01/09/2025
Stay Safe 🙏🏼
Your health and safety are my top priorities, especially during this time of disaster. Fires can significantly affect skin health in several ways:
1. Smoke and Air Pollution
Particulate Matter: Fine particles in smoke can clog pores, cause irritation, and contribute to acne or eczema flare-ups.
Chemical Irritants: Toxic chemicals in smoke can lead to inflammation, dryness, or redness which will accelerate skin aging due to oxidative stress.
Dehydration: Smoke can strip moisture from the skin, leaving it dry and more prone to irritation.
2. Heat Exposure
Burns: Direct exposure to fire can cause first, second, or third-degree burns, leading to scarring, discoloration, or tissue damage.
Erythema Ab Igne: Chronic exposure to heat can cause a net-like redness or pigmentation called “toaster burn” or erythema ab igne.
3. Stress from Fires: Can trigger skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, or acne due to increased cortisol levels.
4. UV Exposure : Fires often occur outdoors, increasing the risk of UV radiation exposure, which can cause sunburn and long-term damage like pigmentation or skin cancer.
How to Protect Skin During Fires🫶🏼
Barrier Protection: Use a moisturizer or barrier cream to shield the skin.
Cleansing : Wash your face with a gentle cleanser to remove pollutants.
Hydration 💦 : Drink plenty of water and use hydrating skincare products.
Sunscreen 🧴 : Apply broad-spectrum SPF to prevent UV damage.
Air Quality Precautions 🌱 : Use air purifiers indoors and wear a mask when outdoors to reduce exposure to smoke and particulates
Please stay indoors as much as possible, use air purifiers, and avoid outdoor activities until conditions improve. If you have any skin concerns or experience irritation, don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance.🫶🏼🙏🏼
