Transform Your Skin: How Lotions Banish Unhealthy Cloudiness for a Radiant Glow

Researchers have discovered that using personal care products like body lotions and fragrances can help reduce a troubling effect known as the “human oxidation field.” This field exists around our bodies and is formed when natural oils on our skin react with ozone, a common oxidant found indoors.

A study published in Science Advances shows that this oxidation field is influenced by various indoor pollutants, including emissions from cooking, cleaning, and even furniture. Chemicals like hydroxyl radicals, which are highly reactive compounds, can accumulate here, potentially affecting indoor air quality and our health.

Interestingly, the study found that body lotion acts as a protective barrier, limiting the interaction between ozone in the air and squalene, a natural oil our skin produces. Additionally, the ethanol in fragrances helps to decrease hydroxyl radicals, further reducing the impact of this oxidation effect.

Manabu Shiraiwa, a professor of chemistry at UC Irvine and co-author of the study, created a detailed model to simulate how these reactions occur near humans indoors. He notes, “Our unique approach allows us to better understand how ozone interacts with human skin and clothing.”

Lead author Jonathan Williams highlights the importance of understanding these interactions. He explains, “When we sit on furniture, we alter the emissions it emits due to our oxidation field.” This transformation can lead to new compounds in the air around us that aren’t well studied. Remarkably, using body lotion and perfumes can help minimize this issue.

This study is part of a broader project involving international collaboration from Denmark, Germany, and the United States, aimed at understanding indoor air chemistry. For more insights on indoor air quality, check out UC Irvine’s coverage of this research here.

In summary, the choices we make in personal care can significantly influence the quality of the air we breathe indoors. These findings encourage us to think about how our daily products interact with our environment and health.

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