The effect modification by the Mediterranean diet (MEDI) on skin aging in elderly women exposed to air pollution

Einleitung:

In recent years the evidence has grown that air pollution impacts skin aging, presenting itself in wrinkle formation and pigment spots. In addition, nutrition has been linked to skin health. Oral antioxidant uptake through fruits and vegetables as well as caloric restriction is believed to delay aging. However, scientific evidence is very scarce.

Methoden:

We assessed the association of skin aging with adherence to the Mediterranean diet in 834 women from the SALIA cohort study (Study on the influence of Air pollution on Lung function, Inflammation and Aging). Skin aging was evaluated by the SCINEXA score. Modelled concentrations of air pollutants (NO2, PM10, PM2.5, PM2.5 coarse, O3) were assigned to the residential addresses. We applied multiple logistic regression models adjusted for covariates with and without interaction variable (MEDI score and air pollutant).

Ergebnisse:

Increased exposure to NO2 was significantly associated with the formation of pigment spots on cheeks (OR 1.01, 95% CI [1.00, 1.03]) and nasolabialfolds (OR 1.02, 95% CI [1.00, 1.03]). The MEDI score showed a borderline protective effect (p = 0.09) just on cigarette-paper like skin on the back of the hands (OR 0.95, 95%CI [0.90, 1.01]). For many other skin aging parameters the MEDI score presented an inverse correlation. The interaction variable showed no significance.

Diskussion:

We confirmed that air pollution has negative impacts on skin aging. For antioxidants and healthy nutrition, the results remain inconsistent. This study aimed at providing some clarity on this subject, however, still there remain doubts if nutrition has an impact on skin aging at all.