title: Effects of air pollution on the skin: A review.
abstract: The increase in air pollution over the years has had major effects on the human skin. Various air pollutants such as ultraviolet radiation, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds, oxides, particulate matter, ozone and cigarette smoke affect the skin as it is the outermost barrier. Air pollutants damage the skin by inducing oxidative stress. Although human skin acts as a biological shield against pro-oxidative chemicals and physical air pollutants, prolonged or repetitive exposure to high levels of these pollutants may have profound negative effects on the skin. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation has been associated with extrinsic skin aging and skin cancers. Cigarette smoke contributes to premature aging and an increase in the incidence of psoriasis, acne and skin cancers. It is also implicated in allergic skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and eczema. Polyaromatic hydrocarbons are associated with extrinsic skin aging, pigmentation, cancers and acneiform eruptions. Volatile organic compounds have been associated with atopic dermatitis. Given the increasing levels of air pollution and its detrimental effects on the skin, it is advisable to use strategies to decrease air pollution.
authors.affiliation: Department of Skin and STD, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: Poonam
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Puri
authors.affiliation: Department of Environmental Toxicology Laboratory, National Institute of Pathology-ICMR, Safdarjung Hospital Campus, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: Shashi Kumar
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Nandar
authors.affiliation: Department of Skin and STD, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: Sushruta
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kathuria
authors.affiliation: Department of Skin and STD, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Ramesh
mesh_terms: D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000397:Air Pollution / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000009:adverse effects; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / Q000009:adverse effects; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology*; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000473:pathology*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D000393:Air Pollutants; D052638:Particulate Matter; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons