Delhi’s air pollution is hitting alarming highs each day, with most stations recording severe category. With the rise in the AQI levels, it is essential to understand the harrowing effects that it can have on the health of the people breathing in the air. In an interview with HT lifestyle, Dr.
Gunjan Verma, Consultant – Dermatology, Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, New Delhi, pointed out its effect on skin. ALSO READ: Doctor reveals air pollution’s worst effect on health, warns: 'If your exposure is more than 4 hours..
.’ Air pollution’s effect on skin: “The pollutants can enter the skin through direct accumulation on the surface, absorption via hair follicles, inhalation, ingestion, and circulation of pollutants in plasma, which then diffuse into deeper dermal tissues. These pollutants penetrate the skin via nanoparticles and generate quinones, which are redox-cycling chemicals that produce reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Air pollution can also cause oxidative stress,” said Dr Gunjan Verma. It can trigger conditions such as acne, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis. There’s also a tendency of issues like lentigo, melasma, and photo aging to increase.
ALSO READ: Toxic air alert: How polluted air can harm your health, from heart to brain Skincare tips to stay safe: A healthy diet : To combat the effects of pollution, it is recommended to consume foods high in antioxidants, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals produce.