Is Air Pollution Making You Age Faster?

In addition to being associated with a raft of cardiovascular and respiratory complications (not to mention around 40,000 premature deaths in the UK each year), new research now suggests that poor air quality may also exacerbate the signs of premature aging.

A research project undertaken by King’s College London has demonstrated a clear link between air pollution and deteriorating skin, while anecdotal evidence from a London dermatologist also supports the argument.

“Chemical warfare on our skin”

Debbie Thomas, an expert in the field of skincare and laser treatment, claims that air pollution is detrimental not only to our bodies’ inner workings, but also it’s outer shell, as well.

“Everyone knows that pollution is bad for you, but it’s only recently that studies have shown the deeper effect it’s having on the skin,” she explains. “Not only are we breathing pollution in every day, it’s also sitting on our skin and is a key cause of free radical damage. If someone said you should rub petrol on your face every day you wouldn’t, but in a way, that’s essentially what we’re doing. It’s chemical warfare on our skin.”

There’s plenty of scientific evidence to back up Thomas’ claims. Researchers believe that the lipophilic nature of many contaminants mean they can penetrate our epidermis, causing oxidative strain on our skin and propagating free radicals.

Urban centres most at risk

A study conducted by King’s College London found that women who lived in the countryside were far more likely to have better skin than those living in towns and cities, with London a particular black spot for skin. This idea was backed up by the anecdotal evidence of Dr Mervyn Patterson, a dermatologist working at Woodford Medical in the nation’s capital.

“Large population-based studies now show that there is a definite link between unwanted facial pigmentation and the level of air pollution. These are population studies in both Germany and China, which show a very definite connection,” said Dr Patterson. “There was a weak correlation with wrinkling on the face but it was facial pigmentation that was the most striking correlation with the levels of air pollution.”

Those who live in the capital are all but forced to inhale the harmful airwaves, regardless of which form of transport they choose to commute via. A recent report found that air quality on the London underground was almost eight times as bad as on the streets, despite the well-publicised problem of diesel vehicles in London’s centre.

What can be done?

Short of escaping the contaminated confines of the Big Smoke for more pastoral scenes in the countryside, London dwellers can utilise pollution maps and air quality monitoring applications to tailor their work commute and minimise their exposure to the toxins.

However, that’s hardly a long-term solution. What’s really needed is affirmative action from the government, geared towards improving air quality and reducing transport-related pollution on a nationwide scale. While London mayor Sadiq Khan has championed the issue of air quality and promised to introduce ultra-low emissions zones (ULEZs) ahead of schedule, many critics say the solutions do not go far enough.