In an article published in Glamour, dermatologists offered advice on protecting the skin from poor air quality after the recent Canadian wildfires. Public health officials warned individuals to remain indoors as much as possible but urged those who couldn’t avoid exposure to the wildfire smoke to wear N95 masks to protect their respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Dermatologists stressed that poor air quality can also impact the skin by causing free radical damage and flare-ups for those with preexisting skin conditions. To avoid these flare-ups—particularly in patients with eczema, acne, and rosacea—the experts recommended topical antioxidants, antioxidant serums, and green tea extract–based moisturizers in combination with exfoliators to neutralize the adverse effects of free radicals. The dermatologists also suggested using an air purifier to boost the surrounding air quality. To prevent acne breakouts and premature aging, individuals should consider using topical retinoids containing adapalene and cleansing the skin twice daily, advised the dermatologists, who also emphasized that wearing sunscreen can protect the skin from antioxidants.
June 19, 2023