Wildfires threaten the landscape and all aspects of the life of people, including the skin. Wildfire-related pollution can lead to several skin problems from dryness and inflammation to premature aging. Protecting your skin from wildfire effects is very important, so we are here to help. Here is how you can protect and care for your skin during wildfire season.
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What happens to the skin during wildfire season?
During a wildfire, the air becomes filled with smoke which contains ash, soot, and small particles. Some of these particles are small enough to enter your pores and cause skin damage that might lead to skin aging. Your skin can also get irritated, which can cause redness, itchiness, inflammation, breakouts, and dryness.
Aside from skin irritation, wildfire air pollution can also trigger flare-ups of skin problems like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. This 2021 study found that air pollution associated with wildfires is linked to increased weekly visits for adult and pediatric atopic dermatitis patients. Wildfires also affected the increase in appointments of pediatric and adult atopic dermatitis patients and pediatric itch patients, as shown in this study. Meanwhile, this 2022 study shows the connection between the public search interest in diseases and symptoms for conditions like acne, itchy skin, and atopic dermatitis during the 2020 wildfire air pollution in San Francisco.
What You Can Do
Knowing what can happen to your skin due to wildfires, it is very important to take steps to protect it from the harm of air pollution. Here are some things you can do to prevent these from happening.
1. Protect your skin with physical barriers
The first and most essential thing to do is wear clothing that will block the pollution from getting to your skin. Wear long sleeves and long pants to protect your body and always wear a face mask to protect your face and your lungs.
2. Cleanse and exfoliate regularly
Keeping your skin clean is crucial during wildfire season. Wash your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser to get rid of any residues. Exfoliate twice a week to ensure that the toxins and the harmed skin are removed.
3. Don’t forget to moisturize
The air pollutants can make your skin dry. Use a rich moisturizer that forms a protective layer to seal in hydration and keep pollutants at bay. You can use CANhaveTODAY’s Sparkling Rain moisturizer, an all-natural moisturizer containing the antioxidant chaga mushroom extract, grapefruit essential oil, and emollient shea butter.
See related: Discover Sparkling Rain: The Ultimate All-Natural Moisturizer for Dry Skin
4. Apply sunscreen
Even if the smoke makes it hazy outside, ultraviolet (UV) rays are still there. Stick to applying your SPF 30 or higher sunscreen to prevent UV-induced skin damage.
5. Use antioxidants
Air pollution can cause skin aging, so prevent damage at a cellular level by using antioxidants. Counteract the effects of free radicals by using products with antioxidants like vitamin E. The Sparkling Rain moisturizer by CANhaveTODAY contains vitamin E and natural antioxidants like chaga mushroom extract and grapefruit essential oil. Our salves Waters Mist, Soothing Juggernaut, and Healing Legends also have excellent antioxidant properties combined with soothing coolness that can help get you through the heat of wildfires.
6. Consider an air purifier
An air purifier can reduce indoor air pollution, particularly if you live close to areas where wildfires are frequent. This can help make your space a safer shelter from outside pollution.
7. Hydrate yourself
Drinking plenty of water can help your skin maintain its barrier and withstand the harsh heat. Moreover, it will help your liver and kidneys in reducing toxins that can help with the inflammation caused by the wildfire pollution.
8. Eat healthy
What you consume has a significant effect on your skin’s health. Foods like blueberries, strawberries, and artichokes are rich in antioxidants that help fight against skin damage.
Stay safe!
Wildfire season poses challenges to health, including the skin. However, with the appropriate care and products, you can face these challenges head-on. Patience and persistence with self-care during these seasons will protect you from these environmental harms. We hope you choose CANhaveTODAY as your helpful companion during these trying times. Our products Sparkling Rain, Soothing Juggernaut, Waters Mist, and Healing Legends are here to help you maintain healthy skin amidst wildfires. Stay safe and take good care of yourself!
FAQ
The skin of people who live areas where there are direct or indirect wildfire effects like smoke and soot can be affected. The particles in the smoke and the heat can cause early skin aging, inflammation, and trigger skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea.
Drink plenty of water, moisturize, use antioxidants, consider using an air purifier, eat healthy, apply sunscreen, and wear protecting clothing to keep your skin healthy during wildfire season.
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