Posted on: October 6th, 2023 by Kristen Chang
Our California skies may be clearing from the recent regional fires but microscopic particles from wildfire smoke can linger in the atmosphere for days, weeks or even months. The harmful effects of smoke-polluted air on cardiovascular and respiratory health is well-publicized, but its effects on the skin are less discussed. At California Skin Institute, our board-certified dermatologists understand the impact of smoky air on your skin and what to do about it.
Smoky Air Can Increase Wrinkles and Dark Spots
Skin is the body’s largest organ, and its protective outer layer serves as our first line of defense against air pollution. Thus, it becomes a target for toxic particles which can reach deeper layers through transcutaneous absorption. That means unhealthy wildfire smoke byproducts, such as carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide, can literally get under your skin where they can provoke unhealthy responses to their presence.
There is strong evidence that exposure to air pollution is a risk factor for skin disorders such as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. Increasing research also points to pollutants as playing a role in the skin’s premature aging. Medical researchers have found epidemiological data suggesting that exposure to air pollution is associated with hyperpigmentation spots and wrinkle formation.
How Smoke Can Damage Your Skin
Increased oxidative stress has been identified as a feature of harm caused by air pollutants in the aftermath of large-scale fires. Even without fires, airborne pollutants can emanate from car exhaust, cigarette smoke, industrial gases, and everyday dust, releasing harmful chemicals into the environment. Adding smoke from the massive fires smoke pollution to a higher level, increasing the possibility of harmful effects.
Oxidative stress in simple terms means that a biochemical breakdown is occurring at the cellular level and the good guys are getting overpowered by the bad guys. This results in free radical damage and inflammation from air pollutants. Skin’s structural collagen fibers can become fragmented and weakened. At the same time, pigment-producing cells become overly reactive, causing dark spots. These reactions can occur because the body’s protective response to pollutants goes into overdrive and can deplete our cells’ supplies of protective antioxidants. This chain of events is what can damage collagen fibers and lead to skin dehydration, pigmentation, and fine lines and wrinkles.
Protecting Your Skin from Smoke’s Effects
Checking air quality in your area on reliable websites and researching air purifiers for your home are good steps during and following large-scale fires. Maintaining good health is also an important defense from smoke’s toxic effects. These healthy practices also benefit your skin:
- Eat Antioxidants. Be sure to replenish and optimize your body’s supply of antioxidants. Bright deep colors in produce usually signal the presence of antioxidants – carrots, peppers, berries, yams and dark leafy greens are good bets. You can also take antioxidant supplements.
- Sleep Well. Sleep is your body’s equivalent of going into the repair shop. It is the time your cells need to do their most important work. So, try to skip the news right before bedtime and turn off all electronics.
- Hydrate Selectively. Now is the time to double down on your hydration. Water is best. Herbal teas and plant milks are also good. Go easy on fruit juices because of the sugars.
To further protect, enrich and hydrate your skin, California Skin Institute has developed an exclusive new line of four specialized skin care systems for your home regimen. Every skincare product is designed to cleanse, treat, repair and protect with highly effective antioxidant ingredients such as green tea polyphenols, chamomile extract, resveratrol, and essential vitamins A, C and E:
You can discuss with your California Skin Institute board-certified dermatologist which of these four new systems would be the most effective for you to protect your skin from the harmful effects of smoke pollution. Request an appointment today.
FAQs
“The health impact of air pollution from wildfires has not been well studied, but the evidence from our recent studies suggests that short-term exposure to wildfire air pollution can affect the skin and cause flares of certain skin disorders,” said board-certified dermatologist Maria Wei, MD, PhD, FAAD, who is a ...
How to protect skin from wildfire smoke? ›
Wear sunscreen. Yes, even in hazy smoke, you need to wear sunscreen. “Look for formulas that are combined with antioxidants more an added layer of protection as well,” says Dr. Nazarian.
How does fire smoke affect your skin? ›
Researchers theorize that airborne pollutants might set off a cascade of effects within the body by activating an oxidative stress pathway. This damages the skin barrier and prompts an inflammatory response. This cascade also may play a role in the development of eczema.
