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Skin Problems Caused by Air Pollution: Air pollution causes serious harm not only to the lungs but also to the skin. Pollution can cause problems like premature wrinkles, pigmentation, acne, allergies and skin dryness. Dust and toxic particles weaken the protection layer of the skin. These problems can be avoided with proper skin care routine.

Air pollution can cause many skin diseases.
Air Pollution and Skin Damage: Nowadays air pollution has become the biggest problem. The situation has become much worse in big cities. The risk of many diseases has increased due to exposure to poisonous air. Air pollution is considered most dangerous for the lungs, but it also badly affects our skin. When you live in pollution, your skin is constantly exposed to dust, smoke, toxic gases and microscopic particles. Dermatologists say that prolonged exposure to pollution weakens the natural protection layer of the skin, which can trigger many skin problems.
Dermatologist Dr. Yugal Rajput of GSVM Medical College, Kanpur, UP told News18. Many skin related problems can arise due to air pollution. Toxic air causes premature aging i.e. the skin starts looking old before its age. Free radicals present in pollution damage skin cells and break down collagen. Due to this, wrinkles, fine lines and skin tightness start reducing. People who live in polluted environment for a long time, the problem of age spots and pigmentation is more seen on their skin. Toxic air reduces the glow of the skin.
The doctor said that air pollution can also increase the problem of acne and allergies. Dust and dirt particles get accumulated in the skin pores, which can increase the problem of blackheads, whiteheads and pimples. Apart from this, pollution causes inflammation in the skin, which can cause redness, itching and rashes. In people whose skin is sensitive, it can take a more serious form. Skin dryness is also a common problem due to pollution. Toxic particles reduce the moisture of the skin, due to which the skin becomes dry and lifeless. Due to this the skin starts appearing stretched.
According to dermatologists, in some cases air pollution can trigger skin diseases like eczema and psoriasis. Pollution affects the skin’s immune response, which can trigger pre-existing diseases. Constant exposure to pollution increases skin sensitivity and even minor allergies can become a big problem. Therefore, people who already have skin related diseases should take special care.
According to experts, it is important to adopt the right skin care routine to protect the skin. After coming out from outside, clean your face thoroughly, use antioxidant-rich serum and do not forget to apply sunscreen, because sun rays and pollution together cause double damage to the skin. Skin can be kept healthy with a balanced diet, adequate sleep and regular skin care. With correct information and regular care, the side effects of air pollution can be reduced.
About the Author

Amit Upadhyay is a seasoned journalist from the Lifestyle team of News18 Hindi, with over 9 years of experience in print and digital media. They are research-based and based on interviews with doctors related to health, wellness and lifestyle.read more