How air pollution might be causing your blemishes

Including everything from stress and diet to weather conditions and UV damage, external factors are linked to over 80% of preventable skin aging. Another major skin influencer, air pollution, has been associated with skin problems from blackheads and imperfections to acne and increased oil production.

Research conducted by L’Oréal in Mexico City and Shanghai showed that skin problems associated with acne, including increased sebum production, were far more prevalent among participants subject to regular exposure to pollution than those living in less polluted areas.[1][2]
Other studies, conducted on over 200 women living in polluted vs. non-polluted regions of mainland China, have shown a visible increase in pore size among participants living in more polluted areas, as well as oilier-looking skin.[3]

It’s important to understand that spots and imperfections can occur as a result of any number of skin imbalances, whether hormonal problems, changes to environment or even reactions to certain skincare ingredients. However, there are proven links between high levels of pollution and a number of common skincare problems, including acne.[4] Whether from environmental causes or other factors, such as cigarette smoke or car fumes, pollutants in the air can clog pores. This results in a buildup of sebum that leads to blemishes and imperfections. Unsurprisingly, these symptoms are often worse for acne sufferers or those already suffering from skin problems.

Sources:
[1] M.-A. Lefebvre, D.-M. Pham, B. Boussouira, D. Bernard, C. Camus, and Q.-L. Nguyen. ‘Evaluation of the impact of urban pollution on the quality of skin: a multicentre study in Mexico’, in International Journal of Cosmetic Science (2015) 37, 329–338
[2] ‘M.-A. Lefebvre, D-M. Pham, B. Boussouira, H. Qiu, C. Ye, X. Long, R. Chen, W. Gu, A. Laurent‡ and Q-L. Nguyen, ‘Consequences of urban pollution upon skin status. A controlled study in Shanghai area’ in International Journal of Cosmetic Science (2015) 1–7
[3] N. Bourokba, J. Li, P. Bastien, Q. Zheng, C. Bouez, S. Nouveau, L. Aguilar, ‘Impact of pollution on skin imperfections: a clinical study’ for L’Oréal R&A Singapore, China, France & USA
[4] P. Puri, S.K. Nandar, S. Kathuria, V. Ramesh, ‘Effects of air pollution on the skin: A review’, in Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol (2017) 83 (4), pp. 415-423.