Abstract
Climate change is having a far-reaching effect on skin health in terms of overload of UV rays, air pollution, and extreme weather conditions. This is an evidence-based review that comprises extensive literature reviews (1975-2026) regarding epidemiologic relationships, mechanistic processes, and evidence-based interventions. The results indicate that every 10-mg/m3 particulate matter increment is linked to 1.3% of an increased risk of atopic dermatitis exacerbation (RR 1.013; 95% CI 0.999-1.027), and sulfur dioxide exposure is associated with an increased risk by 2.9% . Ozone depletion is a contributor to 2 percent increment in melanoma incidence per 1 percent stratospheric ozone reduction. These are meditated through the mechanistic actions of oxidative stress, the activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, the disruption of barriers, and the deregulation of immunity. New clinically proven interventions are antioxidant formulations, barrier-repair, AHR-modulating agents, and climate-adapted photoprotection. Children, outdoor workers, old people, and underprivileged communities are vulnerable groups that experience unequal levels of risk. The paradigm shift in the field of climatic change is practically transforming the work of dermatologists, including the need to incorporate climate-responsive practices in everyday care and to engage in policy-making efforts to reduce emissions and to conduct specific studies aiming to bridge significant gaps in the knowledge base on how interventions work and the issue of health disparities