With the haze continuing to linger, it’s important to pay attention to more than just the air we breathe. While its impact on respiratory health is often the main concern, our skin may also need a little extra care during periods of poor air quality.
Exposure to haze and airborne pollutants can contribute to skin dryness, irritation and a dull complexion, and may aggravate existing skin concerns.
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The good news? A few simple adjustments to your daily skincare routine can help keep your skin feeling comfortable, hydrated and healthy even when the air quality isn’t at its best.
Here’s what you can do to give your skin some extra care during the hazy season.
Is Your Skin Getting Enough Hydration?
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It’s a centuries-old secret that should be especially maintained through these hazy times.
Drinking adequate ensures help with detoxification of the body while ensuring that your skin is hydrated and reduces the chance of clogged pores.
Hydrating your body also improves your immune system, which isn’t just important if you don’t want to fall sick, but also helps you fight against inflammation in your skin.
How Should You Cleanse Your Skin During the Haze?
When you’ve been out and about during hazy weather, giving your skin a proper cleanse is an important step in your skincare routine. Airborne pollutants, dirt and excess oil can accumulate on your skin throughout the day, so it’s worth taking the time to wash them away before bed.
Cleanse your face thoroughly after going out. If you’re willing to spend a little, look out for cleansers with antioxidant properties.
Shu Uemura Anti/Oxi+ Pollutant & Dullness Clarifying Cleansing Oil
Shu Uemura Anti/Oxi+ Pollutant & Dullness Clarifying Cleansing Oil, which has glowing reviews online, is formulated with Korean ginseng and green tea, natural antioxidants, as well as Japanese camellia.
These ingredients keep your skin soft and supple, moisturised, and has anti-inflammatory properties. The oil cleanses your skin of micro-sized pollutants and restores radiance to your face, making it perfect for cities where air pollution (yes, including the haze) is a concern.
Shu Uemura Anti/Oxi+ Pollutant & Dullness Clarifying Cleansing Oil retails for S$75 (150ml) and is available at Shu Uemura counters and boutiques, as well as Sephora.
Does Your Skin Need a Weekly Deep Cleanse?
Exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and keep your complexion looking fresh, but it’s important not to overdo it.
For most people, exfoliating once or twice a week may be sufficient, depending on their skin type and the product they use. If your skin is feeling congested or looking a little dull, a deep-cleansing mask could be another option to consider.
Skin Inc Oxy-Recharge Bubble Mask
The Skin Inc Oxy-Recharge Bubble Mask is made with the brand’s award-winning smart peel technology. This detox mask bubbles up in order to deep cleanse and re-energise your skin – a great benefit when you want to protect your skin from the damaging haze.
The technology lifts away dead, dull skin cells and has a soothing blend of natural antioxidants that aid in getting rid of the effects of environmental pollution on your front. It’ll leave you with firmer, brighter, and healthier skin that you can see and feel.
Skin Inc Oxy-Recharge Bubble Mask retails for S$78 (30ml) and is available at Sephora.
Use sunscreen made for the city life
Smog and UV rays are part of city life and are responsible for causing free radical damage.
You should already be using a good sunscreen on a daily basis, but during the hazy season, be more conscientious with application; this means applying a good amount of it and to reapply regularly.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF50
A cult-favourite sunscreen, this clear and lightweight formula blends effortlessly into the skin, leaving behind a smooth, velvety finish without any white cast or greasy residue.
Offering broad-spectrum SPF50 protection, it helps shield your skin from harmful UV rays while its primer-like texture blurs the appearance of pores and keeps makeup in place.
During hazy weather, it makes a convenient addition to your daily skincare routine, providing essential sun protection while keeping your complexion feeling comfortable in Singapore’s hot and humid climate.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF50 retails for S$61 (30ml) and is available at Sephora.
How Can You Pamper Your Skin During the Haze?
Keeping your skin moisturised and hydrated is especially important during hazy weather. Whether it’s part of your daytime routine or your overnight skincare ritual, choose products that help maintain your skin’s moisture levels and support its natural protective barrier.
If you prefer lightweight skincare, opt for formulas that absorb comfortably without leaving a heavy or greasy residue. This can help keep your skin feeling fresh throughout the day, especially in Singapore’s hot and humid climate.
But Better Beauty Vitamin C + Niacinamide Dual Serum
Looking to give your skin some extra care? The But Better Beauty Vitamin C + Niacinamide Dual Serum is one option to consider. Vitamin C provides antioxidant benefits that help protect against free radical damage, while niacinamide supports the skin barrier and helps maintain a smoother, more even-looking complexion.
Together, these ingredients can help your skin look brighter and healthier. While the serum does not protect against haze particles directly, it can complement a well-rounded skincare routine during periods of poor air quality.
The But Better Beauty Vitamin C + Niacinamide Dual Serum retails for S$72 on But Better Beauty official website.
Load Up on Antioxidants, Pronto!
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Make sure you’re fighting free radicals from inside out, too, to fight the damaging effects of the haze on your skin. Incorporate antioxidant rich foods into your diet.
To get you started, here are some foods that are rich in antioxidants: dark chocolate (in moderation, of course), pecans, blueberries, strawberries, goji berries, raspberries, artichokes, dark green vegetables, and fish.
Natural green tea is also a great beverage that you can drink frequently to load up on antioxidant to keep your health and skin in tip-top condition!
