Chapter 7: The Effects of Environmental Pollution on Skin 1 CE Hour
Course overview It is well known that pollution causes devastation to the environment, but pollution is also detrimental to our health, including the health of our skin. This course will help skin Learning objectives After completing this course, the learner will be able to: Comprehend the effects environmental pollution has on skin. Differentiate indoor and outdoor pollutants and how to prevent premature aging. Explain the role of pollution and in causing skin cancer.
care experts stay informed and educate their clients about the harmful long-term effects of environmental pollution including blue light, skin aging, and skin cancer.
Recognize the various sources of light pollution and how to avoid them. Implement spa treatments with anti-pollution ingredients that help to reduce inflammation and strengthen the barrier function. Identify sun-induced pigmentation and how to treat it.
INTRODUCTION
are growing in popularity. In 2018, antipollution skin care products were estimated to be a $9.07 billion industry, with predicted growth fueled by rising concerns over pollution’s harmful effects (Grand View Research, 2022). As the spa industry continues to evolve with new antipollution treatments and technologies, it is important for skin care experts to stay informed and educate their clients about the harmful long-term effects of environmental pollution and what they can do about it.
It is well known that pollution causes devastation to the environment, but pollution is also detrimental to our health, including the health of our skin. With cities throughout the world experiencing rising populations and with this often an increase in air pollution, understanding pollution’s impact on skin care has become more important than ever (State of Global Air, 2022; World Bank, 2020). With city-dwellers conscious of the harmful effects of airborne pollution, antipollution products that offer environmental protection
THE EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION ON SKIN HEALTH
What is air pollution? Air pollution is defined as the contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical, or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere (World Health Organization [WHO], 2022). Pollution can take the form of chemical substances or
energy such as heat, light, or noise. The pollutants that most commonly impact skin health include smoke; mold; black carbon; pollen; methane; and common gaseous toxins such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
PREVALENCE AND IMPACT OF AIR POLLUTION
Your clients’ skin is exposed daily to myriad environmental pollutants, and these pollutants land on the skin, causing irritation and chemical damage. Pollution can affect skin health in a number of ways, including by causing skin sagging, dehydration, inflammatory skin diseases, hyperpigmentation, and an increased risk of skin cancer (Ali et al., 2020). It is important for skin care experts to stay informed and educate their clients about the long-term effects of environmental pollution.
Air pollution is a widespread threat to the environment, to human health in general, and to skin health in particular. The American Lung Association estimates that more than one in four Americans live with unhealthy air conditions (American Lung Association, 2022). Air pollution is a contributing factor in up to 6 million premature deaths per year around the world, through respiratory disease, cancer, heart attacks, strokes, and other causes (Environmental Defense Fund, 2022).
COMMON AIR POLLUTANTS
such as erosion of land surfaces, biological decay, forest fires, volcanoes, and sea salt spray (Union of Concerned Scientists, 2016). A third common pollutant is black carbon, which consists of pure carbon emitted from gas and diesel engines, coal-fired power plants, and other sources that burn coal and wood. Black carbon pollution has recently emerged as a major factor in global climate change, second only to carbon dioxide (CO 2 ; Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, 2010). Lastly, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are gases released from burning fuels such as gasoline, wood, coal, and natural gas. VOCs are emitted from a wide array of products, including cigarettes, paint thinners, adhesives,
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), also known as polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, are the most widespread organic pollutants (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 2014). They are a group of more than a hundred chemicals that are formed when substances such as gasoline, diesel, coal, trash, tobacco, and wood are burned. Soot is a common example of a PAH. Individuals may be exposed to PAHs by breathing contaminated air or water. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are also found in other sources such as ingesting milk or water contaminated by emissions, meat, and other foods during high- temperature cooking (grilling, charcoal, broiled). Aerosols are another common pollutant. Aerosols may be solid or liquid, and most are produced by natural processes
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Book Code: ENC0826
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