the effects of climate change on skin health

the bottom line

The interaction between climate and health is both complex and intertwined. Climate change affects not just the health of the planet, but also that of every organ system in the human body. There’s increasing evidence to suggest that climate-related events including air pollution, depletion of the ozone layer, global warming, wildfires, extreme weather, and loss of biodiversity can disturb the normal functioning of the immune system. It’s perhaps not surprising then that as a result of exposure to the external environment that the skin tends to be one of the most affected organ systems when faced with climate change.

 

first layer: what is climate change?

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns. These shifts can be natural, as from volcanic eruptions, or can occur as a result of human activity, such as the burning of fossil fuels. Factors related to climate change affect the skin’s ability to maintain its natural homeostasis*. As a result, our bodies are exposed to antigens, allergens, heat stress, pollutants, and changes in the microbiome*. These stressors can also influence the body’s immune tolerance, which in turn can produce an array of conditions including autoimmune disease and allergies. 

 

second layer: how does climate change affect our skin?

Specific areas of concern related to climate change and their effects on skin health include the following:

• depletion of the ozone layer: as a component of the upper atmosphere, the ozone layer protects the earth’s surface from ultraviolet radiation (UVR) by absorbing all ultraviolet C and the majority of ultraviolet B radiation. When the ozone layer is reduced, higher levels of UVR are able to reach the earth’s surface, resulting in increased cases of skin cancer, including melanoma, and premature aging of the skin.

• air pollution: by protecting the body from external factors, the skin also helps to maintain internal homeostasis. Exposure to urban insults, including air pollution, damages the epithelium* of the skin and mucosal surfaces, increasing the incidence of allergic and inflammatory diseases. Specific pollutants such as ozone, particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds, and nitrous dioxide have been shown to increase both the risk of developing allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis (AD) as well as their exacerbation. Air pollutants are lipophilic*, which allows their direct penetration through the top layer (stratum corneum) of the epidermis. The result is oxidative stress which dysregulates both the immune system and the skin barrier*. Clinical studies confirm these effects, with a well-documented association between air pollutants and the development of AD. Studies have also shown that exposure to air pollution during pregnancy predisposes to the development of AD after birth. Air pollution also triggers oxidative stress with the release of inflammatory mediators within the skin, which in turn exacerbates autoinflammatory diseases including acne vulgaris, pemphigus, and psoriasis. Air pollution increases oxidative stress on the skin, which exacerbates extrinsic skin aging. 

• global warming: The skin’s microbiome acts as a part of the immune system to provide protection from pathogenic microbes. Although the microbiome typically remains stable over time, the changing climate may disrupt it. Elevated temperatures and humidity have been associated with the increased growth of skin bacteria. Some skin diseases known to be associated with alteration of the skin microbiome include AD, acne vulgaris, and psoriasis.

• wildfires: Wildfires lead to elevated levels of PM, with a demonstrated correlation between wildfires and AD. Wildfires have also been associated with elevated levels of carbon dioxide, which appears to elevate levels of allergic contact dermatitis. 

 

third layer: how should skincare change with climate change

As we’ve discussed, elevated levels of air pollution contribute to increased rates of atopic dermatitis*, psoriasis*, pemphigus*, acne vulgaris*, melasma*, and photoaging*. Higher temperatures as a result of global warming disrupt the skin’s microbiome and exacerbate skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis, acne vulgaris, and psoriasis. While we always recommend that you see a qualified dermatologist for the diagnosis and treatment of skin disease, a few changes to your daily skin care regimen may help:

• double cleansing: thoroughly cleansing with an oil-based cleanser followed by a moisturizing face wash will assist in removing the superficial effects of pollution including dirt and particulate matter while maintaining skin hydration.
• antioxidant: the use of a topical antioxidant such as Centella helps to scavenge free radicals produced as a result of oxidative stress, reducing the risk of photoaging.
• hydration: Higher temperatures will contribute to drier skin, disruption of the microbiome, and exacerbation of skin diseases. Adequate skin hydration assists in restoration of a damaged skin barrier as well as relief of conditions such as eczema and rosacea.

