SINGAPORE – ‘Tis the season for watery eyes, a ticklish throat and weather-enabled introversion, thanks to the persistent haze. Smoke from forest fires in Indonesia has been blowing into Singapore for much of September, tipping air quality into the unhealthy range on some days – a first since October 2023.

You already know about the respiratory risks, but the skin is a lesser-known casualty of polluted air. In fact, the body’s largest organ and outermost barrier is the first and most directly exposed target, says Pamela Chong, an aesthetic physician at skincare clinic Epion Clinic.

PM2.5 and PM10 particles in the haze are small enough to penetrate the skin’s surface, lodge in pores, and, when the skin is compromised, travel even deeper. They can trigger an “inflammatory cascade” in the skin, warns Chong.

Ozone, another pollutant, reacts with squalene, an oil produced by the skin, to create irritating by-products linked to clogged pores, acne flare-ups and premature skin ageing.

Haze particles also carry polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which can set off a receptor in skin cells that increases pigment cell activity and activates an enzyme that breaks down collagen – in effect, ageing the skin chemically in the same way cigarette smoke does, Chong says.

With wildfires potentially continuing into early November, your skincare routine could benefit from some tweaking.

What are the most common effects of haze on skin?

Dryness and irritation in the form of itchiness, redness or increased sensitivity are the most common complaints, according to experts The Straits Times spoke to.

Pollutants disrupt the skin’s water barrier function, allowing moisture to escape. Dryness, itching and flaking can also affect the scalp, which receives the same exposure as the face.

Breakouts or clogged pores may become more noticeable, though the relationship between pollution and acne is less clear than some other inflammatory skin conditions, says dermatologist Coni Liu of skincare clinic DermAlly.

Nonetheless, particulate matter in the air increases sebum production and inflammatory biomarkers, which can cause acne flares and amplify inflammation driven by the bacterium Cutibacterium acnes.

Prolonged exposure can lead to pigmentation and accelerate visible ageing, with higher PM10 levels linked to more pigment spots and deeper nasolabial folds.

Haze particles also carry polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which can set off a receptor in skin cells that increases pigment cell activity and activates an enzyme that breaks down collagen.

ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG

What skin types are more vulnerable?

People with sensitive, dry or easily irritated skin, or an already compromised skin barrier, are more likely to notice symptoms, as their skin is less resilient to environmental irritants, Liu says.

People with eczema or rosacea may experience worsening dryness, itchiness, redness or irritation during prolonged periods of exposure to poor air quality. Those with eczema have a disrupted skin barrier, so environmental pollutants and irritants can aggravate skin inflammation.

Chong says: “With a compromised barrier, moisture escapes and irritants enter more easily. Pollution further disturbs barrier proteins and stimulates inflammation. This can begin an itch-scratch cycle, with scratching causing even more barrier damage.”

She recommends that people with eczema moisturise regularly and keep prescribed flare treatments on hand, as pollution-triggered flares can escalate faster than typical ones. A flare that does not respond to standard treatment within a few days should be followed up with a doctor’s visit, Chong adds.

Dos and don’ts of haze season skincare

When adjusting one’s skincare routine, the priority is to protect and support the skin barrier, says Liu. A simple, gentle cleanser, followed by a moisturiser with barrier-protective ingredients and sunscreen, will suffice, she adds.

Go for products containing antioxidants such as vitamins E and C, as well as niacinamide, says Liu. She explains: “Ozone measurably depletes vitamin E from the skin surface, so replenishing it makes biochemical sense. Vitamin C is also the best-evidenced option for preventing inflammation and reducing pigmentation. Niacinamide supports cellular energy production and has been shown to reduce oxidative stress, inflammation and pigmentation.”

Look for moisturisers with barrier-supporting ingredients such as ceramides, glycerin or hyaluronic acid. Ceramides, frequently used in medicine for atopic dermatitis or dry skin, are one’s best bet.

A simple, gentle cleanser, followed by a moisturiser with barrier-protective ingredients and sunscreen, will suffice.

PHOTO: PEXELS

Hazy skies should not be mistaken for sun protection, Liu adds. Sunscreens with UVA and UVB protection are recommended, as ultraviolet rays and pollution can compound their effects on the skin.

The carcinogenic action of benzopyrene, a PAH abundant in wood smoke, is also worsened by UVA, says Chong.

She recommends avoiding harsh, stripping foam cleansers that wash away the skin’s natural barrier lipids. One should also hold off on aggressive exfoliation, chemical peels and trying strong active ingredients for the first time during this period.

If your skin is irritated or sensitive, Chong recommends suspending the use of strong acids, retinoids and benzoyl peroxide in topical acne treatments until the smoke clears.

But the most effective intervention during the haze period is not a special anti-pollution product or skincare routine – it is to reduce exposure.

A flare that does not respond to standard treatment within a few days should be followed up with a doctor’s visit, says Pamela Chong, an aesthetic physician at skincare clinic Epion Clinic.

PHOTO: EPION CLINIC

To help the skin, both doctors advise reducing outdoor exercise, keeping windows and doors closed, and using air-conditioning or air filtration to improve indoor air quality. Since air-conditioning can be drying, Chong suggests using a humidifier at home to increase moisture levels.

She says to shower and cleanse the skin thoroughly at night, especially after heavy outdoor exposure, as sweat and sebum can trap particles on the skin. Pollutants that cling to hair and clothing can also transfer directly onto pillowcases.

