Effects of Particulate matter on Healthy Human Skin: A panel study using a smartphone application measuring daily skin condition

Abstract

Background

The influence of particulate matter (PM) on human health has recently attracted attention. However, most previous studies have been limited to diseased skin.

Objectives

To evaluate the effects of PM on healthy skin.

Methods

The study enrolled 188 healthy volunteers without any skin disease during winter and early spring. Every day for 14 days, they recorded their skin states using a smartphone application, which automatically scored facial skin condition in terms of wrinkle, brown‐spot, and trouble indexes based on a selfie. Subjects recorded information about their personal life styles such as sleeping time, outdoor activity, etc. Air pollution and meteorological information were collected during the same period as well. We analyzed the correlation between daily skin condition and environmental factors.

Results

Overall, 2,625 person‐days were obtained for three months from February to April. Among the various factors analyzed in this study, temperature and PM showed statistically significant relationships with the daily condition. Multivariable analysis showed a cumulative effect, as PM_2.5 from eight to three days prior to when daily skin condition was checked had a negative correlation with wrinkle index (p<0.05).

Conclusions

Inadequate outdoor temperature can immediately impinge on the skin state of even healthy people. PM_2.5 may contribute to skin aging gradually rather than immediately.

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