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Plastics in dermatology: A review and solutions
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This review examines the widespread use of plastics in dermatology products and medical devices, highlighting health risks at every stage of the plastic life cycle. The authors note that microplastics and their chemical additives can be absorbed through the skin and recommend that dermatologists reduce plastic use and advocate for safer alternatives to protect both patient and environmental health.
Hazards to human and planetary health are present at every stage of the plastic life cycle, yet plastic production is projected to triple by 2060. This review focuses on three key areas: the life cycle of plastic, the impact of microplastics and their associated chemicals, along with recommendations to reduce plastic use. In dermatology, micro- and nanoplastics are especially problematic as they are present in over 90% of personal care products. They have been detected in utero, absorbed through the skin and found in the lungs and gastrointestinal tract. Numerous in vitro and animal studies have substantiated the negative impact of micro- and nanoplastics but gaps remain with regards to their effect on human health. In spite of this limitation, we review the evidence to date and offer evidence-based recommendations which can reduce plastic production, enhance health outcomes and promote environmental justice.
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Plastic in Dermatology: Impact on human health, skin disease and the contribution of personal care product use to environmental pollution
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Researchers reviewed the dermatological and environmental health impacts of plastics in personal care products, examining microbeads, plastic shed during packaging degradation, and plastic-associated chemicals, concluding that both intentionally added and incidentally released plastic particles from cosmetics and skincare contribute meaningfully to human exposure and aquatic pollution.
Toxicological Impact of Microplastics in Dermatology
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This book chapter reviews existing research on how tiny plastic particles called microplastics may affect human skin. It covers where these particles come from, how they may cause skin damage, their presence in personal care products, and gaps in current safety rules. The chapter calls for more research across scientific fields to address potential skin health risks from microplastics.
Microplastics, Skin Disease, and Dermatology
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This review examined the risks that microplastics and nanoplastics pose to skin health, noting that particles can penetrate compromised skin barriers and cause oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular senescence in fibroblasts. The authors recommend that dermatologists incorporate microplastic exposure into clinical assessments of skin conditions.
Understanding the Risk of Microplastic Dermal Absorption
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This review examines the understudied pathway of microplastic absorption through the skin, highlighting a significant research gap compared to inhalation and ingestion routes. Researchers analyzed the potential mechanisms by which small plastic particles in skincare and cosmetic products could penetrate skin barriers. The study calls for more research into dermal absorption risks, particularly given the continued growth of the personal care product industry.
Microplastics in dermatology: Potential effects on skin homeostasis
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This study highlights the growing concern that microplastics and nanoplastics may affect skin health by disrupting the skin's natural balance. While research is still early, the findings suggest that these synthetic particles could interfere with skin homeostasis, pointing to a need for further investigation into how everyday plastic exposure might affect our largest organ.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.