Though it’s common knowledge that pollution is harmful, you may not be aware of the wide range of effects it can have on our health. The respiratory impact of poor air quality has been well studied, but there is new research to suggest that the impact of breathing polluted air can be much broader than that. There is even evidence to suggest that the air you breathe can have a meaningful impact on the condition and health of your skin. If you’re concerned about air quality and how it may be affecting you, read on to learn more about the side effects air pollution can have on your skin.
How can air pollution affect your skin?
Most of us know that air pollution is bad, but many people aren’t aware of the specific ways that it can impact their health. Poor air quality has been linked to several different heart and lung problems for some time, including coronary artery disease, respiratory disease, stroke, and cancer. It can also worsen chronic conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Poor indoor air quality can also cause other symptoms like headaches, dizziness, fatigue, irritation of the eyes, and nausea.
Though the negative health effects caused by poor indoor air quality and pollution have been known for some time, there is more research being done into how pollutants can affect the skin. Recent studies have shown that people exposed to several common air pollutants actually have higher rates of chronic skin inflammation and age spots than other people who live in cleaner areas.
What can you do to improve your skin?
While there are skincare products that may help address the symptoms, the best thing you can do is try to improve the quality of the air around you. You may not have much control over the environment outside, but there is a lot you can do about the air quality in your home. The reality is that the quality of your indoor air matters to your overall health, and taking proper care of your HVAC system is an important way to keep the air in your home safe and breathable.
An air purifier can be a smart addition to rooms where you spend a lot of time. Not only can it help with indoor air quality, but it can also help reduce the presence of unpleasant odors and eliminate allergens. You should also make sure that you’re drinking enough water. Water has been shown to improve your skin’s elasticity, in addition to reducing the appearance of scars and wrinkles.
If your skin problems persist, you may need to look for a professional like this dermatologist in Ames. Though many skin issues can be resolved quickly, others can require more intensive treatment and care. Some disorders of the skin can also be warning signs of more serious conditions, so it’s always best to check with a professional if you’re concerned.
Air pollution is a serious issue that isn’t being adequately addressed in the United States. Many people are living in areas where they’re exposed to polluted air on a regular basis. Though there isn’t a lot you can do to improve the outdoor air in your area, it’s essential that you take the steps you can to ensure that the air in your home is clean and healthy to breathe. This includes prioritizing maintenance of home systems like your HVAC and affordable solutions like buying an air purifier. However, if you have serious or ongoing skin problems, you should ensure that you visit a dermatologist as soon as possible. Whether the cause is air pollution or something else entirely, you don’t want to put yourself at risk for developing a more serious condition.