Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) seems to be linked to skin redness across different age groups, as per a study published online on March 12 in PLOS Global Public Health.
Fu-Yu Chan, Ph.D., from National Taiwan Normal University in Taipei, along with colleagues, investigated the correlation between PM2.5 exposure and skin redness, focusing on sebum production in various age groups. The study involved 472 participants (240 individuals aged 20 to 59 years; 232 individuals over 60 years old).
The study found a significant positive relationship between PM2.5 levels and redness area in both age groups. In the 20- to 59-year-old age group, each unit increase in PM2.5 corresponded to a 1.70-unit increase in redness area, while for those over 60 years old, the increase was 2.63 units. There was a positive association between porphyrins and redness area in the 20- to 59-year-old age group, but no significant association in the over 60 age group.
The authors noted, “The findings imply that the interplay between lipophilic and carcinogenic substances in PM2.5 and porphyrins could raise redness area levels, potentially increasing the risk of chronic skin conditions and skin cancer. It is advisable for public health authorities to conduct annual skin health screenings, using skin redness as an indicator of PM2.5 exposure to prompt further evaluation of the broader health impacts of air pollution.”
More information:
Fu-Yu Chan et al, Association between PM2.5 and skin redness features in Taiwan, PLOS Global Public Health (2025). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0004357
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Air pollution may contribute to skin health issues (2025, March 26)
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