It seems like wildfires are becoming synonymous with summer in many parts of the world. What used to be a day or two of wildfire smoke has changed into sometimes weeks of prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke.

If you live in an area prone to wildfire smoke, most likely your primary concern is the overall long term affect of breathing air with a high AQI.

While we can’t address the effects of wildfire smoke on your health, we DO feel qualified to comment on how it affects your skin.

First let’s talk about the environmental pollutants produced when acres of trees burn to the ground. The primary pollutants are carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, particulate matter, hydrocarbons, heavy metals and ozone.

While none of these is good for you, the one we are the most concerned about for the purpose of this blog is the particulate matter. Particulate matter is the solid pollutant and it is SMALL – like 10 micrometers in size and made up of carbon – black, brown and organic.

This pollutant can actually penetrate the skin layers through hair follicles (sounds a lot like how acne is formed!) and cause an increased production of free-radicals. Free radicals, as a reminder, are unstable molecules that cause skin damage. Absorption of particulate matter will also aggravate existing skin conditions such as psoriasis, acne and dermatitis. Worst of all – it can cause skin cancer.

So, how can you prevent skin damage caused by wildfire smoke?

1. Increase your intake and use of antioxidants. Antioxidants, both applied topically and ingested, neutralize the free radicals that form by the absorption of the particulate matter.  Vitamins C and E are good anti oxidants. Take as a daily supplement and apply the same vitamins to the skin to reduce the rate of collagen degradation within the skin. Lucky for you, we sell an amazing (and very well-priced) topical Vitamin C gel and cream. Note: if you suffer from acne, we do not advise applying vitamin E topically as the oil is pore clogging.
2. Wash your face and body regularly to remove any trace particulate that has not been absorbed yet.
3. Stay inside when the air is bad. Replace air filters consistently with a HEPA filter and if possible, invest in an air purifying system. In my house, we use a Medify Air system.
4. If you must go outside, wear clothes that cover your skin and, of course if the AQI is hazardous, wear a mask so you limit inhaling particulate matter.
5. Wear sunscreen. This one is a head scratcher to some because it seems on really smoky days, there is less sun. That said, studies show smoke particulates actually amplify the potency of the incoming UV rays, making sun damage even more possible.
6. If you spent a lot of time outside, change your clothes once you come inside. Some particulate matter can pass through clothing.

Honestly, this was a difficult post to write. The fact that there is now a “Fire Season” in our world makes us incredibly sad. But, for now at least, it is what it is, and it is important for everyone affected to be able to protect themselves as much as possible. If you have any questions about this post or anything else, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Email: Clearskin@ninjaskincare.com

Call/Text: 925.933.8425