Air Quality and Eczema Triggers: How Pollution Affects Your Skin Condition

Air is everywhere, so it’s hard to escape one of the most overlooked triggers of eczema. The prevalence of people struggling with this skin condition reflects the intensifying pollution around the globe, creating more dirty particles that pave the way for an unhealthy skin microbiome. 

Running indoors won’t necessarily save you from experiencing eczema flare-ups since the air quality can have just as several airborne pollutants. This begs the question: what is the connection between the air quality and your skin?

Air Quality and Eczema - What’s the Deal?

The air is brimming with high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can trigger skin inflammation. These pollutants can damage the skin’s protective barrier, causing it to dry up and make matters worse for your eczema. When determining what influences the air quality, here are some factors to consider: 

1. Indoor Air Pollution

It’s easy to think that your HVAC system filters most of the pollutants found in the outdoor air, but your indoor air quality can still be dirty due to VOCs found in paint, cleaning products, common household supplies, adhesives, furniture, and more. 

Of course, there is also a matter of dust mites living in your home, which can eat away at your skin’s protective barrier and leave it vulnerable to bacterial infections. Be sure to introduce some fresh air indoors to dispel the trapped VOCs in your home. With proper ventilation, you can reduce the chances of triggering eczema flare-ups. 

2. Outdoor Air Pollution

Fresh air is healthy for your physical and mental state, but exposing yourself to areas that are heavily affected by pollution can do the opposite effect. Rife with VOCs, tobacco smoke, formaldehyde, toluene, nitrogen dioxide, and other harsh chemicals floating in the air, it’s crucial to wear some coverage and keep a moisturizer around to prevent aggravating your eczema symptoms. 

The Bottom Line: Understanding the Link Between Air Quality and Eczema Triggers 

People living with eczema are most affected by poor air quality since the harmful chemicals, and other airborne pollutants can trigger painful flare-ups, so it’s important to practice awareness to minimize exposure. 

Air quality is important in more ways than one, especially since it significantly impacts people’s health. The increasing global pollution continues to put our immune system at risk, but knowing what it can do brings to light several preventive measures.

For people battling eczema, drinking plenty of water, keeping the skin hydrated, and keeping your skin covered whenever you go outdoors can help reduce the negative impact of air pollutants. Of course, going home and taking a shower ensures your skin is free from any lingering contaminants that can aggravate your condition. 

Are You Looking for an All-in-One Solution for All Types of Eczema?

Keeping up with the proper diet can help manage eczema flare-ups, but it can be challenging to steer clear of any possible triggers to your skin condition. If you’re dealing with eczema outbreaks, we can help relieve and minimize future eruptions with our SmartLotion®! 

Dr. Steven Harlan formulated the first-ever prebiotic lotion to safely treat eczema and dermatitis with ingredients tailored to restore your skin’s smoothness, suppleness, and natural perfection. 

Check out Harlan MD today and see how our SmartLotion® can help bring back your confidence!