Prevent Skin Damage Due To Air Pollution Impact, Doctor Suggests Increase Skincare Routines

Illustration (SHVETS Production/Pexels)

JAKARTA - A dermatologist from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia (FKUI), Dr. Arini Astasari Widodo, MS, SpKK said comprehensive skin care can prevent a combined impact of air pollution and ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

"To protect the skin from the combined impact of UV pollution and radiation, it is important to adopt a comprehensive skin care routine and preventive measures," said the member of the Association of Indonesian Skin and Gender Specialists (PERDOSKI) in a statement.

Arini's comprehensive skin care includes the use of sunscreens with a broad spectrum regularly to provide protection against UVA and UVB rays. Then, the use of antioxidant-rich skin care products to help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation.

Arini also appealed to find shelter, wear protective clothing, and limit outdoor activities when the UV index was high.

"Implementing healthy lifestyle practices such as adequate hydration, balanced diets, and regular exercise can also support overall skin health and increase resilience to environmental stress," he added.

Climate change, said Arini, causes a worrying increase in the UV index and pollution levels. The combination of pollution and UV radiation is also a serious threat to skin health.

"UV pollution and radiation combination creates an environment that is more detrimental to our skin, even than the pollution or UV alone individually. This combination causes a higher negative impact of free radicals which has many times over," said Arini, who is also a Harvard Medical School graduate.

He explained that the combination of pollution and UV radiation causes free radical production that can cause oxidative stress and inflammation in the skin. Free radicals themselves are known to be highly reactive molecules that damage cellular components, including DNA, proteins, and lipids.

The damage causes premature aging, weakening skin barriers, increasing skin sensitivity, and increasing the risk of recurrence of previous skin problems such as acne, eczema, and rosacea.

Mixtures of pollutants and UV radiation can also lead to the formation of smog. Smog is a strong source of free radicals, which reinforces its negative effects on the skin. Seeing the serious dangers of combination of pollution and UV radiation due to climate change, Arini emphasized the importance of protecting the skin.

"By prioritizing skin protection and adopting preventive measures, we can maintain healthier and more resilient skin in a changing environment," he said.

In addition, he also emphasized the importance of sustainable research, increasing public awareness, and collaborative efforts in overcoming the combined impact of UV pollution and radiation on skin health.