Objectives: At today there are no studies that have investigated in skin biopsies whether multiple pollutants can affect skin physiology
Introduction: Since the skin is one of the targets of the harmful effects of environmental insults, several studies have investigated the effects of outdoor stressors on cutaneous tissue. In fact, ozone (O3), particulate matter (PM, arises from diesel exhaust), and ultraviolet (UV) light have all been shown to induce skin damage through disruption of redox homeostasis, resulting in oxinflammation.
Materials / method: In this study, we investigated whether O3, PM, and UV, which are the most common environmental skin insults, acted synergistically in inducing skin damage, and whether we could prevent this effect through topical application of a specific topical mixture, containing 15% vitamin C, 1% vitamin E, and 0.5% ferulic acid. Human skin explants obtained from three different subjects were sequentially exposed to 200 mJ UV light, 0.25 ppm O3 for 2 hrs, and 30 min of diesel engine exhaust (DEE), alone or in combination for 4 days (time point D1 and D4).
Results: We observed a clear additive effect of O3 and DEE in combination with UV in increasing levels of several oxidative (4HNE, HO-1) and inflammatory (COX2, NF-κB) markers and loss of barrier-associated proteins, such as filaggrin and involucrin. Furthermore, daily topical pre-treatment with the mixture prevented upregulation of the inflammatory and oxidative markers and the loss of both involucrin and filaggrin.
Conclusion: In conclusion, this study is the first to investigate the combined effects of three of the most noxious outdoor stressors on human skin and suggests that daily topical application is a useful approach to prevent pollution-induced skin damage
Disclosures
Did you receive any funding to support your research for this TOPIC?
Yes
Please specify entities (individual, company, society): Skinceuticals
Were you provided with any honoraria, payment or other compensation for your work on this study?
No
Do you have any financial relationship with any entity which may closely compete with the medications, materials or instruments covered by your study?
No
Do you own or have you applied for any patents in conjunction with the instruments, medications or materials discussed in your study?
No
This work is presented thanks to the support of: Skinceuticals
