Beauty tips: These skincare products can help beat the effects of the haze

Most of us are familiar with the ill effects of breathing in the haze. But the pollutants in the air — particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and carbon dioxide — also wreak havoc when they come into contact with our skin.

They may cause clogged pores and irritation, especially for those who suffer from eczema (which makes the skin more susceptible to environmental assaults). What’s more, the high level of free radicals and toxins in this smoggy air also attacks the skin at a cellular level, robbing skin cells of oxygen and causing a breakdown of cellular function that could lead to premature skin ageing.

While a thorough top-to-toe skin detox is a good idea, the most effective way of tackling these haze-related skin woes is protection. Switch to a diet high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients such as omega-3 fatty acids, and drink lots of fluids to keep your organs and skin hydrated and help your body flush out toxins.

There are also certain kinds of skincare products that you can include in your daily regimen that will help your skin defend itself from the pollution that it comes into contact with from morning till night, even if you are in the air-conditioned confines of the office or home.

Number one on your list of haze-shielding skincare ought to be a serum that contains a high level of antioxidants, which helps prevent skin inflammation and photo-ageing due to pollution in the deeper layers of the skin, said Yvonne Chan, product manager of La Roche-Posay and SkinCeuticals, skincare brands that specialise in dealing with problematic skin conditions such as eczema and acne.

She recommended thoroughly cleaning the skin to slough off the irritating grime on the skin’s surface, and to “moisturise, moisturise, moisturise”. “Even for oily or acne-prone skin; dehydrated skin exacerbates skin sensitivity,” Chan said.

Make-up artist Larry Yeo also stressed the importance of applying a moisturiser to act as a physical skin shield and soothe inflamed skin. “Rich, skin-calming skincare will help to tone down the skin flare-ups and to protect it from the aggressive effects of the haze,” he said.

Both also recommended blasts throughout the day from an antioxidant-rich face mist to simultaneously improve the skin’s hydration and defences while you’re out and about.

Ultimately, reducing your exposure to the worst of the haze is probably your best bet. “Stay indoors to reduce the risk of pollutant exposure,” affirms Dr YX Lum, a medical doctor from IDS Clinic.

Failing which, drinking copious amounts of fluids and using a powerful antioxidant serum or supplement to tackle free radicals that enter the skin is key to preventing the breakouts, inflammation and greyish pallor that the recent grey skies have brought with them.

TOP BEAUTY PICKS TO HELP YOUR SKIN FACE THE HAZE

1. SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF Gel (S$268). This topical antioxidant serum contains pure vitamin C, ferulic acid and botanical active phloretin which neutralise free radicals and boost collagen production.

2. Lip Hop Moisturising Lightweight Sun Protection Spray SPF50 PA++++ (S$12.90). Sunscreen protects against UV rays (that can penetrate the haze) and also acts as a physical barrier between your skin and the pollutants in the air. This spray-on contains antioxidants, hydrating algae extract and is ultra-convenient for midday touch-ups, thanks to a matte finish.

3. IDS C-Plus (S$160). A silky, almost-watery serum that contains a potent form of stabilised vitamin C and other antioxidants such as vitamin E and fullerenes in nanospheres so that they get absorbed deep into the skin to fend off free radicals.

4. SkinInc Get Glowin’ Brightening Mask (S$98). A creamy mask that glides on with a cool sensation and gives an instant brightening boost to the skin, thanks to its 16 active ingredients such as vitamin C, liquorice and ginseng extracts. It also works well to pump dehydrated skin with much-needed moisture.

5. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 (S$21.90). A mineral-based balm that soothes and accelerates healing in sensitised and severely irritated skin conditions, such as eczema. It creates an anti-bacterial, plaster-like barrier to limit further exposure to environmental irritants. It can also be used on children and babies six months and older.

6. The Body Shop Spa Of The World Himalayan Charcoal Body Clay (S$36.90). The body has a larger skin surface area than the face, and therefore absorbs more toxins. This unique, purifying body mask uses charcoal powder to draw toxins out from within the skin. Apply a thin layer and allow it to dry for 10 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.