How Delhi’s Toxic Air Is Fuelling Rapid Ageing, Dark Spots, Acne and Eczema

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ever-increasing air pollution in Delhi-NCR is not just an environmental issue, as experts have called it a national health emergency. The high AQI levels and toxic smog are attacking all your organs, including the heart, brain, and kidneys, as tiny dust and smoke particles penetrate your skin, threatening it. According to doctors, the particulate matter, PM 2.5, attacks your skin, which is the first line of defence against pollutants and is speeding up ageing, causing inflammation, and worsening issues like acne, eczema, and pigmentation. Studies have identified air pollution as a leading environmental factor in premature skin ageing, which causes various issues like dark spots and wrinkles.

How does pollution damage your skin?

Doctors say toxic pollutants in the environment, which include nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, and volatile organic compounds, get stuck on your skin’s surface and slowly penetrate into the deeper layers. Once they get absorbed, they begin to trigger oxidative stress, which causes an overproduction of free radicals and unstable molecules that damage collagen, elastin, and essential lipids – all of which are extremely essential for keeping your skin firm and hydrated. With high oxidative stress, you would notice extreme dryness, fine lines, inflammation, dullness, textured bumps, and hyperpigmentation – all of which are signs of premature ageing due to continuous exposure to pollution.

What happens due to hyperpigmentation and acne?

If you start having signs of hyperpigmentation and dark spots, it leads to uneven melanin production. Over time, this manifests as dark patches or spots, particularly on areas directly exposed to sunlight. Hyperpigmentation is a common condition that makes some areas of the skin darker than others. “Hyper” means more, and “pigment” means colour. The spots can occur in just one area of the body or all over. Acne usually clogs pores and mixes with sebum, causing inflammation and acne flare-ups. Doctors say most young people living in cities are prone to pollution acne - a form of breakout linked to particulate matter exposure.

How to protect your skin from continuous pollution?

If you live in Delhi-NCR, you need to take essential steps to protect your skin from continuous pollution by following a consistent routine that includes cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing, while also using antioxidants and daily sunscreen. Strengthening your skin barrier and staying hydrated from the inside out also helps significantly. Your daily skincare routine should include:

Cleansing

It is imperative that you wash your face at least twice daily to remove accumulated pollutants by following a double-cleansing method with the help of an oil-based cleanser, followed by a water-based one.

Moisturize

To get over dryness, make sure your skin is hydrated, as it helps maintain its protective barrier. Use a moisturizer loaded with ceramides and niacinamide.

Apply sunscreen

Make sure to apply a broad-spectrum SPF 50 or higher every single day, even on cloudy days, or when you are indoors, as UV rays can intensify pollution damage.