Ozone (O3) exposure has been reported to contribute to various cutaneous inflammatory conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, rush etc. via a redox-inflammatory pathway. O3 is too reactive to penetrate cutaneous tissue; it interacts with lipids present in the outermost layer of skin, resulting in formation of oxidized molecules and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Interestingly, several inflammatory skin pathologies demonstrate altered levels of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). These small, cationic peptides are found in various cells, including keratinocytes, eccrine gland cells, and seboctyes. Classically, AMPs function as antimicrobial agents. Recent studies indicate that AMPs also play roles in inflammation, angiogenesis, and wound healing. Since altered levels of AMPs have been detected in pollution-associated skin pathologies, we hypothesized that exposure to O3 could affect the levels of AMPs in the skin. We examined levels of AMPs using qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence in vitro (human keratinocytes), ex vivo (human skin explants), and in vivo (human volunteer subjects exposed to O3) and observed increased levels of all the measured AMPs upon O3 exposure. In addition, in vitro studies have confirmed the redox regulation of AMPs in keratinocytes. This novel finding suggests that targeting AMPs could be a possible defensive strategy to combat pollution-associated skin conditions.

Our body is continuously exposed to various exogenous aggressors, and, in particular, the skin represents the main target for outdoor stressors, including ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV exposure is well-known to be associated with the development/worsening of extrinsic photoaging and a multitude of skin conditions. Considering the role of photoprotection in skin health, the research of natural photoprotective molecules becomes of great importance. Therefore, in this work we wanted to evaluate the beneficial protective effects of ripe berries of Vaccinium uliginosum (Alaska bog blueberry (BB)) extract (100 μg/mL) for preventing the cutaneous oxidative, inflammatory, and structural damage induced by exposure to 200 mJ of UVA/UVB radiation. We observed that the topical application of BB extract on human ex vivo skin explants averted the UV-induced cutaneous OxInflammatory phenomenon by quenching the increase in the oxidative and inflammatory marker levels, such as 4-hydroxynonenal (4HNE), heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2), and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR); as well as by counteracting the loss of structural proteins (filaggrin and involucrin) induced by UV radiation. Our data propose the use of a topical application of Alaska bog blueberry extract as a natural and valuable approach to ensure photoprotection against UV-induced skin damage and premature aging.

Background: While facial pores are a normal skin feature, they can be perceived as a cosmetic concern. Facial pore risk factors vary and contradict within the existing literature, with limited large‐scale research in European middle‐aged to older individuals, hindering generalization. Objectives: This cross‐sectional study investigated facial pore appearance distribution across demographic, lifestyle, UV‐related and dermatological variables by systematic grading of facial pores in a large population‐based study. Methods: Photographs of Rotterdam Study (RS) participants were graded on an adapted photo‐numeric grading scale from one (mild) to five (severe) to assess facial pore appearance severity. Uni‐ and multivariable ordinal logistic regression analyzed associations between (non‐)dermatological variables and facial pore appearance severity, using odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Interassessor reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: In total, 2293 participants were included (56.7% female; median age 54.0). Most prevalent were moderate to severe facial pores (37%), with 10% being the most pronounced (grade five). Previous and current smokers [OR 1.41 (CI 95% 1.18–1.67); OR 1.46 (CI 95% 1.16–1.86)] and individuals that excessively indoor tan [OR 1.61 (CI 95% 1.03–2.56)] were significantly associated with more severe facial pore appearance in the multivariable analysis. Age had a small but statistically significant effect [OR 0.98 (CI 95% 0.97–0.99)]. Our grading method showed high reliability of measurements. Conclusions: In this RS cohort, over one‐third had moderate to severe facial pore appearance scores. Smoking and indoor tanning were modifiable determinants linked to more severe facial pores. For individuals concerned about their pore appearance, quitting smoking and reducing UV exposure are advisable strategies.