From being unable to get a seat on a busy train to running late and missing the bus, commuting can often lead to a lot of headaches, but it can also affect the skin.
Most commuters travel between 15 and 29 minutes , exposing workers to pollution and fumes for up to an hour, five days a week.
How public transport affects skin
Travelling on public transport exposes the skin to air pollution, which can damage the skin barrier and cause oxidative stress, resulting in dry skin, itching or rashes.
When travelling, harmful particles, including dust, exhaust fumes, smog and bacteria can introduce inflammatory pathways to skin.
Exposure to UV rays can also create free radicals that contribute to skin ageing and damage over time.
Touching poles, seats, and tickets increases the bacteria and germs we are exposed to, ultimately leading to breakouts.
Not only can viruses and pathogens spread on public transport, but the overcrowding and noisy public transport environment can contribute to bad skin health due to stress.
Which pollutants are causing damage to the skin?
Dermatologist Karen Preece Smith shared the impact of a daily commute with driving experts at Nationwide Vehicle Contracts.
She explained: “Nitric oxide, found in train exhausts, plays a role in many skin functions, including wound healing, pigmentation, and immune responses. However, high concentrations of nitrogen oxides in environmental exposure can irritate and burn the skin.
“Carbon monoxide, also found in train exhausts, can, at high levels, cause skin lesions, including cherry-red discolouration, blisters, and oedema.
“Pollution can leave your skin feeling seriously irritated, but it may also damage the skin at a deeper level. It attacks the skin’s barrier, penetrating the dermis and epidermis, leading to a whole host of issues, from clogged pores, excess sebum production, dullness, inflammation, allergic reactions, and general skin irritation.”
The best practices when driving or commuting for the skin
Avoiding overusing air conditioning in a car
Air conditioning can dry out the skin, making it feel flaky, itchy, and irritated. This is because air-con removes humidity from the air, so exposure to heat can significantly dry out the skin by causing moisture loss, leading to feelings of tightness, irritation, redness, and flakiness.
Applying SPF
Reapplying SPF when commuting is beneficial, as UV rays can affect us even on grey days, or through windows.
Adding electrolytes to water
Adding electrolytes to water, especially for coffee drinkers, can help keep your skin hydrated as caffeine is a diuretic.
Carrying water in your vehicle or when commuting is advised.
Listening to uplifting music
Pollution is a stressor, and skin reacts similarly to physiological stress, so a top tip is to aim to reduce stress in other areas.
For example, this could be listening to uplifting music or a relaxing podcast during a commute.
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