The impact of air pollution on skin and related disorders: A comprehensive review

Abstract

As the largest organ in the body, human skin is constantly exposed to harmful compounds existing in the surrounding environment as the first-line barrier. Studies have indicated that exposure to high concentrations of many environmental factors, such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation, outdoor air pollutants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM), heavy metals, gaseous pollutants, such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitric oxides (NO x ), sulfur oxide (SO 2 ), ozone (O 3 ), and indoor air pollutants (solid fuels consumption), might interrupt the skin's normal barrier function. Besides, the intensity of the pollutants and the length of exposure might be a contributing factor. Air pollutants are believed to induce or exacerbate a range of skin conditions, such as aging, inflammatory diseases (atopic dermatitis, cellulitis, and psoriasis), acne, hair loss, and even skin cancers (mainly melanoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma) through various mechanisms. The interaction between pollutants and the skin might differ based on each agent's particular characteristics. Also, damaging the skin barrier seems to be closely related to the increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), induction of oxidative stress, activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), and inflammatory cytokines. This article reviews recent studies on the correlation between air pollutants and skin diseases, along with related mechanisms.

Antiflammatory activity and potential dermatological applications of characterized humic acids from a lignite and a green compost

“…The most common air pollutants comprise polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs, e.g., benzene), particulate matter (PM, most commonly PM2.5 and PM10), gaseous pollutants, (carbon-monoxide, nitric oxides, sulphur oxide, ozone, heavy metals) and indoor pollutants, as solid fuels consumption 8 . Although the molecular mechanisms relating air pollutions to skin diseases are not yet fully understood, several in vivo studies have highlighted the occurrence and prominence of the inflammatory state as a common factor of these conditions 9 .…”

Association between long-term exposure to air pollution and immune-mediated diseases: a population-based cohort study

“…As an example, there are no clinical studies linking air pollution and psoriatic arthritis, despite the robust association between cigarette smoking and psoriasis that has been demonstrated, 40 and a few studies have shown a possible detrimental effect of air pollution on psoriasis extension. 41 Another example comes for systemic sclerosis. Air pollution exposure has been linked with higher burden of Raynaud phenomenon and pulmonary manifestations, 42 but no solid RMD Open RMD Open RMD Open evidence has been produced regarding the association between exposure to traffic-derived pollutants and the risk of developing systemic sclerosis.…”

Easy Breathing: A Review of the Impact of Air Quality on Pediatric Health Outcomes

“…The skin is also at increased risk for negative effects from air pollution. Albeit a direct link between pollutant exposure and eczema incidence has not been fully elucidated, exposure has been associated with eczema exacerbation, cellulitis, and increased incidence of skin cancer (Abolhasani et al, 2021). Li, Fan, Xie, Ren, & Li (2018) identified a positive correlation between exposure to unhealthy air and acute health care visits for eczema exacerbation.…”