World Day

Climate change: how pollution and extreme events impact our skin

From sunburn to extreme cold damage via the effects of high CO₂ and pollen concentrations: the alarm of experts and the call for integration of prevention strategies and environmental policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality

by Health Review

5 June 2025

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4' min read

Key points

Global Warming and UV Damage
The air we breathe is reflected in our skin
The CO₂ favours pollen.
Super Cold and Water Shortage Damage
SoS for united health and environmental strategies

4' min read

It should be said that we risk paying 'on our skin' for both the direct and indirect effects of climate change. Which is not only a threat to the environment but also a growing health emergency. Launching the alarm are the experts of the Italian Society of Dermatology and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (Sidemast) who, in view of the Sidemast Special Edition 2025 National Congress - organised as part of the XIV ICD-International Congress of Dermatology in Rome from 18 to 21 June - highlight how rising temperatures, atmospheric pollution and the intensification of extreme climatic events are significantly compromising skin health.

Global Warming and UV Damage

Prolonged exposure to high temperatures and intense ultraviolet radiation increases the risk of sunburn, premature ageing and skin cancer. The depletion of the ozone layer is an aggravating factor: it is estimated that every 1% decrease in ozone thickness leads to a 1-2% increase in melanomas, up to 4.6% in squamous cell carcinomas and 2.7% in basal cell carcinomas (Parker, 2020).

"Ultraviolet radiation is a known risk factor for skin cancers and its intensification due to climate change may further exacerbate this issue," explains Annunziata Dattola, Associate Professor of Dermatology at the Sapienza University of Rome and Secretary General of the ICD. In addition, the alteration of atmospheric composition, with an increase in pollutants and a reduction in the ozone layer, contributes to greater UV exposure, making prevention even more crucial for protecting the skin and reducing cases of melanoma and other skin cancers. Climate scientists have stated that the severity of future warming is linked to the volume of greenhouse gases released. If the volume of greenhouse gas emissions continues its rapid ascent, experts predict that by 2100 the global temperature will be 5-10.2 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the 1901-1960 average.

The air we breathe is reflected in our skin

The impact of air pollution - enhanced by climate change - is not limited to the respiratory system. The skin is constantly exposed to the environment and is directly affected by increased particulate matter, nitrogen oxides and other toxic substances, which compromise the skin barrier and promote conditions such as acne, eczema and chronic inflammation (Balato et al., 2013; Dayrit, J, 2018).

'Research,' Professor Dattola continues, 'has shown that air pollution not only aggravates pre-existing conditions, but can also contribute to the onset of new skin diseases, making the skin more susceptible to infections and allergies. The incidence of inflammatory and infectious skin diseases increases significantly after extreme weather events such as floods and heat waves'.

CO₂ favours pollen

According to experts, skin allergies are also on the rise. Higher temperatures and high CO₂ concentrations stimulate the growth of allergenic plants, increasing the presence of pollen in the air. A real risk for those predisposed to skin allergies, with manifestations such as hives and allergic dermatitis (Schachtel et al., 2020).

"Changing climatic conditions can influence the geographic distribution of allergens and pathogens, making people more vulnerable to new forms of allergies and skin infections," adds Professor Dattola. "Just think that the increase in relative humidity and precipitation in some regions is also favouring the proliferation of moulds and dust mites, leading to an aggravation of atopic dermatitis and other allergic skin conditions. Atopic dermatitis, especially in children, affects between 5 and 20% of children. Studies indicate a 14-31% increase in emergency admissions for atopic dermatitis after flooding and a 20-40% increase in exacerbations of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis in urban areas'.

Super cold and water shortage damage

Not only heat, but also cold temperatures pose a risk. In China, a 160% increase in visits for atopic dermatitis was observed when the temperature drops below zero compared to the optimal average of 22.8°C. In Japan, a study of over 100,000 children found that low atmospheric vapour pressure increased the risk of developing atopic dermatitis by 26% in the first three years of life (Yokomichi et al., 2022).

Climate change also compromises the availability and quality of water resources, which are essential for healthy skin. Water scarcity and contamination of sources increase the risk of skin infections, especially after catastrophic events such as floods - which no longer spare our country, especially in some central and northern regions.

"Without access to clean and safe water," Dattola further explains, "people are more vulnerable to skin infections. Contaminated water can contain pathogenic bacteria and harmful chemicals that can alter the skin microbiome, predisposing the skin to irritation, fungal infections and chronic inflammation'.

SoS for united health and environmental strategies

An integrated approach is needed to address these risks, SIDeMaST experts emphasise: 'The effects of climate change on the skin are multiple and complex, interconnected by various environmental factors,' concludes Giuseppe Argenziano, president of SIDeMaST. 'It is therefore necessary to adopt mitigation and adaptation measures to address these challenges and protect the dermatological health of the population. Prevention strategies, such as the use of advanced sunscreens, protection from pollution and improved hygiene habits, must be integrated with environmental policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality'.

In conclusion, Argenziano and Dattola add, 'promoting awareness and education on skin care in an era of climate change is essential to prevent risks and improve people's well-being. At the same time, it is essential for scientific research to continue analysing the environmental effects on skin health in order to develop innovative solutions to protect it and prevent dermatological pathologies'.