But avoid very hot showers, which can worsen dryness and irritation, warns Liu. Hydrating the body is good for health, but it will not flush pollution out of the skin, she cautions.

Skip heavy, long-wear make-up on the worst air quality days. Heavy powder and long-wear foundation can mix with sebum and trap particles against skin when worn, Chong says.

Post-haze aftercare

Breakouts or clogged pores may be more noticeable, though the relationship between pollution and acne is less clear than some other inflammatory skin conditions, says dermatologist Coni Liu of skincare clinic DermAlly.

PHOTO: DERMALLY

Once the skies clear, if your skin feels normal, go back to your usual skincare routine, Liu advises.

If it still feels dry and irritated, stick with a gentle cleanser and a repairing moisturiser, and continue using sunscreen. Avoid aggressive “detox” treatments such as harsh scrubs or exfoliation, as over-treating the skin may cause more barrier disruption and irritation. The goal is to return to your normal routine gradually, according to tolerance.

For most people, temporary irritation should settle as exposure decreases.

With all else constant, the skin barrier should return to normal within two to four weeks after the haze lifts, says Chong.

If you have a rash or acne that persists after air quality improves, there may be another trigger or an underlying skin condition that needs addressing, such as eczema or acne, she notes.

5 haze-proof beauty products

1. Aestura Atobarrier365 Cream ($39 for 80ml)

Formulated with patented high-density ceramide capsules, the intensive moisturising cream works to strengthen a dehydrated skin barrier by forming a moisture shield.

PHOTO: AESTURA

The intensive moisturising cream has all the barrier-supporting goodies: antioxidants, ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. Formulated with patented high-density ceramide capsules, it helps strengthen a dehydrated skin barrier by forming a moisture shield.

The product has been a hot item since 2023, when viewers spotted it on the bedside table of Shin Seulki, a dewy-skinned contestant on the hit South Korean dating show Single’s Inferno.

To amp up the hydration even more, use it after applying the Atobarrier365 Hydro Cera-HA Serum from the same line ($39 for 30ml).

Info: Available at selected Sephora stores, sephora.sg and Shopee Mall.

2. Sigi Skin Timeless Meadow sheet mask ($36 for a pack of four)

The mask comes in the same silky fabric as the brand’s popular Tea-Tox mask.

PHOTO: SIGI SKIN

Buzzy Singapore skincare brand Sigi Skin’s new sheet mask is designed to support healthy ageing through hydration, barrier repair and skin resilience.

It is packed with 30ml of a concentrated serum containing NAD+, a coenzyme that supports skin vitality; Hexapeptide-8, a peptide; and GABA, an acid known for its skin-smoothing properties. The formula also contains glutathione, fig and pomegranate extracts, and a five-ceramide complex.

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that helps brighten dull skin, while the ceramides reinforce the skin barrier to lock in moisture.

The mask comes in the same silky fabric as the brand’s popular Tea-Tox mask.

Info: Available at 07-01 Orchard Shopping Centre, 321 Orchard Road and sigiskin.com

3. Re:erth Firming Night Cream ($110 for 30ml)

This overnight treatment combines skin renewal, hydration and barrier support functions to help the skin recover while the user sleeps.

PHOTO: RE:ERTH

This overnight treatment from home-grown minimalist skincare brand Re:erth combines skin renewal, hydration and barrier support functions to help the skin recover while the user sleeps.

Take note that the formula contains nano-encapsulated retinal – a retinoid – paired with a patented, more penetrative Lipodisq delivery system that helps minimise irritation. It also contains five types of liposomal ceramides that mimic the skin’s natural lipid composition, and niacinamide for an added antioxidant boost.

The product is suitable for all skin types, especially for those concerned about fine lines, loss of firmness and hydration.

Info: Available at reerth.com

4. Laneige Balance Mode Rice Foaming Deep Cleanser ($31 for 100ml)

The Balance Mode Rice Foaming Deep Cleanser unclogs pores and softly exfoliates dirt without stripping moisture from the skin.

PHOTO: LANEIGE

Dirty air will have anyone craving a deep clean. But as the doctors say, a delicate approach is necessary. Enter K-beauty brand Laneige’s Balance Mode line, a range said to deliver gentle oil control while maintaining essential moisture and barrier comfort for oily, breakout-prone and sensitive skin.

The Balance Mode Rice Foaming Deep Cleanser helps unclog pores and softly exfoliate dirt without stripping moisture from the skin. At its core is Rice-inamide, an ingredient complex developed through advanced Korean rice science that combines rice actives with niacinamide to help regulate excess oil while reinforcing the skin barrier.

Info: Available at Laneige stores, Sephora stores, TikTok Shop, Shopee and Lazada.

5. Dr Melaxin Cemenrete Calcium Volume Multi Balm 9g (from $39 for 9g)

Great for a quick fix, this all-in-one balm tube by K-beauty brand Dr Melaxin can be applied to any dry and droopy spot on the face – including the under eyes, nasolabial folds and forehead – to hydrate and plump up the skin.

It is especially good for improving the look of under-eye hollows.

The star ingredient is Ribornic, a patented compound created by the brand that combines ionised calcium with vitamin D to increase absorption of calcium into the skin, which then helps hold collagen and elastin in place under the eyes, the brand says.

The balm also contains adenosine, which induces collagen and elastin production to counter sagging; collagen, which helps to maintain skin thickness and elasticity; and elastin, to restore stretched skin.

Info: Available at Guardian Singapore stores, guardian.com.sg and melaxin.sg