How to Defend Your Skin During Smoke Season
Here in Idaho, it’s an issue.
Smoke season (aka summer) takes a toll on your immune system and can damage to your skin, long term 😳
So, we asked our instagram audience what tools they use to stay healthy during wildfire season.
They all had the same first line of defense ... (funny! we’ll get to it in a bit)
First, let’s understand why it’s SO important to defend yourself, this season.
UNDERSTANDING SMOKE DAMAGE
The wildfires around produce a range of harmful air pollutants and noxious gases, including fine particulates that can penetrate deep into your lungs.
Studies have shown this type of exposure to particle pollution can hurt your skin, long term 😩 AND is linked to premature death!
High concentrations of smoke can cause a host of short-term problems, as well, such as:
burning eyes
runny nose
cough, phlegm
Wheezing
difficulty breathing
Those variety of health symptoms could make you feel lethargic, forgetful and less productive.
A few of the short-term effects to your skin include:
Acne Outbreaks
Blemishes
Blackheads
Increased Oil Production
Dryness
Pre-existing skin conditions like rosacea, psoriasis, and/or eczema may also be exacerbated by the wildfires.
Long term skin symptoms from high concentrations of smoke include:
Rapid Skin Aging
DNA damage
Skin Cancer
Increased Pigmentation,
Collagen Degradation
and more!
THE SOLUTION?
Our research online all points to minimizing risk by staying indoors, closing all windows and running the AC; however, if that isn’t possible, our instagram audience had a great solution! We’ll explain in a bit.
If you can’t stay indoors, be sure to take the following steps:
Wear clothing that covers your body as much as possible
Remove your clothing when you get home and wash off.
Use a gentle exfoliator, cleanser and moisturizer on all skin surfaces
Include antioxidants in your routine (if you don’t already)
Vitamin C and niacinamide are great options for brightening!
Stay hydrated
Get plenty of rest to aid your immune system
OUR AUDIENCE SUGGESTS
Our instagram audience’s go to line of defense? Adding respiratory aiding essential oils to your household’s diffuser.
TEA TREE ESSENTIAL OIL
Use Tea Tree with a carrier oil and apply it to the neck and chest several times throughout the day.
EUCALYPTUS ESSENTIAL OIL
Diffuse Eucalyptus (2-4 drops in the diffuser) or, combine with a carrier and apply to the chest and neck to provide support. Be careful with children ages 2 and younger.
PEPPERMINT ESSENTIAL OIL
Peppermint Essential Oil can be ingested (in moderation). One drop is all you need if adding to your beverage. Or, combine with a carrier and apply to the chest or bottom of your feet for healthy sinus function.
OREGANO ESSENTIAL OIL
One of the most effective essential oils for respiratory support, you can add oregano to your diffuser (4-5 drops at night) to support healthy respiratory function.
Or you can combine it with a carrier oil and apply it to your chest and neck to support your respiratory function.”
LEMON ESSENTIAL OIL
Lemon Vitality is essential to have on hand – you can add 1-2 drops to your cup of tea, along with a spoon of raw honey to support your body’s natural defenses.
ROSEMARY ESSENTIAL OIL*
Rosemary works well when diffused (4-5 drops in the diffuser), or combined with lemon, and eucalyptus to provide support when applied to the chest or neck with a carrier oil.
*avoid during pregenancy
THYME ESSENTIAL OIL
Thyme is one of the most powerful essential oils for respiratory support – and although it works well diffused, it is just as effective if you combine it with a carrier to your chest or neck.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask! We're happy to recommend our favorite brands of oils.
In good health,
Beauty at the Lake
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