Repeated Exposures to UVA1 and Particulate Matter‒Associated Pollutants Trigger Epidermal Barrier Dysfunction in Skin Epithelialization Model

Abstract

Because the skin is in direct interaction with the external environment, its barrier function ensures cutaneous protection against the exposome. Most atmospheric pollutants behave as pro-oxidants, inducing damage after interacting with the skin surface (Araviiskaia et al., 2019). However, blood circulation may constitute another route for deep skin contamination. Indeed, particulate matter <100 nm can translocate through lung alveoli into capillaries. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), such as benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), were detected with an estimated concentration in the nanomolar range in the plasma of smokers or inhabitants of polluted cities (Marrot, 2018; Song et al., 2013).