Happy Air, Happy Skin

Understanding the Link Between Air Quality and Skin Health

The air around us plays a significant role in our skin’s health. Pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM), smoke, and environmental toxins, can penetrate the skin barrier, causing oxidative stress, inflammation, and premature ageing. Poor air quality isn’t just an outdoor problem - indoor air can also harbour irritants like dust, allergens, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Maintaining clean air supports skin health by reducing exposure to harmful elements.

How This Can Present on Skin

Air pollution can contribute to:

• Oxidative Damage: Free radicals from pollutants break down collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles and sagging.

• Hyperpigmentation: Pollutants can trigger melanin production, causing dark spots and uneven skin tone.

• Breakouts: Airborne toxins can clog pores, particularly in urban environments.

• Dehydration: Polluted air can strip the skin of moisture, compromising the barrier.

Tips for Protecting Your Skin from Polluted Air

Sunscreen Is Key: UV rays worsen the effects of pollution, so apply broad spectrum UV protection daily.

Indoor Air Quality: Prioritise good ventilation and reduce sources of indoor pollution (e.g. sprays, synthetic fragrances). Air purifiers may help in some settings, but expert opinions vary - focus on fresh air first.

Mask Smartly: Consider wearing a mask or scarf in high-pollution areas to reduce direct exposure.

Rethink Cleaning Products: Choose eco-friendly cleaning products to reduce indoor pollutants and irritants that can affect your skin

Need Extra Support?

Improving air quality starts with simple changes at home. But if you’re experiencing ongoing allergies or skin reactions, it’s important to seek medical advice to rule out underlying conditions. A qualified skin therapist, such as a corneotherapist - trained in skin barrier care, can also provide tailored skincare advice to support your skin barrier and promote long-term resilience.

Trusted Sources

• Health Matters: Air Pollution – GOV.UK
  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-matters-air-pollution/health-matters-air-pollution
  A detailed government resource on how air pollution affects health across a lifetime. Highlights its role as the biggest environmental risk to public health in the UK.

• State of the Environment: Health, People and the Environment – GOV.UK
  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/state-of-the-environment/state-of-the-environment-health-people-and-the-environment
  Explores the impact of environmental factors such as air pollution on health, including short-term symptoms like wheezing and longer-term effects on those with pre-existing conditions.

• Health Impacts of Exposure to UV Radiation – Defra, UK
  https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/research/ozone-uv/impacts-on-health
  Explains how overexposure to solar radiation can lead to both acute and chronic health issues involving the skin, eyes, and immune system.

• The UV Index – Defra, UK
  https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/research/ozone-uv/the-uv-index
  A trusted government guide to understanding the daily UV Index and how it helps protect your skin from sun-related risks.

• Dangers and Effects of Air Pollution – Wigan Council
  https://www.wigan.gov.uk/air-quality/dangers-and-effects.html
  Outlines how air pollution can negatively affect the lungs, heart, and skin—including its role in accelerating skin ageing.

• Workplace Sun Protection – Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
  https://www.hse.gov.uk/skin/employ/sunprotect.htm
  Offers official advice on protecting outdoor workers from sun exposure, with broader relevance for everyone spending time outdoors.

Disclaimer

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the information in this leaflet is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional advice.

Version: [March / 2025]

© 2025 Jacqui de Jager | The Skin Well™ & The Happy Skin Clinic®
All rights reserved. This leaflet is for personal use and education only. It may not be reproduced, distributed, or adapted without written permission.