The porous nature of skin makes it a victim to environmental pollutants. Urban spaces expose humans to dust, smoke, and chemicals, and skin becomes the first point of contact for these elements in the air. People staying in cities, thus, have a higher risk of toxin-related skin diseases and allergies. Read on to learn more about the common city pollutants and their effects on skin.
Dust
Dust particles are small enough to enter the pores of your skin. They settle down on damaged cells and prevent them from healing. In reality, dust is a morbid mix of tiny pieces of dead skin, bugs, pollen, and more. And when it mixes with toxins in the air, it turns into a substance that is extremely harmful for the skin. It can lead to breakouts and trigger skin disease. If you are exposed to a lot of dust and need to cleanse your skin, then you should try taking some steam as it rids the pores of dirt and debris.
Nitrogen oxides
Nitrogen oxides are released into the air primarily from combustion sources. They can severely irritate the skin and also corrode it. When the body exudes moisture and comes in contact with liquid nitrogen dioxide, it turns into nitric acid. This acid can cause many skin problems, including allergies. People who are exposed to nitric acid complain of ulceration, chronic burns, and dermatitis. This corrosive substance is also guilty of causing the skin to turn yellow.
Tobacco smoke
It’s no secret that tobacco smoke is bad for health. It can harm the inner workings of the body and also have detrimental effects on the skin. Cigarette smoke contains more than a thousand chemicals. It can increase the risk of psoriasis, a skin disease characterized by itchy red patches on the skin. The smoke is lethal enough to narrow the blood vessels and decrease the amount of blood that nourishes the skin.
Ozone
You may experience severe skin reactions and allergies after coming in contact with ozone or O3. It destroys antioxidants and fuels oxidative stress, which weakens the protective layer of the body. This may render your skin more susceptible to diseases and further corrosion. O3 affects the skin on a deeper level and is associated with skin conditions like contact dermatitis, inflammation, and eczema.
Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless chemical that can have ill effects on your skin. It is created during the partial combustion of energy resources like oil, coal, and wood. When the skin comes in contact with this toxic air pollutant, it can turn red. Conditions like blistering and necrotic skin lesions are associated with carbon monoxide poisoning.
Skin is the barrier that protects the body from harmful elements present in the environment; and constant exposure to these substances—and many more—can cause immense damage to it. Therefore, avoiding situations that can increase your contact with these substances is important to keep your skin healthy.
