How Urban Pollution Accelerates Skin Aging: Clinical Mechanisms and Antioxidant Defense Protocols

Executive Summary Historically, the dermatological and cosmetic industries have focused almost exclusively on ultraviolet (UV) radiation as the primary driver of extrinsic skin aging. However, modern clinical research has identified a compounding, equally destructive environmental vector: urban pollution. As global urbanization intensifies, exposure to particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, and heavy metals is accelerating dermal…