The skin is an amazing organ. It serves many functions for our bodies, both internally and externally. One of its most important functions is protection. The skin protects us not just by covering and containing all of our internal organs, fluids, and systems, but also by forming a barrier to fight off pathogenic microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, fungi, etc.), and by filtering out toxins and environmental aggressors such as the sun and air pollution. Skin is the body’s first line of defense against these stressors. The body depends on it to protect it from any infection or disease causing foreign invaders. Like a soldier on the front line, the skin takes quite a beating while performing this function.
Air Pollution and Health
It is a known fact that air pollution, both indoor and outdoor, causes serious health problems. Like secondhand smoke, particulate pollution causes many issues, both short-term and long-term. According to a 2007 article in US News & World Report, “short-term adverse effects from particulates include diminished lung function, coughing, wheezing, cardiac arrhythmias, and heart attacks. Long-term exposure can also worsen asthma, slow normal lung growth, damage lung airways, and increase the risk of dying from lung cancer and cardiovascular disease.”
People who live in urban areas are urged to check the local air quality forecast before they go out for the day and take the proper precautions to avoid exposure.
Air Pollution and the Skin
You don’t have to inhale polluted air for it to harm you. Up to 60 percent of topically applied substances get absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream and tissues of the body. Once inside the body, they can accumulate and form free radicals, which can cause serious premature aging and health problems.
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Article comments
1 - SusanA
A recent study I wrote about backs up everything you say here - air pollution does age the skin.
2 - Rachael Pontillo
@SusanA great post! Thanks for commenting.