I found photos of my last trip to Los Angeles and am praying for all the people affected by the fires of California. I’m thinking of the people who were lost and the people who lost their cherished belongings and who have to rebuild. I’m thinking of the businesses that those people used to rely on, and thinking of the workers who have lost their jobs. Don’t forget the workers, even in my industry: the skincare aestheticians, makeup artists, etc — when someone is trying to return to see what is left of their homes, they can’t think of services that they used before the disaster.
Self-care and Skin Protection Tips in the Areas Affected by the Fires:
Angelinos should pay attention to the health alerts regarding the air and water, as the effects are harmful inside and out. That includes the effect on your skin.
1) BE NICE TO YOUR SKIN: while it’s not cold in LA, treat your skin as if you’re in winter weather: be gentle when cleansing. Always wash your hands first before touching your face. Treating skin roughly with dirty hands can create injuries and grind the foreign particles in.
2) WATER DANGER: The smoke, dust, gases from released toxic chemicals are in the air. Also, ashes, items and building materials run off into the bodies of water — all types of water: beach, ponds, pools, puddles caused by water hoses and rain.
If there is a warning not to drink the water, people should take care when cleansing the skin with that water — and not just people with sensitive skin. Long showers are a no-no. Do not expose open sores and breakouts to contaminated water.
3) AVOID CERTAIN FORMULAS: It does not really matter what your skin type is, even if it is oily or combination, save those alcohol based formulas for the warmer weather and cleaner air. You want to make sure that you don’t exacerbate any skin issues during the water emergency.
4) SKIN CAN BE HURT BY THE UNSEEN: As for the toxins and smoky air, K94, N95, and (even better) P-1000 face masks are absolutely necessary but we still have to take care of the skin underneath! Ash, burning plastics and other chemicals means everyone should wear a mask. Those susceptible to “maskne” — mask acne that can result in permanent scarring lasting years past this event — can take steps to avoid damage, because wearing a mask is a MUST! Make sure that your face is dry before putting the mask on because that wet mask material on damp skin can irritate.
5) FINISHING GENTLE TOUCH: Then, to avoid that tight dry cracking feeling of dehydration of your skin, seek moisturizers that are instantly absorbent. Don’t go to bed without cleansing. Of course, what anyone is able to do depends on their individual situation.
I’ve been glued to the television all month to learn updates about Los Angeles wildfires. I have happy experiences of past trips to Santa Monica, putting my feet in the water, etc. Now everyone has to heed the warnings of no swimming at the beach, and not even splash in the puddles that form in the sand from the tide. Rain and mudslides have spread toxins everywhere.
Take care at this difficult time.
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