 

fourth layer: how we do it

The effects of climate change on the human body are varied and manifold, with some of the most obvious changes occurring on our most exposed organ, the skin. As the effects of this shift continue to manifest, we’ll undoubtedly see increased levels of photoaging and skin disease. We recommend beginning with a solid cleansing regime to remove particulate matter with our rice bran & pomegranate facial cleansing oil and oatmeal cleansing milk. Hydrate skin with our jasmine serum and lotus & lychee facial crème, and finish with our antioxidant-rich bakuchiol & pomegranate facial oil to seal in hydration while fighting free radical damage. For rejuvenation of severely dehydrated skin, we recommend our rosehip replenishing balm to soothe skin and help repair the skin barrier.

 

All this and more at www.anokhaskincare.com .

 

xx

anokha

 

references: 

1. Belzer A, Parker ER. Climate change, skin health, and dermatologic disease: A guide for the dermatologist. Am J Clin Dermatol 2023; 24: 577-593. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-023-00770-y
2. Celebi Sozener Z, Ozdel Ozturk B, Cerci P et al. Epithelial barrier hypothesis: effect of the external exposome on the microbiome and epithelial barriers in allergic disease. Allergy 2022; 77(5): 1418-1419. https://doi.org/10.1111/all.15240
3. Stefanovic N, Irvine AD, Flohr C. The role of the environment and exposome in atopic dermatitis. Curr Treat Options Allergy 2021; 8(3): 222-241. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40521-021-00289-9
4. Byrd AL, Belkaid Y, Segre JA. The human skin microbiome. Nat Rev Microbiol 2018; 16(3): 143-155. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrmicro.2017.157
5. Isler MF, Coates SJ, Boos MD. Climate change, the cutaneous microbiome and skin disease: implications for a warming world. Int J Dermatol 2023; 62(3): 337-345. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijd.16297
6. Anderson A, Bruce F, Soyer HP, Williams C, Saunderson RB. The impact of climate change on skin health. Med J Aust 2023; 218(9): 388-390. https://doi.org/10.5694/mja2.51931
7. Skevaki C, Nadeau KC, Rothenberg ME, et al. Impact of climate change on immune responses and barrier defense. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2024; 153; 1194-1205. https://doi.org/10.1016.j.jaci.2024.01.016

 

 

definitions:

acne vulgaris: a common cutaneous disorder of the pilosebaceous unit.

atopic dermatitis: a type of eczema remarkable for red, flaky, itchy skin, typically affecting the inner elbows and behind the knees. It's often seen with allergic rhinitis, hay fever, and asthma.

contact dermatitis: ​​a skin rash caused by contact with a specific substance. Avoiding the trigger typically allows the rash to clear in 2-4 weeks.

epithelium: a type of body tissue which forms the covering on internal and external surfaces of the body.

homeostasis: the process by which an organism maintains a state of balance and stability in its internal environment.

lipophilic: technically, “fat loving”; also indicates that an ingredient is oil-soluble.

melasma: a symmetric brown hyperpigmentation of the face and neck, typically seen in women.

microbiome: all of the genetic material of a microbial community sequenced together. 

particulate matter: a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets in the air with various components, dust, dirt, soot, smoke, acids, organic chemicals, metal, and allergens. 

pemphigus: a rare group of blistering autoimmune diseases affecting the skin and mucous membranes.

photoaging: premature aging of the skin by the sun

psoriasis: psoriasis is a skin disease characterized by a rash with itchy and scaly patches, typically found on the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp.

skin barrier: the skin barrier protects against external agents including mechanical and chemical insults, heat, pathogens, water, and radiation.

 

faq’s:

 

how does climate change affect skin health?

the skin’s microbiome plays a critical role in maintaining skin health. increased temperatures, humidity changes, and pollution alter the skin's microbial environment, resulting in skin conditions including acne, eczema, and rosacea.

  

is aging of skin an effect of global warming?

the ozone layer protects the earth’s surface from ultraviolet radiation (UVR) by absorbing all ultraviolet C and the majority of ultraviolet B radiation. when the ozone layer is reduced, higher levels of UVR are able to reach the earth’s surface, resulting in increased cases of skin cancer, including melanoma, and premature aging of the skin.

 

which skin condition is most influenced by weather changes?

both eczema and rosacea are highly influenced by weather changes. dry skin as well as rapid temperature changes can cause both conditions to worsen or flare.