The increase in air pollution over the years has significantly impacted human skin. The skin is exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and environmental air pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), oxides, particulate matter (PM), ozone (O₃), and cigarette smoke. Although human skin functions as a biological shield against pro-oxidative chemical and physical air pollutants, prolonged or repetitive exposure to high levels of these pollutants can have profound negative effects. Such exposure has been linked to skin aging, as well as inflammatory and allergic skin conditions, including atopic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, and acne. Among the most serious consequences is an increased risk of skin cancer. However, certain air pollutants, such as ozone (O₃), nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide, along with scattering particulates like clouds and soot in the troposphere, can reduce the effects of shorter wavelength UVR. Notably, significant reductions in UV irradiance have been observed in polluted urban areas.
Keywords: air pollution, ultraviolet radiation, particulate matter, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds, ozone, skin, aging
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