How do you detox from wildfire smoke? ›
They include, but aren't limited to the following:
- Drinking LOTS of Water.
- Drinking Hot Liquids.
- Using a Saline Nasal Spray.
- Rinsing Your Sinuses with a Neti Pot.
- Breathing in Steam with Thyme.
- Receiving a Vitamin Rich IV Drip.
- Loading Your Diet with Ginger.
- Increasing Your Vitamin C Intake.
Masks. People who must be outdoors for long periods of time, in areas with heavy smoke, or where ash is disturbed, may want to wear a NIOSH-certified N95 respirator mask.
What mask is best for wildfire smoke? ›
N95 masks can help protect your lungs from wildfire smoke. Straps must go above and below the ears. DOH 334‐353 July 2019 Adapted from California Department of Public Health A one-strap paper mask will not protect your lungs from wildfire smoke.
Do N95 masks protect against smoke? ›
N95 or P100 respirators can help protect your lungs from smoke or ash. Straps must go above and below the ears. How Do I Know if I Need to Wear a Respirator? Respirators are sold at many hardware and home repair stores and pharmacies.
How do you help your skin if you smoke? ›
A regimen of cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing, and using antioxidant products containing alpha-hydroxy acids or retinols can help the skin renew itself over time for healthier-looking skin. You can even get professional-grade products from a plastic surgeon or dermatologist to gradually improve your skin quality.
How does wildfire smoke affect your body? ›
Inhaling smoke for a short time can cause immediate effects. Smoke irritates the eyes, nose, and throat, and its odor can be nauseating. Studies show that some people exposed to heavy smoke have temporary changes in lung function that makes breathing more difficult. People can also have changes in heart function.
How bad is smoke for your skin? ›
Smoking and the Skin
Several studies have found that smoking is an independent risk factor for premature facial wrinkling and facial ageing, and the more a person smokes, the greater the risk. Skin damaged by tobacco smoke typically has a greyish, wasted appearance.
Use your daily asthma and COPD medicines, and any allergy medicine. Use your quick-relief medicine (albuterol) as needed. Try not to panic. Timely treatment at home may help prevent serious breathing problems.
What clears wildfire smoke? ›
Invest in an air purifier
And true-HEPA air filters are exceptionally good at removing particles of that size from the air. Our top picks, the Coway AP-1512HH and nearly identical Coway Airmega 200M, are well-priced, superb performers, and reliable.
Does staying indoors protect you from wildfire smoke? ›
If you smell smoke or see ash due to a wildfire, here are ways to limit your exposure: Remain indoors with windows and doors closed or seek alternate shelter. Avoid vigorous physical activity.
How do you stay healthy from fire smoke? ›
Stay indoors: Reduce time spent outdoors to protect your health. Consider wearing a well fitted respirator if you cannot access cleaner air: Use a well fitted respirator (e.g., N95, KN95) properly to reduce exposure to particulate matter in smoke.
Does rain help clear wildfire smoke? ›
When it rains, the water droplets capture and bring down the smoke particles to the ground, effectively reducing the concentration of smoke in the air. This process is called coagulation and can lead to improved air quality and better visibility, providing some relief from the smoky conditions caused by wildfires.
How do you protect your skin if you smoke? ›
How To Protect Your Skin From Smoke, From Our Derms
- CLEANSE OFTEN. We recommend cleansing your skin as soon as you're able to after coming in from outside. ...
- USE AN ANTIOXIDANT IN AM & PM. ...
- STAY HYDRATED. ...
- DON'T SKIP SUNSCREEN. ...
- PURIFY YOUR AIR. ...
- MASKS. ...
- VITAMIN D.
Respirator masks labeled N95 or N100 can filter out fine particles from smoke but not hazardous gases (like carbon monoxide). Cloth (wet or dry), paper masks, and tissues will NOT filter out wildfire smoke. Straps must go above and below the ears and the mask should fit over the nose and under the chin.
How do I protect my pet from wildfire smoke? ›
Keep pets indoors as much as possible, and keep your windows shut. Birds are particularly susceptible and should not be allowed outside when smoke or particulate matter are present. Let dogs and cats outside only for brief bathroom breaks if air quality alerts are in effect.
