The impact of pollution and climate change on skin health: Mechanisms, protective strategies, and future directions

Environmental pollution and climate change have emerged as significant threats to skin health. As the body's largest and most exposed organ, the skin encounters a multitude of environmental aggressors, including particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, volatile organic compounds, high-energy visible light, ultraviolet A and B radiation, and dioxins. These nonionizing electromagnetic wavebands and pollutants contribute to oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, epigenetic modifications, and microbiome disruption, leading to premature chrono and photoaging, pigmentation disorders, and an increased prevalence of inflammatory skin diseases. Despite growing recognition of these risks, gaps remain in our understanding of the long-term cumulative effects, individual genetic susceptibility, and targeted protective interventions. This review examines the molecular mechanisms underlying pollution-induced skin damage, explores emerging protective strategies, and discusses future research directions. Advances in nanotechnology-based antioxidants, AI-driven dermatology, microbiome-restorative treatments, and personalized skincare provide promising avenues for mitigating environmental damage. Legislative frameworks and public health measures remain critical for ensuring proper skin protection. This comprehensive review synthesizes key findings, highlights gaps in research, and identifies potential innovations for future dermatologic advancements.