Continue Shopping
Subtotal
Savings
Shipping
FREE
Estimated Total
View cart Checkout
woman smiling
BLOG ARTICLES

How air pollution is bad for your skin

We all know that over time, exposure to the sun can lead to premature wrinkles and fine lines. not to mention the potential for skin cancer. We also know that smoking has negative effects on skin, and a smoke air purifier can help clear the air of cigarette smoke. Similarly, there’s a growing body of evidence that another factor may also be strongly connected to skin damage: air pollution.

Skin Studies

In one study, researchers analyzed around 800 women aged 70-80 in Germany and about 740 women of various ages in China, looking for the connection between brown spots on their cheeks and exposure to nitrogen dioxide. Earlier research on 400 Caucasian women aged 70-80 studied the effect of particulate matter in the air (from traffic emissions and soot) on age spots and wrinkles.

Airborne Particulates

Researchers found that microscopic amounts of air pollutants, like particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and chemical byproducts from cars, construction sites and industrial emissions, are associated with skin damage.

Age Spots

One study revealed that age spots on women’s cheeks increased by approximately 25 percent when they were exposed to even small increases in nitrogen dioxide. The other showed that particulate matter can significantly exacerbate age spots and increase the development of wrinkles. 

Exposure is a Factor

The damage occurs when there’s prolonged or repetitive exposure to air pollution. This exposure affects the natural ability of human skin to act as a shield against many pollutants. In addition, it is more pronounced in busy, urban areas with a lot of exhaust and particulate matter, when compared with rural environments. 

The Explanation

Researchers suggest that when air pollutants enter the skin, they trigger melanocytes, which are melanin-producing cells in the bottom layer of the skin. As a result, too much pigment is created, causing brown spots. In addition, collagen, a protein that gives skin strength and elasticity, is affected. Usually, damaged skin triggers enzymes that regulate collagen. But when there’s too much chronic inflammation, more collagen is removed than the skin can create, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles. 

Steps for Prevention

The first thing that will help protect you is to wash your skin regularly. This will help to rinse off remaining particles on your skin that haven’t been absorbed. In addition, apply a moisturizer to help your skin to provide a natural collagen barrier. Last, having a smart air purifier with a HEPA filter, like Airmega, can reduce airborne particulate matter by up to 99.97%.

Disclaimers

1Coway air purifiers have been proven to trap dust, pollen, dander, viruses and bacteria in the air based on KCL (Korea Conformity Laboratories) testing.They have been tested in a 30㎥ size chamber according to the Korea Air Cleaning Association standard (SPS-KACA 002-132:2022 Modified) to measure the 0.01㎛ size of particle removal rate. It was tested on maximum airflow speed in normal room temperature and humidity conditions. The performance may vary in the actual living environment of customers.
→ Tested with Airmega Aim, 100, 150, 160, AP-1216L, AP-1512HH, AP-1512HHS, 200M, Icon, IconS, 230, 240, 250, 250 Art, 250S, 300, 300S, 400, 400S, ProX

299.97% of viruses, bacteria, fungi and pollen were verified to be removed from the air for Coway air purifiers which have Green True HEPA™ filter applied based on the Japan Food Research Laboratories(JFRL) testing according to JEM 1467 standard.
→ Tested with Coway Airmega AP-1512HH, AP-1512HHS, 250, 250 Art, 250S, 300, 300S, 400, 400S
→ All tested by JFRL and received above result within below time.

All tested by JFRL and received above result within below time.

- Virus: Tested with Escherichia coli phage ΦX174 NBRC 103405, 60 minutes
- Bacteria: Tested with Staphylococcus epidermidis NBRC 12993, 60 minutes
- Fungi/Mold: Tested with Penicillium citrinum NBRC 6352, 60 minutes
- Pollen: Tested with Cedar Pollen extract, 60 minutes

3Aerosol test conducted in a Biosafety level 3 laboratory with two Coway air purifier models, Coway Airmega 250 and 400 for removal of SARS-CoV-2 Aerosol by US based MRI Global, a not-for-profit laboratory and partner of US Department of Defense. The test was conducted in a 13.1ft3 chamber. Virus was aerosolized for 15 minutes and the product was turned on high for 2 minutes. Result showed each product effectively removed over 99.98% of the SARS-CoV-2 in 2 minutes. This is a result from a laboratory experiment condition and result may vary in different conditions. This result does not imply it kills SARS-CoV-2 or prevents the transmission of Covid-19. Coway Airmega 250S and 400S are identical to the tested models and has equal performance with an additional mobile connectivity function.

4The concentration of ammonia, acetaldehyde and acetic acid were proven to be removed within 30 minutes by FCG Research Institute, Inc. Human Life Science Lab. It is not a demonstration result in the actual use space. Not all odors and gases may be supported. → Tested with Coway Airmega 150, 160, AP-1512HH, AP-1512HHS, 400, 400S

5The coverage area of the air purifier is based on an area where the air cleaner can make two air changes per hour (ACPH). An air change per hour translates to how many times an air purifier can clean an area, assuming the height of a ceiling to be 8 ft, in one hour. Therefore ** means two air changes per hour means that the cleaner can clean the area once every 30 minutes and * means air changes per hour means that the air purifier can clean the area once every 60 minutes.

10Terms and conditions apply. Discounts, including promotions, coupons, bundle discount and subscription discount, cannot be stacked on top of other coupons. During promotional periods, discount codes will not be able to be applied to orders. Promo codes may apply to products only—filters, accessories, and new products within 3 months of the release date are not included.