Cosmetic impact in hotels
28/07/2025 13:00
The environmental impact of cosmetics in the hotel industry is devastating to the ecosystem. Sustainable products reduce the damage.
Harsh weather conditions, such as cold, dry air or pollution, directly affect the skin, causing dryness, irritation, dehydration, and accelerated ageing. The cold weather constricts blood vessels, and dry air reduces the natural moisture of the dermis. Pollution, on the other hand, generates free radicals that damage cells and weaken the skin barrier, even aggravating conditions such as eczema.
To prevent atmospheric effects on the skin, it is essential to maintain a skincare routine that includes gentle cleansers, consistent hydration, the use of sunscreen, and exposure to indoor environments with adequate humidity levels. Additionally, personal protective equipment and protocols are required to care for and protect the skin in the workplace.
The skin not only reflects genetics and lifestyle habits but also the impact of the environment and daily work. Atmospheric factors affect its health daily, and underestimating them opens the door to premature ageing and preventable skin conditions. A preventive approach, whether personal or professional, is essential to preserve skin health in the face of the ravages of the weather, pollution and the demands of the working world.
In the workplace, exposure intensifies: outdoor workers (farming, construction, fishing) suffer greater sun damage; in cold storage rooms, skin cracks; in polluted industries, irritation and oxidative stress increase; and in healthcare, constant contact with moisture and gloves can cause dermatitis.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes premature skin ageing. Chronic unprotected exposure accelerates the loss of collagen and elastin, resulting in wrinkles, sagging skin and sunspots. It is also the environmental factor most closely linked to skin cancer.
The UV spectrum is not the only one to consider. Visible light and infrared radiation also generate oxidative stress in cells, weakening the skin’s natural defence systems.
Hot and humid environments: excessive sweating can alter the skin’s pH, promoting the proliferation of bacteria and fungi. Sebum production also increases, exacerbating acne or seborrhoeic dermatitis.
Particulate matter, toxic gases and heavy metals present in urban air generate free radicals that damage the skin barrier. This results in loss of radiance, chronic low-grade inflammation and increased susceptibility to spots and wrinkles. Several studies have shown that pollution accelerates skin ageing in a similar way to the sun.
Although less frequently mentioned, wind can erode the skin’s hydrolipidic film, causing dehydration and sensitivity. In people with pre-existing skin conditions (rosacea, atopic dermatitis), it can aggravate symptoms and trigger acute flare-ups. This is a clear example of the effect of the atmosphere on the skin.
Protecting your skin involves using daily sunscreen, moisturising regularly, washing gently to remove pollutants, applying antioxidants and using physical barriers such as clothing or hats in extreme weather conditions.
The effects of atmospheric factors are not limited to leisure time. Many workers are continuously exposed to adverse environmental conditions, which multiplies the impact on their skin. Occupational medicine and occupational dermatology agree that these conditions should not be underestimated: they impact quality of life and productivity and, in some cases, can lead to permanent disability.
Outdoor workers: (agriculture, construction, fishing, transport): they face intense solar radiation, extreme temperatures and wind. Their risk of developing skin cancer is significantly higher than that of the general population.
Work in cold environments: (cold storage rooms, food logistics): the skin becomes dry and cracked, which can cause pain and secondary infections.
Contaminated industrial environments: (metallurgy, workshops, factories): continuous exposure to particles and chemical compounds increases oxidative damage and skin irritation.
Healthcare and cleaning staff: although in enclosed spaces, excessive humidity, frequent use of gloves and friction cause contact dermatitis and chronic irritation.
PRODERPHARMACARE® helps you protect, pamper and keep your skin in top condition. Discover our products and personalise your skincare routine to protect your skin from the weather effects.
The environmental impact of cosmetics in the hotel industry is devastating to the ecosystem. Sustainable products reduce the damage.
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