Oxidative contribution of air pollution to extrinsic skin ageing

• Epidemiological evidence links exposure to poor air quality to lentigines and wrinkles. • Experimental studies provide mechanistic explanations involving oxidative stress. • Polluted air may hasten skin ageing through indirect systemic effects via the lung and/or direct effects on cutaneous tissue. • Prevention measures would need to combine strategies that target both ‘routes’. • Air pollution is one of several environmental stressors that combined, may have additive/synergistic effects on the skin.