin, epicatechin-3-gallate, epigallocatechin, and epigallocatechin gallate are included in green tea.…”