Dermatology Impacts Climate Change With High Carbon Emissions, Path to Sustainability

There are significant environmental impacts of dermatological practices that call for interdisciplinary collaboration and policy changes to promote sustainability and reduce carbon emissions within the field. | Image Credit: chapicha - stock.adobe.com

Environmental impacts of dermatology should be addressed, and interdisciplinary collaboration should be fostered to create and implement policy changes that promote sustainable actions in dermatological practices and their affiliated organizations to reduce carbon emissions, according to a study published in the International Journal of Dermatology.¹

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, mainly carbon dioxide (CO₂), are a major contributor to climate change, the alteration of global climate patterns, like temperature, air pressure, and humidity in certain geographic locations.

Experts at the 2025 American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting emphasized the relationship climate change and pollution have on dermatology, elevating the need for climate advocacy and sustainable practices.² Forever chemicals like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances upregulate inflammatory cytokines, induce lipid peroxidation, cause oxidative DNA damage, and disrupt the skin barrier and vitamin D endocrine system. Other forms of pollution include the potential effects of microplastics, with dermatologists recommending reducing single-use plastic products.

The combustion of fossil fuels, animal husbandry, and industry emissions are the main drivers of the surge in warming climates.¹ The skin's capacity to sweat or produce vascular regulation significantly influences heat-related illnesses. Notably, experts estimate that climate change affects migrant communities and displaced people at disproportionate levels.

“We aim to provide a narrative review of the contribution of the medical system to climate change with a focus on dermatology and the response to these challenges from dermatological societies and their dedicated working groups,” study authors stated.

Health care industries contribute an estimated 4% to 6% of the global CO₂ emissions that impact climate change. The supply chain, travel, facilities, medical services, and medications all contribute significantly to these outcomes. Dermatology often prescribes topical formulations, like leave-on or rinse-off products, that may enter waste streams and impact ecosystems and the environment. Oftentimes, topical agents contain environmentally harmful ingredients. Skin care products also typically contain ingredients with poor biodegradability that come in small plastic containers that may have an outsized environmental impact.

Sustainable health care primarily aims to provide and promote health care for the population without compromising the environmental, economic, and social resources of society and future generations. Reducing air pollution and GHG emissions from health care, prioritizing public health measures to prevent disease, and improving resource use efficiency are significant aspects to include throughout sustainable procurement.

Climate adaptation encompasses minor and major adjustments to improve the effects of climate change and avoid harm to people and natural systems. Dermatology-related climate adaptation could involve targeted risk communication to ensure patients who suffer from chronic conditions prepare bags, including their medication and supplies.

Climate mitigation includes the adjustments made with climate adaptation and the goal of reducing GHG emissions as the primary driver of climate change. Appropriately using surgical instruments and medical supplies in dermatology is a medical example that promotes climate mitigation.

There are general principles of sustainable medicine that are transferable to dermatology. Climate-sensitive and resource-sensitive health care relies on demand-side and supply-side policies. The 6 working groups identified in the review linked to dermatology-related climate change and sustainability are:

1. The American Academy of Dermatology: The expert resource group founded in 2018 has the goal to focus on climate change education, advocacy, mitigation, and the reduction of medical waste. They developed online educational modules for medical students and resident education and regularly compile updates on the industry.
2. The Australasian College of Dermatologists (ACD): The ACD established its environmental sustainability group in 2021 to focus on climate change and sustainable medical practices. Members usually cover practical guidelines that will facilitate more sustainable health care in Australia and New Zealand.
3. The British Association of Dermatologists: The British groups have been active since 2020, linking with different groups to advocate on matters such as carbon literacy education and incorporating sustainability considerations into the development of clinical guidelines. British dermatologists have called upon environmental sustainability and have provided checklists regarding clinical research.
4. The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology: The climate working group founded in 2024 aims to develop sustainable strategies to reduce the carbon footprints of the association and its members. They currently gather information to collaborate with an external agency to further analyze and develop the goal of shaping a sustainable and climate-sensitive medical event.
5. The German Society of Dermatology: Since 2020, the society has actively supported the sustainable transformation of the health sector, working closely with different stakeholders in Germany. The goal is to develop resource-optimized measures for day-to-day clinical work while pooling information on how harmful ingredients exist in over-the-counter topical products. This is one of the only groups in dermatology focused on the harmful effects of macroplastics, microplastics, and topicals.
6. The International Society of Dermatology: The Climate Change Task Force Group, created in 2009, now the Climate Change Committee, was one of the first dermatological professional bodies to focus on climate-related issues. The group is focused on a global approach with specific emphasis on climate change and possible impacts on skin disease.

Dermatologists should further evaluate their contributions to carbon emissions, remain informed about the impact of climate change on the skin, educate patients, and advocate for policy changes to protect public health.³ The implementation of environmentally sustainable practices could reduce waste and carbon emissions while offering cost-saving benefits. These changes must be pushed forward by a collective effort of dermatologists who advocate for climate change, improve sustainability in the workplace, and prioritize research to fill knowledge gaps while supporting policies that protect the environment.

Potential structural barriers include poor funding and lack of prioritization for climate adaptation and mitigation by policy stakeholders.¹ Additionally, topical formulations are neglected in the field, requiring further research and strategies for environmental mitigation.

“It is critical to recognize our limitations as HCPs [health care providers], and interdisciplinary collaboration in creating and implementing policy changes will be needed,” study authors concluded.

References

1. Niebel D, Tso S, Parker ER, et al. Environmental impact of dermatology and action towards it: a narrative review. Int J Dermatol. Published online April 25, 2025. doi:10.1111/ijd.17810

2. McCormick B. Climate change, pollution’s growing impact on dermatology. AJMC^®. March 10, 2025. Accessed May 6, 2025. https://www.ajmc.com/view/climate-change-pollution-s-growing-impact-on-dermatology

3. Islam RK, Tong VT, Lipner SR. Going green in dermatology. JAAD reviews. Published online November 1, 2024. doi:10.1016/j.jdrv.2024.11.007