Association between air pollution and skin aging in Taipei City communities

Objectives: This study investigated associations between air pollution and skin aging among residents of Taipei City. Methods: We selected Datong District and Beitou District as research sites. The participants were residents aged 20 to 70 years who had lived in Taipei City for more than 1 year and had no communicable diseases. We used a microscopic skin camera and facial image analysis to measure degrees of skin aging. We investigated factors related to skin aging through self-administered questionnaires. We estimated exposure to PM₁₀, PM_2.2, and NO₂based on participants' residential address. Finally, we conducted multiple logistic regression analysis to examine association between air pollution exposure and skin aging. Results: A positive and statistically significant association between NO₂exposure and skin aging was identified. The risk of skin aging increased with the degree of exposure to NO₂over 1 year (OR = 1.05, 95% CI, 1.004 to 1.10). Conclusions: Higher exposure to NO₂is associated with a higher risk of skin aging.